Paraplegic Rob Summers Remobilizes Through Electrical Stimulation
Corinne Guirgis — May 22, 2011 — Tech
References: futurity.org & holykaw.alltop
A new technological development in healing paralysis has just been discovered in the case of 25-year-old paraplegic Rob Summers, a former athlete who has been paralyzed from the neck down since June 2006. Electrical stimulation to his spinal cord has allowed him to stand and move his legs voluntarily.
To date, one of the only proven methods of regaining leg function for paraplegics, stem-cell replacement, is still considered highly experimental in the field; thus, this electrode stimulation apparatus is a massive development.
Scientists are not yet entirely sure exactly how these functions were regained, but they do intend to find out and continue research. According to Fururity, "...the electrical signals provided by the array stimulate the spinal cord’s own neural network so that it can use the sensory input derived from the legs to direct muscle and joint movements."
This scientific development will have significant implications for the medical community, the business world as well as the personal lives of the over 5.6 million Americans who live with some form of paralysis.
To date, one of the only proven methods of regaining leg function for paraplegics, stem-cell replacement, is still considered highly experimental in the field; thus, this electrode stimulation apparatus is a massive development.
Scientists are not yet entirely sure exactly how these functions were regained, but they do intend to find out and continue research. According to Fururity, "...the electrical signals provided by the array stimulate the spinal cord’s own neural network so that it can use the sensory input derived from the legs to direct muscle and joint movements."
This scientific development will have significant implications for the medical community, the business world as well as the personal lives of the over 5.6 million Americans who live with some form of paralysis.
Trend Themes
1. Electrical Stimulation for Paralysis - The development of electrical stimulation for paralysis opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the field of medical technology.
2. Regaining Leg Function for Paraplegics - The discovery of a new method to regain leg function for paraplegics presents disruptive innovation potential in the healthcare industry.
3. Utilizing Spinal Cord's Neural Network - Exploring the use of the spinal cord's own neural network through electrical stimulation offers disruptive innovation possibilities in the field of neuroscience.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Technology - The field of medical technology stands to benefit from the advancements in electrical stimulation for paralysis.
2. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can seize disruptive innovation opportunities by further developing techniques to help paraplegics regain leg function.
3. Neuroscience - The neuroscience industry can explore the potential of utilizing the spinal cord's neural network for therapeutic applications through electrical stimulation.
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