Scientists at .Neurorestore (EPFL/CHUV/UNIL) 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 discovery that an unexpected brain region is crucial for walking recovery in mice with spinal cord injuries has led a deep brain stimulation therapy in humans. The approach restored enough leg control in two individuals with partial spinal injuries to walk unaided and even climb stairs.

Mapping the biology of spinal cord injury in unprecedented detail

Combining advanced molecular mapping technologies and AI, researchers have published an open-source ‘atlas’ in Nature, providing a comprehensive understanding of spinal cord injury biology and paving the way for new therapies.

Trial Shows Treatment Restores Motor Functions in Tetraplegia

New study led by EPFL Spin-off ONWARD demonstrates the efficacy and safety of their neuroprosthesis to improve arm and hand functions in people with tetraplegia.

Neuroscientists and neurosurgeons at the EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Inserm and the University of Bordeaux have designed a neuroprosthetic intended to correct walking disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease. In a study published in Nature Medicine, the scientists set out in detail the process of developing the neuroprosthetic that has allowed a first patient with Parkinson’s to be treated, enabling him to walk comfortably, confidently and without falling.

A complete spinal cord injury leads to irreversible paralysis. Scientists at .NeuroRestore report in Science that they have developed a gene therapy that was proven in mice to stimulate nerve regrowth across such injuries and guide nerves to reconnect to their natural targets below the injuries in order to restore motor function.

Neuroscientists and neurosurgeons from EPFL/CHUV/UNIL and CEA/CHUGA/UGA report in the journal Nature that they have re-established the communication between the brain and spinal cord with a wireless digital bridge, allowing a paralyzed person to walk again naturally.

A new study by scientists at the .NeuroRestore research center hasidentified the type of neuron that is activated and remodeled by spinalcord stimulation, allowing patients to stand up, walk and rebuild theirmuscles – thus improving their quality of life. This discovery, made innine patients, marks a fundamental, clinical breakthrough. The study waspublished today in Nature.

Most patients with advanced Parkinson's disease develop disturbances of gait and balance, which severely affect their everyday mobility, independence, and quality of life. Using a last generation deep brain stimulation implant able to simultaneously stimulate and record the brain, we identified the neural activity patterns that correlate with normal and pathological gait. These results open new avenues for the development of adaptive neuromodulation therapies that can target gait deficits and prevent falls in real-time.