Implant Stimulates Motion

When electric signals activate a paralysed person's muscles, customized impulses from a small generator control the motion.

1 Implant with 16 electrodes is placed

the part of the spinal cord that controls the lower body. Electrodes stimulate nerves linked with different muscles. Electrode No. 5 often affects the hip muscles, and No. 10 the lower leg muscles.

2 An implanted generator sends

electricity and signals to the electrodes. Depending on the reaction of the patient's body, scientists can adjust the impulses.

3 Scientists measure the muscles' reactions to the electric stimulation

with electrodes, enabling them to customise the exercise based on the signals' effect on the paralysed person's motions.