Recent technological advancements have shown promise for individuals living with paralysis due to spinal cord injuries, potentially offering significant improvements in quality of life. Amidst the various devices and treatments under development, an external stimulator capable of delivering electrical pulses to the spine stands out. This non-invasive technology aims to enhance hand and arm function, providing crucial gains for those affected.
While previous studies have made headlines by focusing on enabling paralyzed individuals to walk, this less glamourous yet equally important technology has garnered less media attention. The modest improvements observed in typing speed and the newfound ability to perform simple tasks such as using scissors or releasing a seatbelt may seem minor to some but represent substantial progress for those with limited upper-body function.
Kim Anderson-Erisman, a paralyzed researcher at Case Western Reserve University, highlighted the priorities of those with spinal cord injuries through a survey of over 600 individuals.
Source: MIT Technology Review