A new robotic device called the Myomo e100 is designed to help stroke patients regain motion in their arms.

Worn as an arm brace, it works by sensing weak electrical activity in patients’ arm muscles and providing just enough assistance that they can complete simple exercises. By practicing such tasks, patients may begin to relearn how to extend and flex the arm, rebuilding and strengthening neurological pathways in the process.

A large body of evidence now suggests that repeated practice with an impaired limb can help the brain forge new connections between neurons or strengthen existing ones.