Many people believed that this was impossible, but researchers have now identified the cells that can restore walking capacity.
Although the study was first published in September, the results are now receiving more attention since paralysed people being able to walk again is a significant game-changer.
The authors have talked about how spinal cord stimulation can activate and modify neurons. If the procedure is successful, the paralysed person will be able to walk once more.
Researchers conducted their initial tests on rats to determine the usefulness of the neuron and the stimulation method in regaining the use of the limbs. Scientists learned from the experiment which nerves needed to be activated to treat paralysis.
Researchers enlisted nine individuals with chronic spinal injuries after their work on mice. The nine participants underwent the identical process, and all of them were given the freedom to walk back.
The fact that the signals between the spine and the legs are disrupted is one of the key reasons why a spinal injury results in paralysis in the legs and takes away people’s ability to walk. When it comes to movement, the spine’s nerve cells are essential. While earlier research had suggested that electrical stimulation of the spine’s nerves could restore paralysis, the procedure had not previously been carried out correctly, and its mechanism of action was unknown.
The precise nerve cells that require electrical stimulation and are in charge of recovering limb functions have been pinpointed by the neuroscientists who conducted this investigation.
A section of the spinal cord is stimulated by a neurotransmitter that was surgically implanted. The nine study participants had stimulation and therapy roughly five times each week for five months.
After recovery, the individuals were able to leave their wheelchairs.