A research team from the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa, Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and the Politecnico University of Lausanne (Epfl) has developed an innovative neurostimulation technique that has enabled two paraplegics to walk. 

As reflected in study results published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the technique involves implanting a spinal cord neurostimulator designed with the dual ability to stimulate motor function and reduce muscle spasticity. “Both patients demonstrated improvements in motor skills over the course of rehabilitation,” the study reads.