For many years, scientists have dreamed of reversing the decline in the quality of life for spinal cord paralyzed patients by electrically stimulating the spinal cord below the damaged area. In recent years, this dream has become a reality, thanks to high-tech spinal cord stimulators originally developed to alleviate patients’ pain. By precisely stimulating the spinal cord, it has become possible for a limited number of spinal cord paralysis patients to stand up, take steps, and even climb stairs without the assistance of another person.

It is known that the nerve cells responsible for walking are located in the lower back region of the spinal cord. Different networks of these cells regulate the complex and coordinated muscle movements required for walking. When the spinal cord is injured, signals from the brain to this region are interrupted, preventing patients from walking even if the nerve cells in the area remain intact.

In recent years, it has been understood that these “”locomotor”” nerve cells are essential for enabling functional movements through electrical stimulation, even if the damaged section of the spinal cord does not heal.