MyoPro brace for upper extremity orthotics.
At Tillges, we embrace new technology and we are always seeking new ways to improve our patients’ lives. Weakness of the upper extremity after a stroke or spinal cord injury will affect one’s ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living. Other conditions such as brachial plexus injury, cerebral palsy or neuromuscular dysfunction are also diagnoses that may affect upper extremity functions. Myomo, a Boston-based company, has developed MyoPro, a myoelectric device for upper extremity patients. It reads faint signals from the patient’s skin surface and amplifies the signals to move the weakened upper limb. The patient’s residual muscle signals are harnessed through sensors placed on the surface of the skin. Small motors inside the MyoPro generate motion and assist the patient with movement of the arm and hand. It is an upper extremity device that helps restore function and assist patients in performing day-to-day activities that might seem impossible.
How does MyoPro work?
The MyoPro is categorized as a myoelectric device for upper extremity orthotic patients. It reads faint signals from the patient’s skin surface and amplifies the signals to move the weakened upper limb. The patient’s residual muscle signals are harnessed through sensors placed on the surface of the skin. Small motors inside the MyoPro generate motion and assist the patient with movement of the arm and hand.
Who is a candidate for MyoPro bracing?
This state-of-the-art powered brace is designed to restore function to those who have suffered from strokes, nerve injuries, or other neuromuscular impairments. These patients usually present with weakness. In stroke population for example, the patient presents with a weakness or paralysis of the limbs on one side of the body and difficulty gripping and holding objects. Similarly, patients who suffered a spinal cord injury may lose all or partial function of their limb(s).
Sarah Chang and colleagues looked at post-stroke patients studying their ability to perform certain tasks while using the MyoPro. The tasks were to move an object to the mouth, hold an object in space, stabilize an object, and move an object to a new location. They have concluded that MyoPro has the potential to help individuals to become more successful in completing these tasks.
Another article by Shenan Hoppe-Ludwig and their colleagues have found that the device can provide support for the weakened upper extremity while limiting unsafe motion, such as excessive motion at the shoulder joint. It is a controlled motion of the limb segment and thus can potentially reduce energy expenditure. The device can enhance the functional motion of the paralyzed upper limb to perform daily activities such as eating, dressing, and grooming.
What is the process of obtaining a MyoPro brace?
The process typically begins with a referral from a healthcare provider, followed by a thorough evaluation by a certified orthotist. This evaluation includes assessing the user’s muscle signals, range of motion, and overall limb condition. Once all the appropriate measurements and casts are taken, the patient can be fitted with the splint and start training with the MyoPro.
The MyoPro device has shown positive outcomes for this population, and prior studies have shown improved motor control. Patients become more independent with instrumental tasks of daily living, which in a positive way will affect their overall well-being. The device offers the user the chance to regain their independence and improve their quality of life. Contact Tillges today at 651-772-2665 for your complimentary evaluation and to see if MyoPro is your solution!
RESOURCES
- Myomo, My Own Motion: myomo.com
- Archives of Rehabilitation and Clinical Translation (2003) 5, 100279
- Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering (2021) volume 8: 1-2