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

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

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["@myo2014"]. The Myo armband was originally developed by Thalmic Labs (now known as North) and was later adapted for rehabilitation applications by Motus, focusing specifically on therapeutic use cases for motor recovery in stroke survivors.

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["@neuroplasticity2019"].

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[@strokeepidemiology2023]. 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[@motorcortex2017]. 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:

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[@emgstroke2018].

| Specification | Details |
|---------------|---------|
| Sensors | 8 EMG sensors arranged in a ring configuration |
| IMU | 9-axis inertial measurement unit (accelerometer + gyroscope + magnetometer) |
| Sampling Rate | 200 Hz for EMG, 50 Hz for IMU |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE 4.0)[@bluetoothle2023] |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium-polymer, ~18 hours continuous use |
| Form Factor | Adjustable elastic armband, fits most adult arm sizes |
| Weight | Approximately 48 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP54 (splash resistant) |

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[@imu2023].

Software Platform

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

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[@home rehab2021]
• 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:

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[@neuroplasticity2019].

Motor learning: By providing real-time feedback on movement quality, the Myo supports motor learning principles including error correction, repetition, and progressive challenge[@emgfeedback2020].

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[@bdgf2023].

Cortical oscillations: Motor attempts generate specific cortical oscillation patterns that can be monitored and reinforced through feedback[@corticalosc2022].

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:

| Company | Product | Key Features |
|---------|---------|--------------|
| Emotiv | EPOC X | EEG-based BCI, 14+ channels |
| OpenBCI | Ganglion | Open-source, extensible |
| g.tec | g.tec BCI | Research-grade, high precision |
| Cognixion | ONE | EEG-based, communication focus |
| bitbrain | MindSurge | Dry EEG sensors |

Differentiation

Motus differentiates itself through several factors:

Regulatory Status

The Myo armband has received regulatory clearance for rehabilitation applications:

• FDA: 510(k) cleared for use in rehabilitation settings[@fda510k2022]
• CE Mark: Approved for medical device use in Europe
• Insurance: Some private insurers provide coverage for therapy sessions using the 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[@emgfeedback2020]
• Non-invasive BCI approaches demonstrate promise for enhancing motor recovery, though optimal protocols continue to be refined[@bcineuro2022]
• Home-based rehabilitation programs can achieve outcomes comparable to facility-based therapy when properly designed[@home rehab2021]

Therapeutic Mechanisms

Neural Pathways

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

Synaptic Plasticity

Recovery depends on experience-dependent synaptic plasticity, where repeated activation of specific neural circuits strengthens the connections between neurons[@synapse2021]. 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[@gamification2023]
• 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](/brain-computer-interface-investment-landscape)
• [Non-Invasive BCI Companies](/companies)
• [Stroke Rehabilitation Technologies](/diseases/stroke)
• [Motor Cortex](/brain-regions/motor-cortex)
• [Neuroplasticity](/mechanisms/neuroplasticity)

Relevant Mechanisms

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

• [Motor Cortex](/brain-regions/motor-cortex) — Primary target for neural signal recording
• [Synaptic Transmission](/mechanisms/synaptic-transmission) — Neural signal decoding
• [Neuroplasticity](/mechanisms/neuroplasticity) — Cortical adaptation to neural interfaces
• [BDNF Signaling](/proteins/bdnf-protein) — Long-term neural integration
• [Cortical Oscillations](/mechanisms/cortical-oscillations) — Neural decoding

See Also

• [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) — Cognitive monitoring applications
• [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease) — Motor symptom management
• [Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS](/diseases/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis) — Communication interfaces
• [Wearable Technology](/technologies/wearable-neuromodulation)

References

Pathway Diagram

The following diagram shows the key molecular relationships involving Motus Company discovered through SciDEX knowledge graph analysis: