1. Walking naturally after spinal cord injury using a brain-spine interface.
- Author
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Lorach H, Galvez A, Spagnolo V, Martel F, Karakas S, Intering N, Vat M, Faivre O, Harte C, Komi S, Ravier J, Collin T, Coquoz L, Sakr I, Baaklini E, Hernandez-Charpak SD, Dumont G, Buschman R, Buse N, Denison T, van Nes I, Asboth L, Watrin A, Struber L, Sauter-Starace F, Langar L, Auboiroux V, Carda S, Chabardes S, Aksenova T, Demesmaeker R, Charvet G, Bloch J, and Courtine G
- Subjects
- Humans, Quadriplegia etiology, Quadriplegia rehabilitation, Quadriplegia therapy, Reproducibility of Results, Leg physiology, Male, Brain physiology, Brain-Computer Interfaces, Electric Stimulation Therapy instrumentation, Electric Stimulation Therapy methods, Spinal Cord physiology, Spinal Cord Injuries complications, Spinal Cord Injuries rehabilitation, Spinal Cord Injuries therapy, Walking physiology, Neurological Rehabilitation instrumentation, Neurological Rehabilitation methods
- 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 signals3 and the analogue modulation of epidural electrical stimulation targeting the spinal cord regions involved in the production of walking4-6 . 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., (© 2023. The Author(s).)- Published
- 2023
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