a paralysed man has successfully regained the ability to walk smoothly using only his thoughts for the first time. This groundbreaking achievement was made possible through the use of two implants that restored communication between the brain and spinal cord.
Gert-Jan Oskam, who had been paralysed in his legs for more than a decade following a spinal cord injury from a bicycle accident, has described the breakthrough as providing him with a newfound freedom. The implants, including a brain-computer interface and a spinal cord implant, have enabled him to walk naturally, navigate challenging terrain, and even climb stairs.
The brain-computer interface, implanted above the part of the brain responsible for controlling leg movement, utilizes algorithms based on artificial intelligence to decode brain recordings in real time. This allows the interface to understand the patient’s intentions for movement and transmit the data to the spinal cord implant, which then stimulates leg muscles accordingly.
The collaborative efforts of researchers in France and Switzerland have resulted in what they refer to as a “digital bridge,” which effectively bridges the gap between the spinal cord and brain that was created by Mr Oskam’s injury. This innovative technology has not only enabled him to walk with ease but has also restored sensory perception and motor skills that were lost in the accident.
While it may take many more years of research before this technology can be made widely available to paralyzed individuals globally, the team is already preparing for further studies to explore its application in restoring function in arms and hands, as well as potentially addressing paralysis caused by stroke.
