Paralysis: neurons that restore walking have been identified

In an animal model, a study, led by EPFL Lausanne with the participation of MedUni Vienna's Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, has identified a class of neurons that provides the crucial impetus for restoring walking ability after spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis. This study was recently published in the leading journal "Nature". Studies at the Medical University of Vienna are currently investigating whether this type of nerve cell can also be found in the human spinal cord. The first promising pilot results are already available. The research team, led by Grégoire Courtine of EPFL Lausanne and including Karen Minassian of MedUni Vienna's Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, focused on the underlying mechanisms of successful epidural stimulation in severe paralysis. This is the electrical stimulation of the spinal cord via implanted electrodes, which can help paraplegic patients to learn to walk independently once again through intensive training. Using special imaging techniques, the researchers discovered that after the therapy, glucose metabolism and, hence, activity in the lumbar spinal cord - the part of the spinal cord that houses the neuronal networks essential for walking - was drastically reduced, despite increased mobility.