Brain-controlled modulation of spinal circuits improves recovery from spinal cord injury

Marco Bonizzato, Galyna Pidpruzhnykova, Jack DiGiovanna, Polina Shkorbatova, Natalia Pavlova, Silvestro Micera and Grégoire Courtine ()
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Marco Bonizzato: School of Bioengineering, EPFL
Galyna Pidpruzhnykova: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL)
Jack DiGiovanna: School of Bioengineering, EPFL
Polina Shkorbatova: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL)
Natalia Pavlova: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL)
Silvestro Micera: School of Bioengineering, EPFL
Grégoire Courtine: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL)

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract The delivery of brain-controlled neuromodulation therapies during motor rehabilitation may augment recovery from neurological disorders. To test this hypothesis, we conceived a brain-controlled neuromodulation therapy that combines the technical and practical features necessary to be deployed daily during gait rehabilitation. Rats received a severe spinal cord contusion that led to leg paralysis. We engineered a proportional brain–spine interface whereby cortical ensemble activity constantly determines the amplitude of spinal cord stimulation protocols promoting leg flexion during swing. After minimal calibration time and without prior training, this neural bypass enables paralyzed rats to walk overground and adjust foot clearance in order to climb a staircase. Compared to continuous spinal cord stimulation, brain-controlled stimulation accelerates and enhances the long-term recovery of locomotion. These results demonstrate the relevance of brain-controlled neuromodulation therapies to augment recovery from motor disorders, establishing important proofs-of-concept that warrant clinical studies.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05282-6

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