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Walking naturally after spinal cord injury using a brain-spine interface

Authors :
Lorach, Henri
Galvez, Andrea
Spagnolo, Valeria
Martel, Felix
Karakas, Serpil
Intering, Nadine
Vat, Molywan
Faivre, Olivier
Harte, Cathal
Komi, Salif
Ravier, Jimmy
Collin, Thibault
Coquoz, Laure
Sakr, Icare
Baaklini, Edeny
Hernandez-Charpak, Sergio Daniel
Dumont, Gregory
Buschman, Rik
Buse, Nicholas
Denison, Tim
van Nes, Ilse
Asboth, Leonie
Watrin, Anne
Struber, Lucas
Sauter-Starace, Fabien
Langar, Lilia
Auboiroux, Vincent
Carda, Stefano
Chabardes, Stephan
Aksenova, Tetiana
Demesmaeker, Robin
Charvet, Guillaume
Bloch, Jocelyne
Courtine, Gregoire
Publisher :
NATURE PORTFOLIO

Abstract

A spinal cord injury interrupts the communication between the brain and the region of the spinal cord that produces walking, leading to paralysis(1,2). Here, we restored this communication with a digital bridge between the brain and spinal cord that enabled an individual with chronic tetraplegia to stand and walk naturally in community settings. This brain-spine interface (BSI) consists of fully implanted recording and stimulation systems that establish a direct link between cortical signals(3) and the analogue modulation of epidural electrical stimulation targeting the spinal cord regions involved in the production of walking(4-6). A highly reliable BSI is calibrated within a few minutes. This reliability has remained stable over one year, including during independent use at home. The participant reports that the BSI enables natural control over the movements of his legs to stand, walk, climb stairs and even traverse complex terrains. Moreover, neurorehabilitation supported by the BSI improved neurological recovery. The participant regained the ability to walk with crutches overground even when the BSI was switched off. This digital bridge establishes a framework to restore natural control of movement after paralysis.

Details

Database :
OpenAIRE
Accession number :
edsair.od.......185..3eee7ebe3d92fa5faf2c2427ef4650b2