A recent study, revealed in Nature Medicine on Monday, documents considerable advancements in spinal cord injury treatment through non-invasive electrical stimulation. The research was conducted across 14 renowned spinal cord injury centers located in the United States, Europe, and Canada, involving a group of 65 participants. These individuals underwent a treatment using ONWARD Medical’s ARC-EX system, exhibiting significant improvements in hand and arm function, which is a pivotal development for those suffering from such injuries.
The trial showcased that improvements are attainable even for injuries sustained up to 34 years prior. Moreover, the outcomes of the study exceeded initial expectations, displaying a response rate surpassing 50%, and infusing new hope into the spinal cord injury (SCI) community for potential recuperation. Lead author Chet Moritz, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Washington, indicated that post two months of therapy, over half of the paralyzed participants regained sufficient strength to perform actions like lifting a cup, using a fork, or inserting a key—activities that may contribute to heightened independence.
Further gains from the ARC-EX Therapy included decreased muscle spasms, enhanced sleep quality, and an improved sense of touch in the upper limbs. A remarkable 87% of the study’s participants reported an enhancement in their overall quality of life following the treatment. This innovation marks a significant stride for individuals with tetraplegia, who prioritize regaining arm and hand function for daily activities.
Source: Fox News