Combistim XP General

The CombiStim XP captures the EMG signal produced by a patient’s muscles during a voluntary contraction and provides them with feedback so that they can learn to exercise these muscles selectively. EMS is used to exercise muscles involuntarily by stimulating contraction and relaxation of the muscle fibres. It is known that EMS is effective in improving strength and endurance properties of muscle. The CombiStim XP also provides for triggered electrical stimulation. In this mode, electrical stimulation to the muscle is delivered by the unit only when it detects sufficient voluntary effort from the user. This technique is intended to assist in re-education of the motor control of these muscles. With the CombiStim XP, Biofeedback or EMS may be used on their own or in combination.

CombiStim XP, from neurotech, is a new and innovative product for the rehabilitation of muscle weakness in both orthopaedic and neurological conditions. Easy to use and highly effective, CombiStim XP combines Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) and Electromyographic (EMG) Biofeedback in one device. It can be used as a pure muscle stimulator, a pure Biofeedback device, or as a combined therapy, whereby EMS will ‘trigger’ when you reach a specific target, to further strengthen the muscle.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation, or EMS, is a widely used and recognised therapy, which aids in restoring normal muscle function. EMS aids rehabilitation by activating and strengthening weakened muscle through pads placed on the skin, which produce a contraction of the muscle. EMS is clinically proven to be highly effective in the treatment and rehabilitation of muscle weakness.

EMG Biofeedback will read the strength of your muscle before treatment, to allow your clinician to access and measure the actual muscle activity and ‘prescribe’ the most effective treatment for you. Similarly, with combined treatment of EMS and EMG, the unit will read your muscle strength as you exercise and when you reach a set target level, EMS will be triggered to give you a further contraction of the muscle. This programme will significantly strengthen the muscle even further, giving you a fast and effective recovery.

Specially designed electrodes are provided, which can both deliver EMS and recover EMG. The patient applies the electrodes as directed by the therapist, the lead from the electrodes is then plugged into the CH socket at the top of the unit. A separate electrode must also be applied if EMG detection is required. For EMG Biofeedback, the patient sees a visual indication of their EMG intensity as they work their muscles. For EMS, the patient turns up the intensity of stimulation and feels the muscles contract and relax in a repetitive cycle.

If any irritations, skin reactions, over-sensitivity or other side effects occur, please contact the neurotech^® team. In such cases stop use immediately. Irritations can usually be reduced by changing the position of the electrodes. Note, however, that a slight reddening of the skin is quite normal under the electrodes during and for a short time after treatment.

The CombiStim XP keypad and display work differently depending on whether it is in Therapist Mode or Patient Mode. Therapist Mode allows the therapist to select the best treatment program and options for the patient. The patient should never access the Therapist Mode to change these settings. CombiStim XP normally turns on in Patient Mode. CombiStim XP has 7 treatment programs, which can be selected by the Therapist. Detailed program parameters are available on page 21 of the Instruction manual.

Please state the program you were advised to use when ordering the unit and neurotech^® personnel will ensure that the unit will be sent out set on the specified program.

Contact your prescribing clinician or the neurotech^® team if you have any questions regarding usage of the Combistim XP.