Cala Health's TAPS Therapy Shows Long-Term Benefits for Essential Tremor Patients in Recent Study
Overview of the Study on Cala TAPS Therapy
Cala Health, renowned for its innovations in bioelectronic medicine, has released significant findings from a retrospective analysis of the multicenter PROSPECT trial. This pivotal study, published in the peer-reviewed journal, Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements, explores the effectiveness of TAPS therapy (Transcutaneous Afferent Patterned Stimulation) in alleviating the symptoms of essential tremor (ET).
Understanding Essential Tremor and TAPS Therapy
Essential tremor is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary and rhythmic shaking, affecting various parts of the body, particularly the hands. It can significantly hinder daily activities, impacting the quality of life for those suffering from it. Cala's TAPS therapy employs a wrist-worn device that provides electrical stimulation, aiming to mitigate these tremors by modulating nerve activity.
Key Findings from the PROSPECT Trial
The PROSPECT trial evaluated the experiences of 263 participants over three months, utilizing TAPS therapy twice daily. A thorough analysis focused on 192 patients with conclusive data, revealing notable improvements in tremor symptoms during follow-up assessments at one and three months post-therapy.
Results indicated a marked decline in tremor severity, as measured by two standardized scales: the Bain Findley Activities of Daily Living (BF-ADL) and the Tremor Research Group's Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale (TETRAS). Participants registered a 2.0-point improvement on the BF-ADL scale at the one-month mark and a 2.7-point improvement at three months (both p<0.001). Additionally, over 80% of participants exhibited a significant reduction in tremor severity across both evaluation periods.
Dr. Pravin Khemani, a Movement Disorders Neurologist, emphasized the implications of these results, stating, "TAPS is the most researched non-invasive wearable therapy for ET, and the results of this retrospective analysis are promising for patients, who may see improvements in their underlying tremor with consistent use of the Cala device."
Clinical Importance and Future Implications
Deanna Harshbarger, CEO of Cala Health, remarked on the study's contributions to evidence-based treatment for tremors, reinforcing Cala's position as a leader in wearable neurostimulation therapy. The findings are particularly significant as they suggest that consistent use of the TAPS device can lead to lasting therapeutic benefits beyond immediate improvements observed post-stimulation.
This trial adds weight to the existing body of research supporting TAPS therapy as an effective intervention for essential tremor, positioning Cala Health at the forefront of clinical advances in the management of movement disorders.
Availability and Accessibility of the TAPS System
The Cala system is recognized for its accessibility; it is provided free of charge through the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health System for eligible beneficiaries and is also covered by Medicare for those who fulfill specific coverage criteria. As Cala Health continues to champion the cause for better insurance coverage, it aims to expand access to this transformative therapy for more patients suffering from essential tremor and related disorders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the PROSPECT trial's promising results underscore the significant potential of Cala's TAPS therapy in enhancing the quality of life for individuals battling essential tremor. With ongoing advancements in bioelectronic medicine, Cala Health is committed to providing effective solutions that can fundamentally improve patient outcomes. For those experiencing essential tremor, Cala's innovative approaches may indeed represent a new path toward managing their condition effectively.
For further information, visit Cala Health’s website and follow them on LinkedIn.