Paralyzed patient learned to walk without an exoskeleton
The man, whose both legs were completely paralyzed, learned to walk on his own again. According to the authors of the study, this is the first time in history when a patient regained the ability to move without using robotic exoskeletons. A man has learned to control his own movements through electrical signals that the brain sends to the limbs. The results of the experiment are published in the Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation (King et al., The possibility of a brain-computer interface functional electrical stimulation system for the restoration of overground walking after paraplegia, in the public domain), and they are briefly reported by Gizmag (Paralyzed man uses his own brainwaves to walk again – no exoskeleton required).
The study was conducted by scientists at the University of California, Irvine. At the first stage, the patient, who had been paralyzed for five years (due to spinal cord injury), learned to control the avatar in virtual space. At the same time, a special helmet was put on the man, which removed the encephalogram. After that, the subject started physical training to increase muscle strength.
With the help of a system that delivered electrical impulses from his brain to electrodes attached to his knees, he learned to make movements while being raised five centimeters above the floor. On the 20th attempt, the subject was able to put his feet on the ground. At the same time, his body was supported by a special device to prevent a fall. The scientists noted that it took 19 weeks to achieve significant results.
"Even after several years, during which a person remained paralyzed, the brain can again begin generating impulses that make the legs walk. We have shown that it is possible to restore intuitive, brain-controlled movement after complete damage to the musculoskeletal system," said one of the leading researchers.
The scientists noted that it is planned to involve other people suffering from limb paralysis in the experiment, which has so far been conducted with the participation of one subject. The researchers also hope that the effectiveness of the new method will help to increase the implants.
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25.09.2015