Motus Company

Company: Motus Company (Myo by Motus) Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA Founded: 2015 Status: Private Focus: Non-invasive Brain-Computer Interface for Stroke Rehabilitation Website: www.motuscompany.com

Overview

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Motus is a neurotechnology company specializing in non-invasive brain-computer interfaces for stroke rehabilitation. The company’s flagship product, Myo, is a wearable EMG-based BCI device designed to help stroke patients regain motor function through targeted rehabilitation exercises

The company’s technology leverages surface electromyography (sEMG) to detect muscle activity and translate it into control signals for rehabilitation applications. By providing real-time feedback on muscle activation patterns, the Myo enables patients to visualize their motor intentions and track progress during recovery. This approach is grounded in the principles of neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections following injury

Market Context

Stroke Epidemiology and Rehabilitation Needs

Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, with approximately 15 million people experiencing a stroke each year^{1Global stroke epidemiology and risk factors2023 · International Journal of Stroke}. Of these, roughly 5 million survive with some form of permanent disability, requiring ongoing rehabilitation to maximize functional recovery. The most common post-stroke deficits include hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body), aphasia (language impairment), and cognitive deficits.

Motor recovery is a critical component of stroke rehabilitation, with the greatest potential for improvement occurring in the first three to six months following the event. However, evidence suggests that rehabilitation outcomes can continue to improve with intensive, targeted therapy even months or years after stroke^{2Motor cortex reorganization after stroke: the role of rehabilitation2017 · Brain}. This creates a substantial market opportunity for technologies that can enhance and prolong the rehabilitation process.

The global stroke rehabilitation devices market was valued at approximately $3 billion in 2023, with projections indicating 8-12% annual growth through 2030. Key drivers include:

1. Aging population: Stroke risk increases with age, and demographic shifts toward an older population are increasing demand for rehabilitation services

2. Improved survival rates: Advances in acute stroke care mean more survivors require rehabilitation

3. Cost pressures: Healthcare systems seek more efficient rehabilitation approaches that can reduce length of stay and improve outcomes

4. Technology acceptance: Growing familiarity with wearable devices and digital health solutions

Technology Platform

Myo Armband

The Myo armband is a wireless gesture control and motion capture device that uses EMG sensors to detect muscle activity. Originally designed for human-computer interaction and gaming applications, the device has been adapted for rehabilitation use cases^{3EMG-based brain-computer interface for stroke rehabilitation2018 · Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation}.

The EMG sensors detect the electrical activity of underlying muscles through the skin, providing information about muscle activation timing, intensity, and duration. The integrated IMU captures arm position, orientation, and movement velocity, enabling comprehensive tracking of motor performance^{5Inertial measurement units in movement analysis and rehabilitation2023 · Sensors}.

Software Platform

Motus provides a software platform that integrates with the Myo armband to deliver rehabilitation exercises:

1. Myo Rehab App: Primary application for guided exercises

2. Progress Tracking: Quantitative metrics of motor recovery

3. Cloud Dashboard: Clinician oversight and progress monitoring

4. API Access: Integration with electronic health records and other clinical systems

Technical Advantages

The Myo platform offers several technical advantages for rehabilitation:

• Non-invasive: Unlike invasive BCI approaches, Myo requires no surgery or implantation

• Portable: Lightweight and wireless, enabling home-based use

• Real-time feedback: Immediate visual and auditory feedback on motor performance

• Objective measurement: Quantifiable data enables tracking of progress over time

• Low barrier to entry: Simple setup and intuitive interface for patients and clinicians

Clinical Applications

Stroke Rehabilitation

The primary application of Motus technology is in stroke rehabilitation, where the Myo armband is used to:

1. Motor reeducation: Visual feedback helps patients reconnect neural pathways between motor intention and muscle activation^{6Non-invasive brain-computer interfaces for motor rehabilitation after stroke2022 · Nature Reviews Neurology}

2. Mirror therapy support: Enables mirror therapy protocols by detecting paretic arm movement

3. Progress tracking: Quantitative measurement of motor recovery over time

4. Home-based therapy: Portable device enables rehabilitation outside clinical settings

Key Clinical Mechanisms

The Motus approach engages multiple mechanisms important for stroke recovery:

Neuroplasticity: The device provides proprioceptive feedback that can help drive cortical reorganization. Research has shown that active, task-specific practice with sensory feedback promotes neuroplastic changes in the motor cortex following stroke^{7Neuroplasticity and motor recovery in stroke survivors2019 · Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair}.

Motor learning: By providing real-time feedback on movement quality, the Myo supports motor learning principles including error correction, repetition, and progressive challenge^{8EMG biofeedback in stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review2020 · Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation}.

BDNF signaling: Successful motor learning and intensive practice are associated with increased BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) expression, which supports synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation^{9BDNF and motor learning in stroke rehabilitation2023 · Frontiers in Neuroscience}.

Cortical oscillations: Motor attempts generate specific cortical oscillation patterns that can be monitored and reinforced through feedback^{10Cortical oscillations in motor control and rehabilitation2022 · NeuroImage}.

