Muscle cramps, movement disorders, chronic pain – symptoms like these restrict the daily lives of many people with neurological indications. At the Rehacare 2024 fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, Ottobock will present the new generation of a medical device that can improve the quality of life of affected individuals: The Exopulse Suit is intended for children and adults with cerebral palsy (CP), multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke and other neurological disorders, as well as fibromyalgia patients. With 50 embedded electrodes, the suit relieves spastic-related tension and related pain as well as fibromyalgia symptoms such as fatigue and pain in a quick and sustained manner via gentle, targeted electrical stimulation.

“With the new Exopulse Suit, we are taking wearable neuromodulation to a whole new level,” explains Fredrik Lundqvist, inventor of the suit and chiropractor from Sweden. “This suit represents a real opportunity for patients who are looking for a non-invasive, non-pharmacological alternative that supports their core care. Studies show that the light electrical impulses (re)activate weak muscles and relieve pain. This can improve mobility, balance and blood circulation, with a direct and noticeable impact on people’s enjoyment of life and well-being.”

Comfortable, precise and effective

Ottobock comprehensively refined the design and technology of the first neuromodulation suit to make it even more user-friendly and powerful. Like its predecessor model, the "Exopulse Molli Suit", the new generation consists of a jacket and trousers, both in black. Wearer comfort is optimised by a more stretchy material and fewer zippers.

A new electrode concept allows easier positioning and even more precise stimulation: The 50 electrodes integrated into the fabric are larger and can target more muscles – up to 122 muscles or the 42 most important muscle functions, depending on individual requirements. Nearly full-body stimulation is thus possible.

The Exopulse Suit has two rechargeable control units that are easy to attach to the jacket or trousers via docking stations. A newly developed app is used to adjust the individual stimulation. Trained experts, such as O&P professionals or physiotherapists, adjust the suit individually. They program the stimulation for the respective clinical picture, which the patients then start independently with their smartphone at the touch of a button. Users can now also make slight adjustments to the stimulation via their app to match their personal daily condition.

“In case of spasticity, stimulation of the muscles every other day for one hour is sufficient to maintain the positive effect until the next use,” explains Fredrik Lundqvist. “For fibromyalgia, we recommend its application for one hour every day. With the Exopulse Suit, the probability of side effects is significantly lower compared to conventional treatments.”

Clinically proven effectiveness

The Exopulse Suit supports persons with neurological disorders of the locomotor system, caused by multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or stroke for example. A new study has now also proven its effectiveness for fibromyalgia: 78 percent of the participants showed a clear improvement in their overall clinical impression after one month of daily application. Fibromyalgia-related symptoms such as pain, fatigue, vitality and depression improved significantly.

One example is Elisa from Budrio in Italy. For the 43-year-old nurse, discovering the Exopulse Suit was a turning point in her struggle with fibromyalgia – and “a glimmer of hope in the dark,” as she describes. She has been using the suit to relieve her chronic pain and fatigue for nearly six months. Elisa is now more involved with her family again, playing and laughing with her children.

Lena from Hamburg, who is also a nurse, also uses the Exopulse Suit, in addition to other devices. The young woman suffered a stroke at the age of 19 in the summer of 2020, as a side effect of the contraceptive pill. Since then, her right leg has been paralysed and she has suffered from painful spasticity. The neuromodulation suit helps Lena relax and manage her day-to-day life. “I’m much calmer and in a better mood, and I have the power required for daily life and my job again.”

The new generation of the Exopulse Suit will be available in Germany starting in January 2025. Those who are interested can learn more from their qualified medical supply retailer, which also carries out trial fittings.

Overview: Exopulse Suit

• User-friendly neuromodulation suit, consisting of a jacket and trousers and two small, smart control units

• Helps people with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke and other neurological disorders as well as fibromyalgia

• Targeted use: 50 electrodes individually stimulate affected muscle groups 

• Activates the muscles, reduces spasticity and related pain 

• Improves mobility, balance and blood circulation as well as everyday movements such as walking and grasping 

• Available in 37 sizes, for children aged two years and up to 5XL for men and women

• Recommended use: every other day for 60 minutes in case of spasticity, every day for 60 minutes in case of fibromyalgia (unless otherwise prescribed)

• Gentle: non-invasive and non-medicinal