Myomo has announced that new research measuring the benefits of its Myopro myoelectric orthosis found “statistically significant improvements” in a number of motor function measurements. The research study, titled “Myoelectric arm orthosis in motor learning-based therapy for chronic deficits after stroke and traumatic brain injury”, is published in Frontiers in Neurology.
The study followed 13 patients with chronic moderate-to-severe arm weakness from stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Outcomes were collected from in-therapy sessions and home use. The study was conducted by lead investigator and grant recipient Svetlana Pundik (Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cleveland, USA) and colleagues, according to a Myomo press release.
The authors note that “statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements were observed on Fugl-Meyer assessment (+7.5 points)”. They add: “Gains were seen at week three, increased further through the in-clinic phase, and were maintained during the home phase. Statistically significant changes in modified Ashworth scale, range of motion, and Chedoke arm and hand activity inventory, were seen early during the in-clinic phase.
“The orthotic and prosthetic user’s survey demonstrated satisfaction with the device throughout study participation. Both stroke and TBI participants responded to the intervention. Use of Myopro in motor learning-based therapy resulted in clinically significant gains with a relatively short duration of in-person treatment.”
“We look forward to expanding on these results, which may lead to innovations in treatment for patients who suffer from chronic upper extremity weakness,” said Harry Kovelman, chief medical officer of Myomo. “These data support why the payer community—both in the USA and Germany—continues to expand its reimbursement coverage for patients. We thank the clinicians and patients involved in this study.”
