About Spinal Cord Injury

We have treated a large number of patients with Spinal Cord Injuries with both AutoMove™ 800 and the new NeuroMove™ NM900. The results vary, but are very similar to the results seen for stroke survivors, i.e. approximately 90% have achieved and maintained significant functional improvements.

Research have recently proven that it is possible to regain mobility and sensation even several years post the incident. A combination of activity-based therapy and electrical stimulation is an example of what has shown to be effective.

NeuroMove™NM900 has settings that are specifically for the SCI application. The EMG signals are typically of a smaller magnitude and we have designed the sensing circuitry to be five times more sensitive than the Stroke Rehab setting and greatly improved the noise suppression. The stimulation parameters for the reward are also different in the SCI mode.

NeuroMove™ works by detecting the attempts to move a muscle group sent from the brain and is effectively picked up for incomplete spinal cord injuries. These attempts are shown in the display as significant increases in the signal over regular muscle activity. The built-in microprocessor intelligently distinguishes between regular muscle activity, muscle tone, noise and real attempts. When a real attempt is detected, the unit "rewards" the patient with a few seconds of muscle contraction, where the visual and sensory feedback serves as an important element in relearning the movement. This is similar to the well known learning technique of "Pavlov's Dog".

NeuroMove™ also prompts the patient to relax just as often and experience has shown that this element is significant in learning to control a muscle group. Better relaxation of a muscle group can sometimes be noticed in as little as ten minutes into the first treatment session.

NeuroMove™ detects attempts even below where trace movements are visible. Several patients have found this capability to be very motivating as they saw they could make a difference, where they before had no indication of their attempts.

Usage: NeuroMove™ is normally used one to three times a day in intervals of approximately 20 minutes. Longer intervals are not common, since concentration and focus is the key to achieving better control of motor functions.

NeuroMove™ adjusts automatically to the levels produced by each patient and to each new session. This makes NeuroMove™ effective both for patients with spasticity/muscle tone as well as patients with flaccid extremities. No programming is necessary - just attach three electrodes, turn the unit on and set the muscle contraction (reward) - and go!