Stim2Go's Body-Aware Technology is Changing Therapy

Introduction

Rehabilitation technology is undergoing a revolutionary transformation, driven by innovative solutions that prioritise adaptability and personalised care. This article explores how cutting-edge advancements, like Stim2Go, redefine therapy by aligning with the natural dynamics of the human body. By shifting from traditional, one-size-fits-all methods to highly individualised approaches, we are entering a new era of recovery that holds profound implications for patients and clinicians alike.

Electrical Stimulation - Part of our Mission

In the rapidly evolving world of rehabilitation technology, a new device makes waves by fundamentally changing how electrical stimulation therapy adapts to human movement. The Stim2Go electrical stimulation system represents a paradigm shift from generic, equipment-dependent therapy to personalised, body-aware approaches. We are now offering the Stim2Go as a direct replacement to the RehaMove FES Cycling system, and we are adjusting to the fact that Stim2Go is much more than an effective cycling system.

At Anatomical Concepts, electrical stimulation is a cornerstone of our products and services. By controlling the nature of electrical energy applied to the body, this noninvasive technology can produce a physiological effect that can be beneficial in physical rehabilitation. We have products used for functional electrical stimulation (FES) to treat denervated muscle and nerve injuries, strengthen weak muscles with neuromuscular electrical stimulation, or assist with muscle spasms or pain.

Many of our clients use the popular RISE stimulator from Dr. Schufried Medicine Technik in Austria. This two-channel system is unique in its parameters for treating denervated muscle and peripheral nerve injuries. When injuries damage motor nerves, specialised stimulators can work directly on the muscle fibres to rebuild muscle tissue bulk and quality.

The KT Motion incorporates EMG and Movement Triggering

The KT Move, KT Parese, KT Neuro and KT Motion units from Krauth and Timmerman are new to our range. These units are competitively priced and offer features such as EMG triggering and other sensing approaches, which can be valuable in rehabilitation. EMG triggering allows muscle stimulation driven by the user's intention, which is an essential factor in using neuroplasticity to promote functional recovery.

Perhaps we are best known and trusted for our FES cycling offerings.

The Stim2Go unit

Eighteen years ago, we introduced the first version of the popular 8-channel RehaMove FES Cycling system from Hasomed GmbH to the UK market. FES Cycling had an established research pedigree and clear health benefits for individuals recovering from neurological conditions. The RehaMove system also offered sequence mode training, which allowed quite complex time—or phase-based stimulation sequences to be created.

The RehaMove system proved popular with many adopters of this technology. However, the platform had some limitations, including the necessity to work with a limited range of passive-active bikes. As we will see shortly, using the Stim2Go for FES cycling eliminates this limitation. Stim2Go users can literally choose any passive-active bike as the basis for their FES cycling system.

Beyond Traditional Boundaries

As we see from the descriptions above, electrical stimulation can take many forms and have many different applications. Some devices on the market today are very specialised, while others attempt to provide general-purpose solutions. Although we have known for well over 100 years that electrical stimulation can produce physiological effects in the body, we are still learning much about how to refine such applications.

Stim2Go is a new product that redefines the standard with its advanced ability to sense and adapt to real human movement. It’s a smart, responsive therapeutic partner that aligns with your body’s unique patterns.

Because Stim2Go can be controlled by an iOS or Android app, programs can be quickly and easily updated, so users are never out of step with the latest developments. At present, some 30 program templates can be used immediately. Each of these templates can be customised for individual use by the user or his or her therapist.

Four Therapies, One Intelligent System

Stim2Go consolidates four critical rehabilitation modalities into a single, sophisticated platform:

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) powers movement training for essential activities like grasping, reaching, and FES cycling, helping users rebuild functional independence.

