Augmenting rehabilitation robotics with spinal cord neuromodulation: A proof of concept
Rehabilitation robotics aims to promote activity-dependent reorganization of the nervous system. However, people with paralysis cannot generate sufficient activity during robot-assisted rehabilitation and, consequently, do not benefit from these therapies. Here, we developed an implantable spinal cord neuroprosthesis operating in a closed loop to promote robust activity during walking and cycling assisted by robotic devices. This neuroprosthesis is device agnostic and designed for seamless implementation by nonexpert users. Preliminary evaluations in participants with paralysis showed that the neuroprosthesis enabled well-organized patterns of muscle activity during robot-assisted walking and cycling. A proof-of-concept study suggested that robot-assisted rehabilitation augmented by the neuroprosthesis promoted sustained neurological improvements. Moreover, the neuroprosthesis augmented recreational walking and cycling activities outdoors. Future clinical trials will have to confirm these findings in a broader population.
WOS:001442398000002
40073082
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
University of Zurich
VAMED Management & Serv Switzerland AG
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Hocoma AG
2025-03-12
10
100
eadn5564
REVIEWED
EPFL
| Funder | Funding(s) | Grant Number | Grant URL |
Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) | 51NF40_185543 | ||
Wings for Life | |||
Defitech Foundation | |||
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