Myopro Training Day

The Myopro by Myomo is featured on our New Technologies page. This is a very complicated orthotic device that requires special education and training. We now have 3 certified orthotists trained in the Myopro and are considered a Center of Excellence for the device.

Last week, we spent the day evaluating three candidates with the Mark 2 trial device to see if they could benefit from the Myopro. After manual muscle testing, range of motion testing, and medical history, we use the trial device to see if each patient can control the device independently. The Myopro is generally used in the post stroke and brachial plexus injury patient populations. It is important to note, this brace cannot bring back full use of a paralyzed arm, but it can be very helpful with important tasks around the house. For example, the brace allows the patient to grip an item using the 3-jaw chuck grasp pattern, so holding small object like a coffee cup, or toothbrush. This can be very helpful, with tasks around the house related to cleaning and personal hygiene.

Myopro utilizes myoelectric sensors that control the elbow and finger motors, allowing the user to fire their muscles like they normally would to use their elbow or fingers, but their weak muscle signal is amplified by the sensors and control the motor. The orthotist is responsible for programming the device for important settings like gain and threshold so the device functions efficiently.