Motion Concepts is back

TONAWANDA, N.Y. - Motion Concepts has returned to the stander market with its new MPS Maxx, a modular power system available exclusively on the Rovi A3 wheelchair base.

The company used to provide an earlier version of the MPS on Invacare's FDX power wheelchair base but discontinued the system when Invacare took that product off the market several years ago.

“We're excited to give another option in the market that's sorely needed,” said Ann Quigley, vice president of sales for Motion Concepts.

MPS, which combines a power standing function with a full range of power positioning options, was available to order in late September, just in time for Medrade, where it was a highlight of the Invacare booth.

The uptake on MPS has been fast—clinicians and ATPs are familiar with the system and are pleased with the numerous upgrades on the Maxx, including the positioning of footplates.

“Still, we underestimated the interest,” said Steffan Tiskus, training and development coordinator for Motion Concepts. “We have a waiting list; we're scrambling to ramp up production.”

The market for standers is relatively small, Tiskus acknowledges, but Motion Concepts believes that MPS, because it doesn't require seat elevation or power recline, keeps costs down and, therefore, makes it an option for more users.

“If there's a cost-effective stander on the market, we believe this is it,” he said. “This could really open the door to a larger percentage of the population (using this technology).”

Because MPS is on a Group 3 base vs. a Group 4 base, it's also easier to get covered by insurance, Tiskus said.

“Funding is hard,” he said. “This kind of technology is more in the forefront now, but it's still a challenge. Because this qualifies under a Group 3 base, it's covered.”

Most importantly, Tiskus said, MPS is resonating in the market because of its ability to improve outcomes by, among other things, reducing pressure sores.

“Standing is the most effective pressure management tool, there is” he said.