Neurostim Device Helps Man with Parkinson’s to Walk

Image credit: CHUV/Gilles Weber

An experimental neurostimulation device has helped to notably improve the mobility of a man with advanced Parkinson’s disease.

Developed by researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), the implantable technology has reportedly enabled 62-year-old, Marc Gauthier to regain the ability to walk fluidly and without falling, which he had long been unable to accomplish due to his 30-year condition.

The effects of the device for Mr Gauthier have been sustained over two years.

How does it work?

With the neuroprosthesis implanted in the lower back over the lumbosacral spinal cord, electrical stimulation is then used to activate the major nerves running between the spinal cord and the leg muscles, corresponding to the timing of when motor neurons are activated while walking.

For this study, researchers first used wearable sensors to collect data on their participant’s walking deficits, such as weak knee extension or issues with particular muscles, enabling them to adapt the device accordingly.

With findings published this month in Nature Medicine, researchers were optimistic but cautioned much larger studies would be required before such a treatment could accessed by patients more widely in future.

“There are no therapies to address the severe gait problems that occur at a later stage of Parkinson’s, so it’s impressive to see him [the study participant] walking,” said EPFL neurosurgeon and study lead author, Dr Jocelyne Bloch in an interview with Nature.

“I really believe that these results open realistic perspectives to develop a treatment that alleviates gait deficits due to Parkinson’s disease.”

Refer to the full article via Nature Medicine, watch the video below or check out this story via Nature for further details.