Source: Good News Network
Four people who have been paralyzed from the waist down are achieving what was previously thought to be impossible thanks to a groundbreaking new therapy.
Using a spinal implant, two of the participants living with traumatic, motor complete spinal cord injury are able to walk independently once more while the other two are able to stand and take limited steps.
When the four participants joined the study, they were at least 2.5 years post injury. They were unable to stand, walk or voluntarily move their legs. Eight to nine weeks prior to the implantation of an epidural stimulator, they started training their motor skills by manual facilitating stepping on a treadmill for five days per week, two hours each day.
Although there were no changes to their locomotor abilities prior to the implant, following the epidural stimulation, participants were able to step when the stimulator was on and the individual intended to walk. Two of the participants were even able to achieve walking over ground – in addition to on a treadmill – with assistive devices, such as a walker and horizontal poles for balance while the stimulator was on.
“Being a participant in this study truly changed my life, as it has provided me with a hope that I didn’t think was possible after my car accident,” said participant Kelly Thomas, a 23-year-old from Florida. “The first day I took steps on my own was an emotional milestone in my recovery that I’ll never forget as one minute I was walking with the trainer’s assistance and, while they stopped, I continued walking on my own.
It’s amazing what the human body can accomplish with help from research and technology.”Jeff Marquis, a 35-year-old Wisconsin native who now lives in Louisville, was the first participant in this study to attain bilateral steps.
“The first steps after my mountain biking accident were such a surprise, and I am thrilled to have progressed by continuing to take more steps each day. In addition, my endurance has improved, as I’ve regained strength and the independence to do things I used to…
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