Candidacy

MyoPro® Candidacy Considerations for Users with Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI) or Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

The MyoPro can be used by individuals with Brachial Plexus Injuries (BPI) or Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI), provided they meet the appropriate clinical criteria. The device is intended to support participation in functional activities and activities of daily living through assistive upper-extremity movement.

What to Expect

What to Expect

1

Clinical Evaluation

We discuss the nature and extent of your injury and complete a comprehensive assessment of your arm that includes testing existing muscle strength, range of motion, shoulder stability, sensation and pain. A clinical specialist will also trial our demo unit with you to determine whether your muscle signals are adequate to power the MyoPro’s elbow and hand motors.

2

Insurance Authorization Process

3

Shape Capture/Measurements & Fabrication

4

Delivery and Initial Set-Up

A certified orthotist/prosthetist ensures the MyoPro fits comfortably and the sensors are placed correctly to read your muscle signals. They will also program the MyoPro using our clinical software so that the sensitivity of the sensors match your current muscle strength. Instructions will be provided to the user and caregiver on how to put the MyoPro on and use it safely.

5

Training

After the delivery, you’ll work closely with your treating OT/PT and Myomo specialist to progress with MyoPro proficiency and function.

Who It Is For

Who This Is For (And Who It’s Not)

May be appropriate for

  • Individuals with brachial plexus injury (BPI) or incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) who demonstrate sufficient voluntary EMG activity to operate the device.
  • Individuals who meet the MyoPro® clinical candidacy criteria and are willing to participate in training and rehabilitation.

May not be appropriate for

  • Individuals who do not have sufficient voluntary EMG activity to control the device (for example, complete nerve root avulsions with no detectable muscle activity).
  • Individuals with significant shoulder instability or other musculoskeletal conditions that preclude safe device use.
  • Individuals who do not meet the established MyoPro® clinical candidacy criteria.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does MyoPro work for a “flail arm” from a BPI?

In some cases, individuals with brachial plexus injury may be candidates for the MyoPro® if sufficient volitional EMG activity is present in muscles such as the biceps or triceps.

The MyoPro® may be able to assist movement of the affected limb when appropriate muscle signals are detected. A clinical evaluation is the best way to determine candidacy.

The device’s sensors can detect muscle signals that may not produce visible movement, helping clinicians assess whether the MyoPro® may be an appropriate option.

What if I have a shoulder subluxation?

Shoulder stability is an important consideration for MyoPro® use. A shoulder harness is provided with the custom orthosis and may help support shoulder positioning during use. Individuals with shoulder subluxation greater than approximately two finger-widths should be evaluated carefully, as this may affect candidacy for the device.

How does MyoPro handle nerve pain often associated with BPI?

The MyoPro® is not a pain-relief device and is not intended to treat nerve pain.

However, by supporting arm positioning during daily activities, some users report improvements in comfort while wearing the device. A gradual break-in schedule is recommended to help users adapt to regular wear.

Will insurance cover MyoPro for ALS or BPI or SCI?

Coverage varies, however, the MyoPro is eligible for coverage under Medicare Part B.

Can I use the MyoPro if I have a pacemaker?

Yes, in most cases. The MyoPro “listens” to your muscle signals and does not send electricity into your body, so it typically does not interfere with pacemakers.

What is the difference between MyoPro and a traditional BPI brace?

Traditional braces are static, they hold your arm in one spot. The MyoPro® is an electronically controlled brace that may help a user regain function in arms and hands.

Can I use the MyoPro if I use a powered wheelchair?

Yes. Non-ambulatory individuals may be candidates for the MyoPro. However, it is important to assess shoulder strength and trial a demo unit during the evaluation to determine if the MyoPro will be beneficial.

Can I use the MyoPro if both arms are weak?

Some individuals with weakness in both arms may still be candidates for the MyoPro®. A clinical evaluation is needed to determine candidacy. Because donning and doffing the device may be more challenging, caregiver assistance is often helpful for use at home.

Clinical proof

Citations and Clinical Proof

Citation

  1. (Androwis et al, 2025) Randomized control trial pilot. In just 6 weeks, the intervention groups showed an increase of 36.5% in handgrip AROM and 28.5% in handgrip force, whereas the traditional OT groups only improved ~6.5-7%. The preliminary results indicate that UE-MyoPro assisted rehabilitation, especially when combined with at-home use, may enhance hand function in persons with chronic cervical SCI. n=10.