SLENDERTONE FLEX BOTTOM & THIGH TONING SYSTEM, TYPE 511
K022855 · Bio-Medical Research, Ltd. · NGX · Mar 6, 2003 · Physical Medicine
Device Facts
Record ID
K022855
Device Name
SLENDERTONE FLEX BOTTOM & THIGH TONING SYSTEM, TYPE 511
Applicant
Bio-Medical Research, Ltd.
Product Code
NGX · Physical Medicine
Decision Date
Mar 6, 2003
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 890.5850
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Slendertone Flex Bottom and thigh toning device is intended for use by healthy persons to apply trans-cutaneous electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) through skin contact electrodes for the following purposes; Improvement of muscle tone to the bottom and thighs. . Strengthening of the muscles in the bottom and thighs, specifically the ● quadriceps and hamstrings. . Improvement to firmness in the bottom and thighs.
Device Story
Battery-operated, two-channel muscle stimulation system; designed for home use by healthy individuals. Comprises electronic stimulator module and shorts garment with integral electrodes. Electrodes connect adhesively to studs on inner surface of shorts; garment secured via Velcro. Device delivers trans-cutaneous electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to gluteal, hamstring, and quadriceps muscles. User operates device via stimulator module; LCD screen provides compliance logging. No user access to internal wiring/connectors, reducing misuse risk. Output affects muscle tone, strength, and firmness; provides non-invasive exercise alternative for targeted muscle groups.
Clinical Evidence
Prospective, controlled, single-blind, randomized study with 60 female volunteers over 8 weeks. Compared EMS program to control group. Results: Treated group showed significant improvements in muscle firmness, self-image, and well-being. Objective measurements showed average increases in muscle strength of 11% (extension torque) and 38.1% (flexion torque). Control group showed no significant improvement. Weight remained stable in both groups.
Technological Characteristics
Two-channel battery-operated (3x LR03 cells) EMS system. Components: electronic stimulator, shorts garment with integral electrodes. Electrodes: double-sided adhesive. Connectivity: standalone with LCD screen for compliance logging. Safety standards: IEC 60601-1:1990, IEC 60601-2-10, IEC 601-1-1, IEC 601-1-2, IEC 61000-4-2, IEC 61000-4-3, DD ENV 50204, EN 55011.
Indications for Use
Indicated for healthy persons seeking strengthening, toning, and firming of the bottom and thigh region (specifically quadriceps and hamstrings).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A powered muscle stimulator is an electrically powered device intended for medical purposes that repeatedly contracts muscles by passing electrical currents through electrodes contacting the affected body area.
Predicate Devices
Slendertone FLEX Abdominal training system (K010335)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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MAR 0 6 2003
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows a handwritten string of characters. The characters appear to be a combination of letters and numbers. The string starts with the letter 'K', followed by the number '0', then '22855'. The handwriting is somewhat stylized, with rounded shapes and varying line thickness.
Page 1 of 3 510(k) Summary
Image /page/0/Picture/3 description: The image shows a logo with the letters "BMR" in bold, sans-serif font. The letters are stacked vertically, with "B" on top, "M" in the middle, and "R" at the bottom. The letters are black and are set against a white background. The entire logo is enclosed within a black octagon.
Bio-Medical Research Ltd Parkmore Business Park, West Galway Ireland
510 (k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness.
This summary is submitted in accordance with 21 CFR 807.92
| a) | 1 | Submitted by | Bio-Medical Research Ltd<br>BMR House<br>Parkmore Business Park, West<br>Galway<br>Republic of Ireland |
|----|---|--------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | Establishment Registration Number | 8020867 |
| | | Contact Person | Michelle Sawyer |
| | | Phone | +353 91 774361 |
| | | Fax | +353 91 773302 |
| | | e-mail | msawyer@des.bmr.ie |
| | | Title | Regulatory Affairs Manager |
| | | Date of Preparation | August 2002. |
| | 2 | Trade Name of Device<br>Toning system. Type 511. | Slendertone FLEX Bottom & Thigh |
| | | Common Name | Muscle Stimulator |
| | | Classification name | Powered Muscle Stimulator |
| | 3 | Identification of predicate device | Slendertone FLEX Abdominal training<br>system.<br>K010335 |
20, NJ 41
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### Description of Device 4
Slendertone Flex Bottom and thigh toning system is a two- channel battery operated muscle stimulation system specifically designed to exercise the bottom and thigh muscles. It comprises two main components, namely, an electronic stimulator module which generates the required stimulation signals, and a shorts garment with integral electrodes, which connects the signals from the stimulator to the skin. The electrodes are located on the inner surface of the shorts. In effect, the shorts in this case take the place of the lead wires commonly found in most conventional muscle stimulators.
The product is supplied with a set of double- sided adhesive electrodes, an instruction manual, a set of batteries, and a carry pouch. Power is derived from three LRO3 cells located in a compartment protected by a removable battery cover.
