People with severe spinal cord injuries can regain movement thanks to a new neuroprosthesis that delivers electrical stimulation synchronized with a robotic rehabilitation system, reactivating paralyzed muscles.
The neuroprosthesis emits coordinated electrical impulses that align with the movements, providing targeted epidural spinal stimulation that reactivates the spinal cord below the injury and amplifies remaining brain commands. Developed by Swiss researchers, the system immediately restores movement in individuals with severe spinal cord injuries. When combined with robotic-assisted gait rehabilitation, it enables neurological recovery, even when the stimulation is turned off.
The study, conducted on five patients by the NeuroRestore consortium led by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), shows that this biomimetic epidural stimulation, which mimics natural nerve signals, effectively activates the neurons responsible for movement, leading to regenerated muscle activity. The benefits were immediate and lasting: patients regained the ability to activate muscles during robot-assisted sessions, and some even improved their voluntary movements without active stimulation. Beyond the clinical setting, the STIMO (STImulation Movement Overground) approach has shown promise in daily life as well. Participants were able to independently use the system to walk with a walker or cycle outdoors, without assistance. "Rehabilitation professionals can incorporate this technology into existing rehabilitation protocols worldwide," explains researcher Grégoire Courtine.
Sources:
https://www.neurorestore.swiss/press-1/parkinson2023-8xa5a-gecy5