Grant: Project Grant

We are establishing a novel technology to recover movement after spinal cord injury. Unmet need: Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) causes tetraplegia, a paralysis of the four limbs. The number one priority for individuals with SCI is recovery of hand and arm function, which is fundamental for activities of daily living. Most SCI are incomplete, thus some abilities to perform arm or hand movements are preserved. When one can attempt some motor actions such as lifting the arm or grasping objects, rehabilitation can facilitate recovery from paralysis. Unfortunately, recovery is rarely satisfactory and multiple life-long deficits persist. Our solution: Our technology delivers neuromodulation in the form of electrical microstimulation to the brain to reinforce execution and training of voluntary movements. This is done through electrodes implanted in the motor cortex. When the users attempt to perform a movement, for example grasping an object, the electrode micro-stimulates the cortex at the right time and place, increasing motor effort and maximizing movement exactly when needed. Different stimulation programs support generating and training a variety of movements. The implanted prosthesis can be used throughout rehabilitation therapy to produce and maintain effective training. Repeated training fosters neuroplasticity and motor skills are improved. Background validation: We have recently demonstrated functionality of cortical stimulation for leg function and walking in animals. Here, we are extending this set of techniques to tackle the most pressing challenge of reversing hand and arm paralysis. This project: We will establish a neurostimulation technology to reverse hand/arm paralysis. The proposed research project consists in a preclinical validation in rats of this novel intervention. We will shed new light on our understanding of cortical control of movement, before and after SCI. Our results could offer a paradigm shift in the way paralysis is treated.