Breakthrough Device Restores Partial Arm, Hand Function for Paraplegics

A new non-invasive device has enabled over 40 people suffering from paralysis below the neck to regain partial control of their arms and hands, France 24 reported yesterday.

The results of this large clinical trial, published in the journal Nature Medicine, offer hope for those with spinal cord injuries.

The device, created by Swiss medical technology firm Onward, works by delivering electrical stimulation through electrodes placed on the skin near the site of spinal cord damage. After two months of therapy, 43 out of 60 trial participants experienced a significant improvement in strength and motor function in their upper limbs.

“I think it could be life-changing for the majority of people with spinal cord injury,” said lead author Dr. Chet Moritz, a US neuroscientist. Unlike previous solutions requiring invasive surgery, this simpler approach aims to be more accessible.

Participant Melanie Reid, a British journalist paralyzed 15 years ago, emphasized the importance of hand function, stating, “What matters most is working hands.” Another participant, Sherown Campbell, reported improvements in daily tasks like typing and cooking.

Researchers are now seeking regulatory approval, with hopes the device could reach the market by the end of 2024, offering a promising new avenue for restoring independence for those living with paralysis.