Breakthrough allows two paralysed people to walk better

Persistent muscle spasms are a common side effect of spinal cord injury. Researchers from EPFL's Neuro X Institute, in collaboration with two universities in Milan, have now developed a breakthrough technique using high-frequency electrical stimulation to help patients overcome debilitating muscle stiffness and significantly improve their ability to walk.

In a study recently published in Science Translational Medicine, a 32-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man with incomplete spinal cord injuries underwent this innovative treatment. The results were remarkable – both patients experienced significant improvements in their ability to walk, offering a glimpse of the potential of this cutting-edge therapy.

Abnormal muscle tightness due to prolonged muscle contraction, known as spasticity, affects nearly 70% of people with spinal cord injuries and often derails rehabilitation efforts. Traditional treatments have shown limited success, but this new dual stimulation method combines high-frequency electrical stimulation with low-frequency therapy during rehabilitation sessions. This approach effectively reduces muscle overactivity, paving the way for better recovery outcomes.

The spinal cord's overreaction to stimuli plays a central role in muscle spasms. Normally, the brain sends inhibitory signals to control reflexes, but spinal cord injuries disrupt this balance, leading to excessive reflex responses. The new high-frequency stimulation method counteracts this imbalance, helping to restore a more natural response system.

While the results are encouraging, the researchers stress the need for further trials to fully understand and expand the potential of the method. Nevertheless, this breakthrough is a hopeful step forward, offering new opportunities for people with severe spinal cord injuries to regain their mobility and independence.