Wearable non-invasive neuroprosthesis for targeted sensory restoration in neuropathy

Noemi Gozzi, Lauren Chee, Ingrid Odermatt, Sanne Kikkert, Greta Preatoni, Giacomo Valle, Nikolai Pfender, Felix Beuschlein, Nicole Wenderoth, Carl Zipser and Stanisa Raspopovic ()
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Noemi Gozzi: ETH Zurich
Lauren Chee: ETH Zurich
Ingrid Odermatt: ETH Zurich
Sanne Kikkert: ETH Zurich
Greta Preatoni: ETH Zurich
Giacomo Valle: ETH Zurich
Nikolai Pfender: Balgrist University Hospital
Felix Beuschlein: University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH)
Nicole Wenderoth: ETH Zurich
Carl Zipser: Balgrist University Hospital
Stanisa Raspopovic: ETH Zurich

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: Abstract Peripheral neuropathy (PN), the most common complication of diabetes, leads to sensory loss and associated health issues as pain and increased fall risk. However, present treatments do not counteract sensory loss, but only partially manage its consequences. Electrical neural stimulation holds promise to restore sensations, but its efficacy and benefits in PN damaged nerves are yet unknown. We designed a wearable sensory neuroprosthesis (NeuroStep) providing targeted neurostimulation of the undamaged nerve portion and assessed its functionality in 14 PN participants. Our system partially restored lost sensations in all participants through a purposely calibrated neurostimulation, despite PN nerves being less sensitive than healthy nerves (N = 22). Participants improved cadence and functional gait and reported a decrease of neuropathic pain after one day. Restored sensations activated cortical patterns resembling naturally located foot sensations. NeuroStep restores real-time intuitive sensations in PN participants, holding potential to enhance functional and health outcomes while advancing effective non-invasive neuromodulation.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55152-7

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