S'pore device to strengthen muscles gets approval here and in US

Medical device developed here is portable and can be used by bed-bound patients

- Salma Khalik

A Singapore-developed device to strengthen muscles and reduce pain has gained approval from health regulators in Singapore and the US - allowing it to be sold as a medical device in both countries.

Called Quantum Mitohormesis (QMT), the device uses magnetic pulses to stimulate and regenerate muscle cells, a process similar to what happens during exercise.

It is the next-generation version of the Bixeps device, which has been available here for some years as a fitness device. Unlike Bixeps, QMT is portable and can be used by bed-bound patients. It also has two levels of intensity to cater to the different needs of patients.

Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has approved the use of QMT for rehabilitation of patients to improve muscle strength, reduce pain, improve muscle energetics post-injury or surgery, and to increase mobility.

However, the approval is only for the lower intensity level, which is similar to that of the Bixeps device.

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved both intensity levels for prescription use to stimulate healthy limb muscles to improve performance, and to prevent retardation and atrophy of muscles.

As a medical device, QMT has to be operated by a healthcare professional such as a doctor, nurse or physiotherapist.