A team of researchers from the Swiss research group NeuroRestore identified neurons that may help paralyzed people regain their ability to walk, according to a new study published in the journal Nature.
Many people thought it was impossible, but scientists have finally identified the cells that restore walking ability.
While the study was first published in September, the findings are gaining traction now because the ability to walk again in paralyzed individuals is a game changer.
The authors discussed a neuron that is activated and remodeled by spinal cord stimulation. If the procedure is successful, the paralyzed person will be able to walk again.
Researchers first tested rats to determine the efficacy of the neuron and the effectiveness of the stimulation process in restoring limb abilities. The experiment revealed which nerves needed to be stimulated in order to cure paralysis.
Following the mouse study, researchers recruited nine participants with chronic spinal injuries. They used the same procedure on the nine volunteers, and all of them were able to walk back.
One of the main reasons why a spinal injury causes paralysis in the legs, robbing people of their ability to walk, is that the signals between the spine and the legs are disrupted. When it comes to movement, the nerve cells in the spine are crucial.
While previous research had shown that electrical stimulation of the spine nerves could reverse paralysis, it had not been done properly and no one knew how it worked.
This study’s neuroscientists finally identified the nerve cells that require electrical stimulation and are responsible for restoring limb functions.
A neurotransmitter implanted surgically stimulates a portion of the spinal cord. The nine volunteers who took part in the study were stimulated and treated nearly five times a week for five months. Following rehabilitation, the participants were able to leave their wheelchairs behind.
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