20025-03-13 スイス連邦工科大学ローザンヌ校(EPFL)
Common robotic devices to safely automate and augment gait rehabilitation. © .NeuroRestore/EPFL/CHUV 2025
<関連情報>
- https://actu.epfl.ch/news/robotics-and-spinal-stimulation-restore-movement-i/
- https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.adn5564
脊髄神経調節によるリハビリテーションロボット工学の増強: 概念実証 Augmenting rehabilitation robotics with spinal cord neuromodulation: A proof of concept
Nicolas Hankov, Miroslav Caban, Robin Demesmaeker, Margaux Roulet, […], and Grégoire Courtine
Science Robotics Published:12 Mar 2025
Abstract
Rehabilitation robotics aims to promote activity-dependent reorganization of the nervous system. However, people with paralysis cannot generate sufficient activity during robot-assisted rehabilitation and, consequently, do not benefit from these therapies. Here, we developed an implantable spinal cord neuroprosthesis operating in a closed loop to promote robust activity during walking and cycling assisted by robotic devices. This neuroprosthesis is device agnostic and designed for seamless implementation by nonexpert users. Preliminary evaluations in participants with paralysis showed that the neuroprosthesis enabled well-organized patterns of muscle activity during robot-assisted walking and cycling. A proof-of-concept study suggested that robot-assisted rehabilitation augmented by the neuroprosthesis promoted sustained neurological improvements. Moreover, the neuroprosthesis augmented recreational walking and cycling activities outdoors. Future clinical trials will have to confirm these findings in a broader population.
