"The patient-controlled aspect of the Myomo device is unique and potentially very motivating for stroke patients who must work hard to recover. When a patient can attempt movement, and see that they themselves can make their own arm move, their attention and focus is so great that they have already made a huge leap forward. Directing attention to the affected limb also holds tremendous potential for stroke patients who may suffer from "neglect," a common stroke syndrome where a patient may behave as through one whole side, including his or her body, does not exist."

—Paul Petrone, OT Practice Leader,
Stroke Program Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and co-investigator of the Myomo inpatient pilot stroke study

"The Myomo device provides an opportunity for patients to be able to become more independent. The sophistication of its electronics picks up early muscle movements and allows patients to activate muscles to become more functional faster. From a clinical perspective, it is compact and relatively easy to use, eliminating the costs and complexity associated with traditional equipment."

—Steve R. Williams, M.D., Chief
and Chairman, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Boston Medical Center,Boston, MA

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myomo for Patients & Caregivers -- Research

Evidence Based Approach

Clinical studies show that task-based repetitive training may facilitate neural plasticity with concomitant improved motor abilities and enhanced functional performance (Lipert J. et al. Stroke 2000;31:1210-6). Myomo® has been an active part of several clinical research studies since being incorporated in 2004. We partner with the leading experts in rehabilitation to make sure that the most comprehensive clinical studies are completed. Our studies are focused on providing a tool that supports the evidence based practice model of therapy delivery.

InREACH Study [ 1 ]
In December 2010, a randomized control study of 30 subjects was completed. The goal of the study has been to compare therapy with Myomo to standard treatment. Currently, thirty chronic stroke survivors are receiving six weeks of therapy three times per week for one hour. The treatment sessions focus on three outcome measures that have been proven to be valid and reliable in the literature. The outcome measures include the Fugl Meyer ( Impairment Measure ), COPM ( Functional Measure) and the SF36 ( Quality of Life Measure ). Additionally, kinematic data is being collected. The initial outcome measures have been very promising, with patient improvement seen in all areas. Publication of the first data set is pending.

A case study from this research titled "Neurorobotics for the Severely Affected Arm in Chronic Stroke" was published in The Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy in March 2011. As cited in the article, after completing an evidence-based treatment program using Myomo, the subject exhibited reduced affected arm impairment (+2 points on the FM), increased ability to perform valued activities, increased satisfaction with performance of these activities (indicated by score increases of +2 and +1.8 points on the COPM Performance and Satisfaction scales, respectively), improved strength, performance of activities of daily living, hand function, participation, and physical function (as indicated by increases in respective SIS scores). To acquire the full case study, click here.

Contact: Valerie Hermann, Research Therapist, (513) 418-5991 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (513) 418-5991      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or hillva@ucmail.uc.edu


Functional Reach Study [ 2 ]
Scott Bleakley, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Occupational Therapy at University of Pittsburgh, has commenced a study examining the effects of the Myomo Neuro-robotic System on the recovery of reaching performance after stroke. Mr. Bleakley, who is currently the Director of Physical Therapy at HealthSouth Sewickley Rehabilitation Hospital, was first introduced to the Myomo orthosis in his clinical practice at HealthSouth Harmarville Hospital. His clinical experiences with the device gave rise to his dissertation study currently being conducted at the University of Pittsburgh.

If you would like to know more about the study, please contact Scott Bleakley at 412-223-7011 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            412-223-7011      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.


NIH funded Study [ 3 ]
Dr. Stephen Page at the University of Cincinnatti recently received national funding to continue his research using the Myomo technology. He is the first researcher to test the now the lighter and smarter mPower 1000 on chronic stroke survivors. The study will progress patients from simple movements to everyday functional activities using the new technology's simplified interface and enhanced design. The study starts in early 2011 and will run until 2012.

Interested participants should contact Dr. Page directly at the following email: pagesj@ucmail.uc.edu


1 - Dr. Stephen Page at the University of Cincinnati, Drake
2 - Scott Bleakely and Dr. Elizabeth Skidmore at the University of Pittsburgh
3 - Dr. Stephen Page at the University of Cincinnati, Drake

Published Studies

The American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation published in April 2007 the results of a clinical study with MIT and Spaulding Rehabilitation Center using the Myomo Neuro-robotic System with severe chronic stroke patients (1.5-to-10-years post CVA) with upper extremity hemiparesis. (Stein J., Narendran K., McBean J., Krebs K., Hughes, R. Electromyography-Controlled Exoskeletal Upper-Limb-Powered Orthosis for Exercise Training after Stroke. Am. J. Phys. Med. Rehabil. Vol. 86. No. 4. 2007).

Based on these results, clinical experts have suggested that the Myomo device may serve as a Therapy Gateway for severe chronic patients who are so impaired that they currently are ineligible for other upper extremity stroke treatments.