In a medical breakthrough, a 40-year-old man who was paralyzed in a cycling accident 12 years ago can walk again due to implants in his brain and spinal cord.
The brain-spine interface (BSI) has remained stable for a year, allowing Gert-Jan Oskam to regain mobility and perform physical activities such as standing, walking, climbing stairs, and traversing complex terrains with ease. According to a study published recently in the prestigious Nature Journal, Oskam even regains some control over his legs when the BSI is turned off.
Oskam never gave up on his dream of walking again, and he participated in the latest study with a digital bridge. He participated in 40 neurorehabilitation sessions to restore communication between his brain and spinal cord. He can now walk up to 100 meters or more, depending on the day.
The implant technology developed by neuroscientist Grégoire Courtine and his team at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology has already proven that it can stimulate the lower spine to help people with spinal cord injuries walk. In this latest study, they have been able to create a digital interface to spur recovery in mobility.
Oskam was involved in the accident in China, and although he was hopeful of getting help after he returned to the Netherlands, the technology available at the time wasn’t advanced enough. Oskam previously participated in a Grégoire Courtine trial and made significant improvements, but these improvements plateaued after three years. Thanks to the new technology, Oskam has regained mobility and is enjoying his life to the fullest.