6
Management
Non-Pharmacological/Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Wrist-worn Non-invasive Stimulation
Transcutaneous Afferent Patterned Stimulation (TAPS)
• Cala kIQ is an individualized, calibrated, re-chargeable, non-invasive wrist-
worn device to reduce tremor in a targeted arm. It provides electrical
stimulation to the median and radial nerves through electrodes placed on
the inside of a wrist band.
• The first generation TAPS system (Cala Trio) was cleared by the FDA in
2018. The most recent TAPS therapy system, Cala kIQ, was cleared in 2022.
It is indicated in adults with essential tremor to provide transient relief of
hand tremors following stimulation.
▶ The wrist band device is worn for 40 minutes, after which 64% of patients
reported having persistent relief for an average of 94 minutes.
▶ When starting therapy, patients should choose an activity (e.g. eating ) and use
Cala kIQ 20–40 minutes prior. This usage should continue on-demand for at least
2 weeks to determine benefits.
▶ A typical charge will last for approximately 5 sessions. It takes approximately 3–4
hours to fully charge the device.
▶ It can be used with or without pharmacological therapies.
• Cala kIQ is contraindicated in patients with implanted electrical devices
such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or deep brain stimulation device;
patients with a seizure disorder; pregnant women; and in persons with skin
irritations, open wounds, or lesions on the wrist.