Although a two- channel system, there are six electrodes. The electrodes connect adhesively to studs on the inner surface of the shorts. The garment is worn as shorts. with the leg openings and waist secured by Velcro fastening patches. When the shorts are on the body two electrodes (1each side) are located over the gluteal muscles. placed horizontally in the midline of the buttock and the larger two (one at the back of each leg) over the hamstring muscles. Two electrodes are located on either side of the top of the front of the thighs following the linguinal line to act on the quadriceps muscles.
There is no current passed from side to side. Because the user has no access to the wiring or connectors within the shorts, he/she cannot alter the current path and so the possibilities for mis-use are greatly reduced.
#### ട Intended Use
The Slendertone Flex Bottom and thigh toning device is intended for use by healthy persons to apply trans-cutaneous electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) through skin contact electrodes for the following purposes;
- Improvement of muscle tone to the bottom and thighs. .
- Strengthening of the muscles in the bottom and thighs, specifically the ● quadriceps and hamstrings.
- . Improvement to firmness in the bottom and thighs.
## Technological Comparison 6
The Slendertone FLEX Bottom and Thigh Toning System is the same as the Slendertone FLEX Abdominal training system in it's delivery of the stimulation signal and has similar parameter setting. There are similar restrictions between the two devices in that electrode positioning is governed by and integral to the garment. Both products utilise a LCD screen with user compliance logging.
# Non clinical Tests
Comparisons of electrical outputs for the two devices show similar results. They have both been designed and independently tested to the following requirements;
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- IEC 60601-1:1990 Medical electrical equipment Part 1: General requirements for . safety.
- . IEC 60601-2-10
- IEC 601-1-1 and appendices A1:1991,A2:1995 ● IEC 601-1-2: EMC requirements
- IEC 61000-4-2:1995: Electromagnetic compatibility .
- IEC 61000-4-3:1997: Electromagnetic compatibility ●
- DD ENV 50204:1996: Electromagnetic compatibility .
- EN 55011:1998: radiated emissions. ●
Bio-Medical Research Ltd, (BMR), adheres to recognised and established industry practice, and all devices are subject to final performance testing.
A hazard analysis, a risk analysis and a failure mode effects analysis have been carried out for the device.
## 2 Controlled study.
BMR conducted a prospective, controlled, single blind, stratified, randomised study with 60 female volunteers to measure the effects of a program of EMS on the bottom and thigh muscles over an eight week period, using the electrode positions and stimulation parameters of the Slendertone FLEX Bottom & Thigh Toning system. The study was designed and carried out by BMR at its consumer research centre in Galway, Ireland.
lo psychometric tests, the treated group in the study reported a marked improvement in firmness compared to the control group over the period of the study. Moreover, the treated group showed improvements in self-image and well - being. The control group did not report such an improvement.
In objective measurements of isokinetic and isometric muscle strength, the treated group showed average increases in muscle strength of 11% (extension torque at 15 ' and 38.1% (Flexion torque at 15'), this improvement continued throughout the study duration.
While marginal improvements shown by the control group were initially observed, this was rationalised as being the result of learning effect and improvement had stabilised by week 4 of the study.
When the Full 8 week study had been completed very large differences were observed between the treatment and control groups in terms of muscle strength.
Weight changes were controlled and pre and post measurements indicated that the treatment group did not change in weight .
## ന Test Conclusions
Testing of the stimulation output parameters of the Slendertone Flex Bottom & Thigh toning device indicates that it is safe, and that it provides appropriate stimulation output for the bottom & thigh muscle groups. The controlled study indicates that users experience a significant improvement in muscle tone, strength and muscle firmness.
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image is a black and white logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized image of three human profiles facing right, stacked on top of each other. The profiles are connected by a flowing line that forms the shape of a bird. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the image.
Public Health Service
MAR 0 6 2003
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Michelle Sawyer Regulatory Affairs Manager Bio-Medical Research Limited BMR House Parkmore Business Park, West Galway Republic of Ireland
Re: K022855
Trade/Device Name: FLEX Bottom and Thigh Toning System, Type 511 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.5850 Regulation Name: Powered Muscle Stimulator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NGX Dated: December 3, 2002 Received: December 6, 2002
Dear Ms. Sawyer:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug. and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration. Iisting of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must
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Page 2 - Ms. Michelle Sawyer
comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act): 21 CFR 1000-1050. This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 21 CFR Part 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely vours.
Sincerely yours,
B. Mark A. Milliman
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use Statement
510(k) Number (if known):
K022855
Bio-Medical Research Ltd.
Device Name: type 511-01 Sponsor Name: Slendertone Flex Bottom & Thigh Toning System,
The device is intended for over the counter sale.
Indications for Use:
Strengthening, toning and firming of the bottom and thigh region. .
Do Not Write Below This Line - Continue on Another Page if Needed
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use Over-The-Counter Use
Mark N. Millenn
ivision Sign-Of Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number K022853
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.