Spinal cord stimulation and robotics improve rehabilitation outcomes

The system uses an implanted spinal neuroprosthesis that delivers biomimetic electrical epidural stimulation synchronized with robotic movements, encouraging more natural and functional muscle activation. 

• Implanted neuroprosthesis: Delivers biomimetic electrical pulses to spinal cord neurons, mimicking natural motor signals. 

• Robotic devices: Compatible with treadmills, stationary bikes, and exoskeletons used in rehabilitation centers. 

• Real-time feedback: Wireless sensors detect limb movement and adjust stimulation during each phase of motion. 

• Synchronisation framework: Coordinates spatial and temporal stimulation patterns to match robotic-assisted movement. 

“The seamless integration of spinal cord stimulation with rehabilitation or recreational robotics will accelerate the deployment of this therapy into the standard of care and the community of people with spinal cord injury,” says Grégoire Courtine. 

In a proof-of-concept study involving five participants with traumatic spinal cord injuries, the system successfully triggered muscle engagement during therapy. Remarkably, some individuals regained voluntary control of their limbs even without active stimulation. 

The researchers collaborated closely with rehabilitation centers to test the integration of the system into existing workflows: 

“We visited multiple rehabilitation centers to test our stimulation technology with the robotic systems they routinely use, and it was incredibly rewarding to witness their enthusiasm,” say Nicolas Hankov .NeuroRestore researcher and BioRob researcher Miroslav Caban. Participants also demonstrated improvements outside the clinic, walking with rollators or cycling outdoors.  

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)