AssetID: 54601460
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Swiss Scientists Develop Robotic Method To Help Paralysed Walk Again
Caption: Swiss scientists have developed a pioneering system that combines spinal cord stimulation with rehabilitation robotics, offering new hope for people living with spinal cord injuries. A team at .NeuroRestore, led by Grégoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch, has created a device that delivers precise electrical pulses to stimulate muscles in coordination with robotic-assisted movements. This approach not only improves immediate mobility but also promotes long-term recovery. While rehabilitation robotics—machines that guide movement during therapy—have improved physical training for those with spinal cord injuries, their effectiveness remains limited without active muscle engagement. The new technology addresses this limitation by synchronising spinal cord stimulation with the mechanical movement of robotic devices. “The seamless integration of spinal cord stimulation with rehabilitation or recreational robotics will accelerate the deployment of this therapy into the standard of care and the community of people with spinal cord injury,” said Professor Courtine. The development was made possible by collaborating with Professor Auke Ijspeert’s lab at EPFL, which specialises in robotic systems. The new device adapts to various rehabilitation environments, allowing healthcare professionals to incorporate it into existing therapy protocols worldwide. The system relies on a fully implanted spinal cord stimulator delivering biomimetic electrical epidural stimulation—a method that mimics natural nerve signals to activate motor neurons more effectively than traditional electrical stimulation. The researchers integrated their technology with a range of robotic rehabilitation devices, including treadmills, exoskeletons, and stationary bikes. Wireless sensors track limb motion and automatically adjust stimulation in real-time, creating a seamless user experience. A proof-of-concept study involving five participants with spinal cord injuries showed promising results. Combining electrical stimulation with robotic therapy led to immediate and sustained muscle activation. Some participants even improved their voluntary movements after the stimulation was switched off. The research team also tested the system in multiple rehabilitation centres. “We visited several centres to test our stimulation technology with their robotic systems, and it was incredibly rewarding to witness their enthusiasm,” said Nicolas Hankov and Miroslav Caban, the study’s first authors. “Seeing firsthand how seamlessly our approach integrates with existing rehabilitation protocols reinforces its potential to transform care for people with spinal cord injury.” Beyond clinical settings, participants used the system to walk with a rollator and cycle outdoors, further demonstrating its practical impact. This breakthrough technology offers a more dynamic and engaging approach to rehabilitation, with the potential to significantly improve recovery outcomes. While further clinical trials are required to confirm long-term benefits, the findings suggest that integrating neuroprosthetics with robotics could transform mobility restoration for those living with paralysis.
Keywords: robotics,stimulation,feature,video,photo,epfl,technology,disability
PersonInImage: