Scientists have achieved a remarkable feat by creating a “digital bridge” that has enabled a man paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury to walk again. The innovative system restores communication between the brain and spine, opening up new possibilities for individuals with paralysis.
Dutchman Gert-Jan Oskam, 40, can now stand, walk, navigate ramps, and even climb stairs with the aid of crutches, as reported by the science journal Nature. On certain days, he is able to walk distances of at least 100 meters or more.
Mr. Oskam, who suffered an incomplete spinal cord injury in a biking accident 11 years ago, participated in a clinical trial five years later involving a spinal cord implant. This allowed him to take steps while using a walker, but only on flat surfaces and with difficulty initiating and stopping movement.
The recent study, led by neuroscientist Gregoire Courtine from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, aimed to restore control to Mr. Oskam’s brain. Dr. Courtine explained that despite using the spinal cord implant stimulation for three years, Mr. Oskam’s recovery had reached a plateau, and he became interested in trying the new brain-controlled stimulation.
The breakthrough involved creating a bridge between the brain and spinal cord to regain control over the timing and volume of muscle activity, effectively restoring the ability to stand and walk in people with spinal cord injuries. By decoding the patient’s brain activity and calibrating the brain-spine interface, Mr. Oskam reported a natural-feeling control over movements.
Previous studies showed that stimulating spinal cord nerves could produce limited movement. However, this study marks the first time that a patient’s own brain activity has been used to restore voluntary control of leg movements. The team analyzed Mr. Oskam’s brain activity while he attempted leg movements and identified distinct patterns for hip, knee, and ankle movements. These patterns were then used to reproduce a walking motion through targeted stimulation of muscles involved in weight distribution, propulsion, and leg swinging.
The procedure involved two operations to implant electrodes in both the brain and spinal cord, creating the digital bridge. Artificial intelligence algorithms were used to translate incoming brain signals into appropriate commands for the spinal implant, establishing a direct connection between the brain and spinal cord regions crucial for walking.
Dr. Courtine described the achievement as a “digital repair of the spine,” highlighting the restoration of neurological function that had been lost for many years. This groundbreaking research offers hope for future advancements in treating spinal cord paralysis, similar to the pioneering stage of the Wright brothers and flight. Physiologist V Reggie Edgerton, not involved in the study, hailed the results as encouraging, indicating significant progress in the field.
