Researchers say a paralyzed man regained the ability to walk thanks to AI-driven implants that re-established communication between the brain and spinal cord.
"Now I can do what I want – when I decide to take a step, I just think about it and the stimulation kicks in," said Gert-Jan Oskarm. He added that he now has "freedom that wasn't there before" and that between surgery and treatment, "it's been a long journey to get here".
Oscar, a 40-year-old Dutchman, was paralyzed in a bicycle accident 12 years ago. Due to the damage to the spinal cord in his neck, he lost full function of both legs and part of his arms.
The device that allows him to walk is the result of research by French neuroscientist Grim Courtine (gr<s:1> Goire Courtine), after a decade of research. According to the scientific journal Nature, the study combines cutting-edge technology and intensive training to stimulate the lower part of the spine and help people with spinal cord injuries walk again.
The final jump, designed by the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), involves a new brain-computer interface that doctors can implant into the brain and the base of the spine to create a "digital bridge" that brings the entire program together.
According to France 24 Hours, the interface uses artificial intelligence algorithms to decode brain recordings in real time and allows computers to determine how patients want to move their legs.
After two surgeries, Oscar can now walk and resume activities he once thought were impossible in his situation.
"This simple pleasure represents a major change in my life," Oscar said.
Kurtina said what CEA has achieved is "completely different" from what he could do, saying that whereas in the past patients required a lot of effort, now "one only needs to think about walking to take a step".
CEA researcher Guillaume Shavi told AFP that after six months of training, Oscar appears to be able to regain some of his lost sensory perception and motor skills, even walking on crutches when technology is turned off.
This advance suggests that the technique can "facilitate the reorganization of neural networks at the site of injury," but that "years of research" are needed to fully understand the impact of this technique.