Feasibility and potential effects of using the electro-dress Mollii on spasticity and functioning in chronic stroke.
Susanne Palmcrantz, Gaia Valentina Pennati, Hanna Bergling and 1 others
PMID 32778118WHAT IT FOUND
Using the Mollii suit at home for 6 weeks was feasible and reduced wrist spasticity measured by NeuroFlexor, but did not change spasticity assessed by the Modified Ashworth Scale.
Fugl-Meyer sensorimotor scores improved, while walking speed, balance, and self-reported function remained unchanged.
Key findings
01NeuroFlexor neural component in the affected wrist decreased significantly after 6 weeks (p=0.012), but Modified Ashworth Scale scores showed no significant change.
02Fugl-Meyer total scores for the upper and lower extremities improved significantly, but walking speed, endurance, balance, and Stroke Impact Scale domains did not.
0360% of participants perceived positive effects on functioning, most commonly decreased muscle tone and improved gait, but overall usability was rated 4.9/10 with donning the suit being the main disadvantage.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
Single-group design with no control or blinding, so improvements cannot be attributed solely to the suit rather than time, attention, or other factors. Small sample size (n=20) limits generalizability. NeuroFlexor assessment was restricted to wrist flexors, so effects on lower extremity spasticity were not quantified objectively. Modified Ashworth Scale showed no change despite NeuroFlexor improvements, highlighting a discrepancy between measurement tools. Usability was low (4.9/10), with donning the suit being a significant barrier, which may affect real-world adherence. Participants were required to be stable on medications and not have recent botulinum toxin treatment, excluding a broader population.
Declared interests
Funded by Eurostars. The Mollii method was developed by Inerventions AB, a Swedish medtech company. The paper does not explicitly state if Inerventions AB had a role in study design or data analysis, but the product being evaluated is their own.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that the Mollii suit reduces spasticity in all muscle groups or improves functional mobility. The significant reduction in spasticity was only detected by the NeuroFlexor device in the wrist flexors; the standard clinical measure (Modified Ashworth Scale) showed no change, and walking, balance, and self-reported function did not improve.