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PARALYZED RATS WALK AGAIN USING NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM

Predictive Algorithm Permits More Fluid Movement in Paralyzed Rats

In a paper recently published in Science Translational Medicine, researchers at the École Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland described their work using electronics to restore fluid, natural movement to paralyzed rats. The study is connected to a wider scientific push to help paralyzed people walk again by stimulating their spinal cords with electrical pulses. These signals replace commands the brain normally sends out, but get interrupted when the spinal cord is damaged.

The team at EPFL, which is brilliantly fronted by neuroscientist Grégoire Courtine (see video below), used epidural stimulation to allow paralyzed rats move again. They filmed the rats walking on treadmills and then used their observations to create a predictive algorithm that stimulates a more natural walking cadence in the rats. The closed-loop system sent signals to the spinal cord below the area of the injury to control the type and rate of progress. The rats were able to take 1,000 steps and even climb miniature stairs. It has been found that similar systems do restore some movement to paralyzed parts of the body. The Swiss team’s system is targeted at providing more natural movement to humans who have suffered severe spinal injuries, there are 12,000 new cases of this type of injury each year in the US alone.

From Rats to Humans:Project NEUWALK closer to clinical trends

Details

  • Switzerland
  • École Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne (EPFL),