STEPS Rehabilitation® has acquired the ARC-EX® System from ONWARD Medical, becoming one of the first rehabilitation providers in Europe to introduce this pioneering technology. Designed to support recovery of arm and hand function in people living with incomplete spinal cord injury, ARC-EX® is a significant addition to STEPS’ advanced neurorehabilitation offering.
Approved for use in the UK in late 2025, the system is now being integrated into STEPS’ residential rehabilitation programmes, giving clients regular access to one of the most promising developments in neurological rehabilitation as part of their personalised therapy.
“I have been following Onward’s journey over the last few years, speaking to members of their team at ISCOS in Antwerp and Gothenburg in anticipation of their product becoming available in the UK. Knowing how much difference this has the potential to make to the lives of our clients living with SCI is so exciting! At STEPS we are always looking for ways to optimise outcomes for our clients, and seeing what this technology can achieve first hand, is remarkable, we anticipate the improvements clients can make will have significant impacts on their dignity and quality of life.
At STEPS, we invest in the latest and most innovative technologies, after extensive research to ensure they align with our rehabilitation vision. Working with companies who we can collaborate with to further improve their technology or how it is integrated into rehabilitation programmes is key for us.” – Toria Chan, Founder & Clinical Director
The ARC-EX
The ARC-EX is a non-invasive neuromodulation device that uses gentle electrical stimulation, delivered through electrodes placed over the neck, to activate the spinal cord. By enhancing communication between the brain and muscles, the technology helps to strengthen the signals that are able to pass through the nervous system, enabling individuals to make more effective use of existing movement and sensation.
Research has shown encouraging outcomes when ARC-EX is used alongside intensive, task-specific rehabilitation, including improvements in grip strength, hand function, coordination and everyday activity performance. The growing evidence base also supports its safe and effective use within structured rehabilitation settings, aligning closely with STEPS’ high-intensity, goal-led approach.
ARC-EX at STEPS Rehabilitation
At STEPS Rehabilitation, ARC-EX is being used within residential rehabilitation programmes, with clients completing one-hour sessions up to five days a week alongside their wider therapy programme.
Early experiences have been encouraging. One client has shown new active muscle contractions in the fingers of their right hand within the first week of treatment, as well as improvements in movement control and task-specific practice. While it is too early to draw firm conclusions and outcomes will vary, these observations highlight the potential of ARC-EX when combined with intensive rehabilitation.
“The ARC-EX has had an immediate and positive impact on clients using it at STEPS. It has been incredible to see the difference it can make, particularly when working on fine motor skills, dexterity, and small hand and finger movements in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries. We have observed noticeable improvements in finger control and coordination, helping them to engage more effectively in meaningful functional tasks.
One of the team’s favourite activities is the chair-stacking game, which combines rehabilitation with fun and motivation. The competitive element encourages engagement and participation, allowing clients to challenge themselves whilst working towards their rehabilitation goals.
The versatility of the ARC-EX is one of its greatest strengths. As well as supporting fine motor recovery, it also enables clients to work on larger, more functional movements by targeting key muscle groups such as the triceps during physiotherapy sessions. Improvements in strength and muscle activation have the potential to translate into meaningful functional gains, including enhanced transfer ability, increased independence with activities of daily living, and improved overall confidence.
Overall, the ARC-EX has been an outstanding addition to our rehabilitation programme. Its ability to support both fine and gross motor recovery, whilst keeping clients motivated and engaged, makes it an invaluable tool in helping individuals maximise their recovery and achieve greater independence.
It is also exciting to think about what future research will reveal about the wider applications of ARC-EX technology. Whilst we are already seeing excellent results in upper limb rehabilitation, there is real anticipation around the potential impact it could have on lower limb function in the future.” – Joseph Nourse, Senior Physiotherapist, STEPS Rehabilitation
To monitor progress, therapists are using internationally recognised outcome measures, including the GRASSP and ARAT assessments, alongside video analysis to capture changes in movement quality and functional ability over time.
ARC-EX further strengthens the range of innovative rehabilitation technologies available at STEPS, supporting the organisation’s commitment to evidence-based therapies that help clients work towards greater independence and quality of life.