New hope for paraplegia movement

Tuesday November 23rd, 2010

British engineers have helped developed a revolutionary micro-device to help people with paraplegia move their legs, it was announced today.

The ground-breaking design moulds tiny electrodes into a "book" shape to create a device known as the Active Book, able to be implanted into the spinal canal, alongside the spinal cord.

It puts electrodes and a muscle stimulator in a single unit - and is the size of a child's fingernail.

Pilot studies of the device are due to begin next year.

It is hoped the first application will be to develop exercise programmes for people with paraplegia, enabling stimulation and movement of leg muscles.

Researcher Professor Andreas Demosthenous, of University College, London, UK said: "The work has the potential to stimulate more muscle groups than is currently possible with existing technology because a number of these devices can be implanted into the spinal canal.

"Stimulation of more muscle groups means users can perform enough movement to carry out controlled exercise such as cycling or rowing."

To create the device, engineers cut electrodes from platinum foil, folded them into book shape so they can close in around nerve roots and micro-welded them to a water-proofed silicon chip.

The British researchers, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, have been working with the Tyndall Institute, Cork, Ireland, and Freiburg University, Germany, on the project.

UK science minister David Willetts said: "The Active Book is a good example of how UK scientists and engineers are translating research into innovations that deliver real benefits for society.

"This tiny implant has the potential to make a real difference to the lives and long-term health of people with paraplegia in the UK and around the world."

Tags: Brain & Neurology | General Health | Orthopaedics | UK News

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