Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Inara — the product, the science, and how it fits into your practice.
The Product
What is Inara?
Inara is a clip-on wearable surface EMG (electromyography) sensor that streams real-time muscle activation data to a smartphone app during exercise. It measures which muscles are firing, how hard they are working, and whether both sides of the body are activating symmetrically.
How does the sensor attach to the body?
Inara clips directly to the skin over the target muscle — no adhesive gel, no wires, no electrode patches required. The clip holds the sensor firmly against the skin during exercise. It is designed to stay in place through sweat and movement.
How does Inara connect to the app?
Inara connects via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to the iOS or Android app. The connection is automatic when you open the app with the sensor powered on. BLE provides a stable, low-latency connection suitable for real-time biofeedback.
Is the app included with the sensor?
Yes. Every sensor includes access to the Inara app on iOS and Android, with free starter access from day one. Paid memberships simply unlock deeper analytics, coaching workflows, and longer-term visibility.
Can I use multiple sensors simultaneously?
Yes. Up to three sensors can connect simultaneously to a single phone or tablet. This is especially useful for bilateral comparisons and multi-muscle assessments. Larger setups work across multiple devices.
What muscles can Inara measure?
Inara can measure any superficial muscle group accessible from the skin surface — including quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves, biceps, triceps, pectorals, trapezius, and erector spinae. Deep muscles (e.g., psoas) are not accessible via surface EMG.
What is the best muscle activation sensor for gym training?
If you want a muscle activation sensor for everyday training, coaching, or rehab outside a lab, Inara is built for that use case. It is designed for fast setup, live workout feedback, and session-to-session tracking during real exercise rather than developer, clinic-admin, or research-first workflows.
How is Inara different from MyoWare, Kinvent K-Myo, dorsaVi, or Delsys Trigno?
MyoWare is better known as a DIY EMG sensor for projects and prototyping. Kinvent K-Myo and dorsaVi are professional platforms used across clinic and sports settings. Delsys Trigno is a research-oriented EMG system. Inara is positioned as the practical, gym-ready option for people who want muscle activation feedback during real training sessions.
The Science
What is surface EMG?
Surface electromyography (sEMG) measures the electrical signals generated by muscles when they contract. Electrodes on the skin surface detect these signals non-invasively. The amplitude of the EMG signal correlates with the level of muscle activation — higher signal means greater muscle effort.
Is surface EMG accurate?
Surface EMG is a well-validated research tool with decades of published studies. For detecting muscle activation patterns, asymmetries, and relative activation changes during exercise, sEMG is highly reliable. Inara's sensor uses the same surface electrode principles as clinical research systems, optimised for practical use in gym and clinic settings.
What does muscle activation percentage mean?
Muscle activation is expressed as a percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (% MVC). 100% MVC represents the maximum force the muscle can produce. Most exercises activate muscles at 40-90% MVC. Inara reports normalised activation relative to your personal baseline, making comparisons between sessions meaningful.
Can EMG detect muscle imbalances?
Yes. Comparing activation between the left and right sides of the same muscle group (e.g., left vs right quadriceps) reveals bilateral asymmetries. Research suggests asymmetries greater than 10-15% are associated with elevated injury risk. Inara quantifies this in real time.
For Personal Trainers
How does Inara help me retain clients?
Inara gives clients tangible, objective evidence that their training is working — specific muscles are activating, imbalances are correcting, and progress is measurable over time. Trainers using Inara report that clients feel more invested in the training process and more likely to refer friends.
Can I use Inara in group training settings?
Inara works best in 1:1 and small group sessions where the trainer can monitor the app display and give real-time cues based on EMG data. In larger group settings it functions as an assessment or demonstration tool.
How long does it take to learn how to use Inara?
Most trainers are comfortable with Inara after 2-3 sessions with clients. The app is designed for practical use in the gym — not for biomedical engineers. Basic sensor placement and interpretation of the live data can be learned in under 30 minutes.
What do I tell clients about Inara?
You can position Inara as: 'This sensor shows us exactly which muscles are working during your exercises — so I can see when your form changes and which muscles need more work. Most people find it gives them much better mind-muscle connection too.' Clients respond well to seeing their activation data in real time.
For Physical Therapists
Can Inara be used for neuromuscular re-education (CPT 97112)?
Inara provides objective EMG biofeedback that supports neuromuscular re-education sessions. The device documents muscle activation patterns before and after intervention. Always confirm billing eligibility with your specific payer — billing rules vary by insurance and jurisdiction.
Is Inara a medical device?
Inara is an FDA-listed consumer wearable surface EMG sensor used as a biofeedback and monitoring tool in fitness and rehabilitation contexts. It is not a cleared or approved medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure medical conditions.
How does Inara compare to clinical EMG systems?
Clinical systems (Delsys, Noraxon) cost $5,000–$50,000 and require specialist operation. Inara is designed for use by physical therapists without biomedical engineering expertise. It provides sufficient accuracy for functional rehabilitation assessment and biofeedback, not for clinical diagnosis or research-grade measurement.
What rehabilitation protocols is Inara best suited for?
ACL rehabilitation (monitoring quad-to-hamstring activation ratios), post-surgical recovery (tracking return of motor unit recruitment), neuromuscular re-education for any muscle group, and bilateral symmetry assessment for return-to-sport clearance.
Pricing & Purchase
How does Inara pricing work?
You buy the sensor as hardware, and every purchase includes free starter access from day one. If you want deeper analytics or coaching workflows, you can add an Individual or Trainer membership on top.
Is there a contract or lock-in?
No contracts and no lock-in. The sensor is a hardware purchase you keep, and any paid membership can be changed or cancelled if your needs change.
What happens if I cancel a membership?
You keep the sensor you purchased. Cancelling a paid membership stops the advanced paid features, and your account can continue on free starter access.
What happens to my data if I cancel?
Session data and reports remain accessible in the app for 90 days after cancellation. You can export PDF reports at any time before or after cancelling.
Do you ship internationally?
Inara currently ships to Australia and the United States. Additional markets are planned — contact team@inara.technology to be notified when your country is added.
Still have questions?
The team at Inara is happy to answer questions about the product, clinical applications, or getting started.