A new therapy has proved ground breaking, helping four paralysed men move their legs. All thanks to epidural electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. This could be a life changing therapy for those living with paralysis.

The study was carried out on four men who all had chronic, motor complete spinal cord injuries and were unable to move their lower body. An epidural stimulator was implanted in their lower back to deliver continuous electrical current to the lower spinal cord, mimicking the brain signals to initiate movement.

Despite previously being told they had no hope with regards to their condition, following implantation and activation of the stimulator participants were able to voluntarily move their lower extremities. One man in particular, Dustin Shillcox, could wiggle his toes and move his feet after just five days.

In addition to movement, the four men also regained bladder and bowel control, sexual function, improved blood pressure and body temperature regulation, and showed an increase in muscle mass.

This revelation has been attributed to the device helping the spinal cord receive simple commands from the brain. The therapy also intensified in combination with rehabilitative therapy, where over the course of the therapy they were able to move with less stimulation. This shows that the device may help to improve the ability of the spinal cord to reengage and improve nerve function over time.

Although this therapy isn’t a cure and by no means developed, it could be a promising step towards in enhancing function and quality of life of those living with paralysis.

Adie Blanchard – Researcher

References

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-04-breakthrough-therapy-paraplegic-men-voluntarily.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26920521