"Using Myomo to practice drinking from a cup was really meaningful to me. The last time I drank from a cup (using my affected arm) was in 1987! We think so highly of the Myomo device. If I could, I'd use Myomo at home every day."

—- 59-year-old woman, treated with Myomo 19 years post stroke

"It's been almost two years since I trained with the Myomo device and my recovery has been maintained. Cooking, dressing, shopping, turning on light switches, opening cabinets — it's easier now that I have two arms again."

—- 32-year-old woman, treated with Myomo 1.5 years post stroke

"For 20 years, I’ve thought about picking up my arm and moving it, and all of the sudden, I am moving it now like I used to. My arm has woken up. I am more aware of it, and find I use it unconsciously."

—- 40-year-old woman, treated with Myomo 20 years post stroke

"Before my stroke, I used to play basketball with my daughter in our yard. What is funny is that I have been dying to bounce a ball. I mean really bounce a ball! And, I did that with one of the therapists. I was like, 'Wow! I really did it!' It was difficult and hard to control, but I did it myself."

—- 43-year-old woman, treated with Myomo 8 years post stroke

myomo Mobility System -- Neuro-robotic Technology

Scientific Research Shows That The Brain Has The Capacity To Heal

In addition, neuroscience research has found that by actively engaging neurologically impaired patients in Repetitive Task Practice, the brain can relearn movement by creating new pathways to motor functions.

Myomo combines advances in robotics and neuroscience. It is the first wearable, portable robotic device to help neurologically impaired people increase movement in weak, paretic arms using their own muscle signals. The system consists of a portable elbow brace made of a lightweight aerospace metal, and includes advanced robotics processing
software, noninvasive surface sensors for biceps and triceps, and a lightweight battery unit.

The Myomo System employs a feedback-based closed loop system,
which facilitates muscle re-education by assisting the patient with desired motion in concert with his or her own muscular activation. The process enables the brain to re-map motor pathways following an injury.

How It Works

Patented EMG (electromyography) control software continuously monitors and senses, but does not stimulate, the affected muscles. The patient self initiates and achieves natural movement patterns by their own muscular signals that indicate intention to move. The system senses even a very weak EMG muscle signal and then processes data to a motor on the device that enables desired motion. This processing occurs so quickly that it is not apparent to the patient. Importantly, EMG-driven robotics requires that patients are actively engaged throughout the therapy session; if they stop, the device stops. No electrical stimulation or invasive procedures are employed. 

Indications For Use

The Myomo System is indicated for use by stroke patients to (1) facilitate muscle re-education and (2) maintain or increase range of motion.

What A Patient Session Would Entail

  • First, the device is easily fit to the patient using padding to customize the fit.
  • Next, the sensor is placed on the skin’s surface above the muscle group that the treatment tasks will focus on. For example, if the therapist is working on feeding, the sensor would be placed over the bicep. If the therapist is working on using the upper extremities to help push up from sit to stand, the sensor would be placed over the tricep.
  • Then, with the push of a button, the device automatically calibrates in approximately 10 seconds using the electrical muscle activity signal that it reads from the patient’s muscle group.
  • Lastly, the therapist can quickly set the amount of assist that is needed for the task based on patient ability.
 

During therapy, the therapist can also easily adjust the level of power assist based on the patient’s performance. Due to the transparent nature of the device, the therapist is still able to provide manual guidance and cuing to the patient when needed.

As you can see in the video, the patient initiates all motion, while the Myomo device assists in providing accurate controlled assistance, and feedback. With this capability, the Myomo device helps the patient reinforce movements within normal limits of the task, based on the expertise of the patient's treating therapist