MYOLYN Awarded Phase 1 STTR Funding

This capital enables further research and equipment development to provide beneficial medical engagement for individuals living with paralysis. 

Gainesville, FL, February 22, 2021 – MYOLYN has won Phase 1 Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The award application, titled “FES-Rowing: Preventing the Secondary Conditions of Paralysis Through Vigorous Exercise,” outlines MYOLYN’s goal to bring further neuro-rehabilitation technology to home and clinic environments. In partnership with Spaulding Hospital for Continuing Medical Care Cambridge and Hydrow, MYOLYN will develop an adapted rower to provide more therapeutic interventions for those with paralyzed or weakened muscles.   

“This exercise modality is well-liked by the population of those with paralysis. It mirrors exercise in the able-bodied; it avoids overuse injuries; it allows the individual to determine his/her own best rowing form…” – J. Andrew Taylor, Ph.D., Director, Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Spaulding Hospital Cambridge 

MYOLYN’s current state-of-the-art cycling device, the MyoCycle, uses Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to allow persons with weak or paralyzed muscles to move in a cycling motion. The STTR funding will advance the adaptation of Hydrow’s Live Outdoor Reality™ (LOR) rower into the MyoRow, making it suitable for commercialization as a co-branded FES rowing system. 

“There is nothing quite as powerful as the feeling of rowing […] – it’s a shared connection, and creates a sense of purpose and belonging in a completely unique way. That’s something everyone should be able to access and draw strength from.” – Bruce Smith, CEO, Hydrow

MYOLYN is responsible for device prototyping and commercialization strategies, while Spaulding will perform testing with patients and share feedback. Hydrow will provide the necessary equipment in addition to designer and engineer support. 

About MYOLYN

Co-founders Matthew Bellman and Alan Hamlet established MYOLYN in 2013 during their engineering Ph.D. studies at the University of Florida. Matt spent years researching the biomechanics of the human body and applying functional electrical stimulation (FES) to improve the health and functional ability of people with paralysis. During his research, he developed new stimulation techniques and control algorithms that led to a more powerful and efficient cycling workout for people with paralysis. This resulted in MYOLYN’s first product: the MyoCycle FES Cycling Therapy System.