FES Cycling with Stim2Go - the unit is mounted on the thigh to detect the cycling movement and trigger stimulation

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) provides comprehensive pain management for both acute and chronic conditions, offering relief when patients need it most.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) targets muscle strengthening, rebuilding the foundation of physical function for those with weakness or paralysis. Stimulation can be triggered in a number of ways to suit the situation. A programme can automatically repeat a stimulation sequence based on time, respond to a manual trigger or be triggered by motion. Imagine a user with a weakened arm able to move just a little. The Stim2Go unit can be programmed to sense that small movement and trigger a contraction of the muscles that can then support that arm to produce a greater movement.

Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (tSCS) specifically addresses spasticity reduction in the legs, offering hope for patients with spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis. The impact of tSCS on function is the subject of extensive research around the world at the moment. The Stim2Go can utilise tSCS as part of an FES Cycling exercise or when prone or standing to address issues of spasticity or neuropathic pain.

The Intelligence Behind the Innovation

What truly sets Stim2Go apart is its sophisticated triggering technology. The device doesn't just deliver stimulation—it knows when to deliver it based on what the user's body is actually doing.

Motion-Triggered Precision

The breakthrough lies in Stim2Go's integrated inertial sensor technology. When placed on a limb, the device becomes a movement detective, mapping your motion through space and time. For cycling therapy, Stim2Go is strapped to the right thigh. It then tracks your leg's position as a percentage through the complete pedal stroke, from 0 to 100% of the cycle. The Stim2Go is attached to the arm for arm cranking and upper limb exercise. This means the stimulation timing is based entirely on your body's actual movement, not on the bike you're using. Whether it's a high-end rehabilitation bike or a simple stationary cycle, Stim2Go adapts seamlessly, making advanced FES cycling therapy accessible regardless of equipment constraints.

Trigger stimulation by detecting the act of reaching

This can be a real advantage to many potential users. Rather than having to buy a complete assembly of a bike and stimulator, our users now know that they can purchase Stim2Go and create an FES cycling system from their existing bike. When we supply a complete system, the user can choose from the Thera Trainer range of bikes.

Intelligent Activation Options

Beyond motion sensing, Stim2Go offers multiple triggering modes to match different therapeutic needs:

• Threshold activation triggers stimulation when your limb reaches a specific angle, perfect for reaching exercises

• Manual control gives therapists precise timing for targeted interventions

• Auto-repetition maintains consistent stimulation for strength training protocols

Real-World Impact

This technology translates into tangible benefits for patients and clinicians alike. Stroke patients can practice grasping movements with stimulation that activates exactly when they attempt to reach. Spinal cord injury patients can experience FES cycling that perfectly synchronises with their voluntary or assisted movement attempts. Chronic pain sufferers receive precisely timed relief that adapts to their daily activities.

Universal compatibility means rehabilitation centers no longer need to invest in specific equipment to offer advanced FES therapy. When paired with Stim2Go's intelligent sensing, any bike becomes a potential FES cycling platform, and any orthosis or walking aid can be augmented with FES.

Perhaps most importantly, Stim2Go represents a shift toward truly personalised rehabilitation. Rather than forcing patients to adapt to rigid equipment protocols, the technology adapts to each individual's unique movement patterns and therapeutic needs.

The Stim2Go attached to the upper arm and controlled via the tablet

This body-aware approach opens new possibilities for rehabilitation timing and effectiveness. When electrical stimulation can perfectly synchronise with voluntary movement attempts, the potential for neuroplasticity and functional recovery increases dramatically.

Looking Forward

As rehabilitation technology continues to evolve, Stim2Go's approach points toward a future where therapeutic devices don't just treat symptoms – they understand and respond to the complex, individual nature of human movement and recovery.

The question for the rehabilitation community isn't just whether this technology works, but how it might fundamentally change our understanding of what's possible when therapy truly follows the body's lead rather than forcing the body to follow rigid protocols.

In an era when personalised medicine is becoming the standard, Stim2Go brings that same philosophy to rehabilitation technology—creating therapy that's as unique and adaptive as the individuals it serves.

If you would like to learn more about Stim2Go you can listen to a 5 minute discussion on what it can do in the player below

Stim2Go is brought to market by Pajunk GmbH and designed by SensorStim Neurotechnology GmbH in Berlin. Anatomical Concepts are UK dealers