A groundbreaking combination of rehabilitation robotics and spinal cord stimulation has successfully restored movement in individuals with spinal cord injuries. This innovative approach enables activities like cycling and walking outdoors, offering new hope for improved mobility.

Scientists at .NeuroRestore, led by Grégoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch, has developed a revolutionary system that integrates an implanted spinal cord neuroprosthesis with rehabilitation robotics. The system fosters natural and coordinated muscle activity during therapy by delivering precise electrical pulses to stimulate muscles in sync with robotic-assisted movements.

This integrated method improves immediate mobility and promotes long-term recovery. The device effectively mimics natural nerve signals, activating motor neurons more efficiently than traditional methods. The technology seamlessly synchronizes with various rehabilitation devices, such as treadmills, exoskeletons, and stationary bikes.

In a proof-of-concept study involving five participants with spinal cord injuries, the combination therapy showed remarkable results. Participants regained the ability to engage their muscles during robotic-assisted treatment, and some even demonstrated improved voluntary movement after the stimulation was turned off.

The researchers tested the system in real-world environments, including rehabilitation centers and outdoor settings, demonstrating its adaptability and potential to become a standard in rehabilitation care.

Source: Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne