Chinese scientists develop revolutionary implants to restore walking ability in paralysed patients

A groundbreaking implant has been developed by scientists from Fudan University in Shanghai, allowing paralysed individuals to regain control of their leg muscles. By implanting electrodes in both the brain and spinal cord, the researchers have created a "neural bypass" system, a significant breakthrough in brain-spinal cord interface research. This is reported by China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.

This advanced technology enables patients who have suffered spinal cord injuries to stand and walk again. With no current cure for nerve damage, treatments for such patients have been limited. However, this new device could change that.

A 2023 national report highlighted that China has 3.74 million people living with spinal cord injuries, with around 90,000 new cases annually.

China's team has addressed previous challenges by developing a next-generation device that enhances the precision and speed of brain-spinal communication. The device can stimulate spinal cord nerve roots with pinpoint accuracy, activating relevant muscle groups for a more natural walking motion. Furthermore, it adapts to the patient's posture and movements in real time, ensuring smooth and coordinated steps.

Through advanced technologies like infrared motion capture, electromyography, and pressure sensors, the team created a comprehensive dataset of healthy and abnormal walking patterns. This data supports the system’s high-performance tracking and continuous improvement.

By transferring the decoding process from external devices into the body, the new implant enhances signal stability and efficiency, making brain signal decoding and instruction output as fast as those in an able-bodied person.

Photo: iStock