Scientists have developed an approach that combines rehabilitation robotics with spinal cord stimulation to restore movement in people with spinal cord injuries. The technology enhances rehabilitation and enables activities like cycling and walking outdoors. The integration of spinal cord stimulation with robotic devices ensures that stimulation is precisely timed with each phase of movement, allowing for a seamless user experience. In a proof-of-concept study involving five individuals with spinal cord injuries, the combination of robotics and spinal cord stimulation resulted in immediate and sustained muscle activation. Not only did participants regain the ability to engage muscles during robotic-assisted therapy, but some also improved their voluntary movements even after the stimulation was turned off.
