Spinal stimulation helps four patients with paraplegia regain voluntary movement
In a recent study, funded in part by the National Institutes of Health and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, four individuals with paraplegia were able to move paralyzed muscles as a result of an electrical stimulation therapy to their spinal cords.
The participants, each of whom had been paralyzed for more than two years, were able to voluntarily flex their toes, ankles, and knees while the stimulator was active, and the movements were enhanced over time when combined with physical rehabilitation. Researchers involved in the study say the therapy has the potential to change the prognosis of people with paralysis even years after injury.
Study participant Kent Stephenson voluntarily raises his leg while his spinal stimulator is active. Photo courtesy of the University of Louisville.
Study participant Kent Stephenson does voluntary training while undergoing spinal stimulation. Katelyn Gurley tracks his level of muscle activity and forcé.
Published: Tuesday, April 8, 2014
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Groundbreaking results bring new hope for those with spinal cord injury – NIH study.
