Technology is truly remarkable, as illustrated by a groundbreaking development featured in The Economist:
Fourteen years ago, journalist Melanie Reid suffered a devastating spinal cord injury from a fall off a horse, rendering her paralyzed with tetraplegia. However, through a revolutionary non-invasive spinal cord stimulation called arcEX, Reid experienced a remarkable improvement in her condition. This innovative treatment involved strategically placed electrodes and a unique exercise regimen, resulting in newfound movement and functionality for Reid’s previously paralyzed hand.
So, how does this groundbreaking technology actually work?
Researchers administered a current through stimulating electrodes placed at specific points on the patient’s neck and collarbone/hipbone, creating a closed circuit. This current, delivered at a frequency of 30Hz, facilitated movement and grip strength enhancement when combined with targeted exercises.
So, what were the outcomes of this remarkable intervention? An article by Moritz et al. (2024) in Nature Medicine detailed the significant improvements observed:
Results indicated that 72% of participants experienced meaningful enhancements in strength and functional abilities, with notable improvements in hand functionality, motor skills, sensory abilities, and overall quality of life.
To delve deeper into this groundbreaking advancement, delve into the full articles from The Economist and Nature Medicine.
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