Other Clinical Applications

Beyond stroke, the Myo platform has potential applications in:

• Multiple sclerosis: Hand and arm function maintenance

• Traumatic brain injury: Motor recovery support

• Spinal cord injury: Assistive technology for residual function

• Cerebral palsy: Pediatric motor development

• ALS: Communication and assistive technology

Competitive Landscape

Market Competitors

Motus competes in the non-invasive BCI and rehabilitation technology space with several companies:

Differentiation

Motus differentiates itself through several factors:

1. EMG focus: Unlike EEG-based competitors, Myo uses EMG which provides more direct measurement of motor output

2. Rehabilitation focus: Specifically designed for therapeutic applications rather than general brain monitoring

3. Integrated platform: Combines hardware, software, and cloud services into a complete solution

4. Consumer heritage: Leverages proven consumer-grade hardware with rehabilitation-specific software

Regulatory Status

The Myo armband has received regulatory clearance for rehabilitation applications:

• FDA: 510(k) cleared for use in rehabilitation settings^{2Motor cortex reorganization after stroke: the role of rehabilitation2017 · Brain}0

• CE Mark: Approved for medical device use in Europe

• Insurance: Some private insurers provide coverage for therapy sessions using the device

The device is classified as a Class II medical device in the United States and falls under the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) as a Class IIa device.

Clinical Evidence

While the Myo armband has been available for several years, published clinical evidence specific to Motus’s rehabilitation applications is still emerging. However, the underlying EMG-based motor rehabilitation approach has substantial supporting evidence:

• EMG biofeedback has been shown to improve motor outcomes in stroke rehabilitation when compared to standard therapy alone^{2Motor cortex reorganization after stroke: the role of rehabilitation2017 · Brain}1

• Non-invasive BCI approaches demonstrate promise for enhancing motor recovery, though optimal protocols continue to be refined^{2Motor cortex reorganization after stroke: the role of rehabilitation2017 · Brain}2

• Home-based rehabilitation programs can achieve outcomes comparable to facility-based therapy when properly designed

Further clinical trials specifically evaluating Motus technology are underway and expected to report results in the coming years.

Therapeutic Mechanisms

Neural Pathways

Motor rehabilitation through EMG-based feedback engages multiple neural pathways:

1. Descending corticospinal tract: Motor commands from the primary motor cortex travel through the corticospinal tract to spinal motor neurons

2. Sensory feedback loops: Muscle afferents provide proprioceptive information that helps refine motor commands

3. Cortico-cerebellar loops: The cerebellum coordinates motor learning and error correction

4. Basal ganglia pathways: Involved in motor selection and sequence learning

Synaptic Plasticity

Recovery depends on experience-dependent synaptic plasticity, where repeated activation of specific neural circuits strengthens the connections between neurons^{2Motor cortex reorganization after stroke: the role of rehabilitation2017 · Brain}3. The Myo platform supports this process by:

• Providing consistent, task-specific practice

• Offering immediate feedback that guides appropriate activation patterns

• Enabling high repetition counts that are difficult to achieve with traditional therapy alone

Functional Recovery

The ultimate goal of rehabilitation is restoration of functional abilities:

• Activities of daily living (ADLs): Self-care tasks including dressing, eating, and grooming

• Mobility: Transfer ability, balance, and ambulation

• Communication: For patients with aphasia, hand function can support alternative communication methods

Future Directions

Motus is pursuing several development paths to enhance its technology:

Software Enhancements

• AI-powered assessment: Machine learning algorithms to analyze movement quality and predict recovery trajectories

• Gamification expansion: More engaging exercise experiences to improve patient compliance^{2Motor cortex reorganization after stroke: the role of rehabilitation2017 · Brain}4

• Virtual reality integration: Combining with VR for immersive rehabilitation experiences

Hardware Evolution

• Next-generation sensors: Improved EMG signal quality and reduced noise

• Extended battery life: Enabling longer therapy sessions

• Enhanced durability: More robust for clinical and home use

Market Expansion

• Pediatric applications: Adapted versions for children with developmental disabilities

• Global expansion: Regulatory clearance in additional markets

• Telehealth integration: Remote therapy sessions enabled by the wearable platform

Related Pages

• Brain-Computer Interface Investment Landscape

• Non-Invasive BCI Companies

• Stroke Rehabilitation Technologies

• Motor Cortex

• Neuroplasticity

Relevant Mechanisms

Motus’s BCI technology interfaces with several key neurodegenerative disease mechanisms:

• Motor Cortex — Primary target for neural signal recording

• Synaptic Transmission — Neural signal decoding

• Neuroplasticity — Cortical adaptation to neural interfaces

• BDNF Signaling — Long-term neural integration

• Cortical Oscillations — Neural decoding

See Also

• Alzheimer’s Disease — Cognitive monitoring applications

• Parkinson’s Disease — Motor symptom management

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS — Communication interfaces

• Wearable Technology