New implant causes paraplegic patients to move their legs again

A newly developed pioneering technique utilizes electrical implants in the spine of paralyzed patients and can help them move their legs again. It is hoped that soon the implant may even allow them to walk once more, too.

The new research - part of a study by scientists at the University of Louisville's Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center - has allowed four wheelchair-bound men with completely paralyzed legs to move around. by equipping them with a lumbar electrode support on the spinal cord. This is the main device that links the brain and spinal cord.

It was hoped that through correct stimulation, patients' legs could move again. The experiment worked and now the four patients can move their fingers and legs - some now can even lift 100 kg with them.

How it works

"The implant restores what, in healthy people, would be the resting ability of the spinal cord, the basis of electrical activity that keeps the cord alert but decays from lack of use in people who are paralyzed, " says Claudia Angeli, from the research center.

“Once the momentum of this electrical base is artificially restored, the cord wakes up again and can register the 'movement' desires of the brain, converting it into refined movements.”

As you can see in the video above, the present coordination is not yet enough to get these patients to walk, but this is the researchers' next step. They hope that by increasing the number of electrodes from 16 to 27, there will be more movement control and that will help them walk again. Scientists are currently testing the new device on animals.

Via Tecmundo