New study shows how electrical stimulation can restore mobility after paralysis

Scientists in France have reported progress from a new study that could help paralysed patients walk again using electrical stimulation technology.

Conducted by Lausanne University Hospital and published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the research found that it was possible to help a completely paralysed rat to walk over obstacles and up stairs by electrically stimulating the severed part of the spinal cord.

After studying electrical stimulation patterns in the brain and aligning them with walking patterns, the team believe it could be possible to decode signals directly from the brain about leg movement and use this information to stimulate the spinal cord.

They now wish to test the principle in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury as early as next summer. Future research will utilise the Gait Platform, which uses custom-made equipment like a treadmill and an overground support system plus 14 infrared cameras to help monitor and rehabilitate patients.

Study co-author and neuroengineer Silvestro Micera said: "We believe that this technology could one day significantly improve the quality of life of people confronted with neurological disorders."

This advance could potentially aid patients who have been paralysed by stroke, head injuries, spinal cord damage or multiple sclerosis.