Implantable neuroprosthesis aids spinal cord recovery, study finds

NICOLAS HANKOV

By Olivia Bowthorpe

Scientists have created an implantable spinal cord neuroprosthesis that they have suggested can aid robot-assisted rehabilitation for patients with spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to neurological recovery.

The neuroprosthesis links epidural electrical stimulation (EES) of the spinal cord with robotic devices used in rehabilitation centres. Combining robotics and EES could play a vital role in enhancing neurological recovery in chronic SCI patients, believe Dr Nicolas Hankov, field clinical research engineer at Lausanne University, Switzerland, and colleagues.¹