Losing the ability to move changes far more than the body. For many people with spinal cord injuries, the most difficult part is knowing that the mind is still trying to move, even when the body no longer responds. New research suggests those attempts may still be readable.
A study reported by the American Institute of Physics explores whether brain activity could be used to reconnect intention and movement in people with paralysis.
When the brain keeps sending signals
In spinal cord injuries, movement is often lost because signals from the brain cannot pass the damaged section of the spine.
The brain itself, however, often continues to produce the same activity linked to movement.
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Researchers from universities in Italy and Switzerland investigated whether electroencephalography, known as EEG, could detect these signals when patients attempted to move paralyzed legs.
EEG records electrical brain activity using sensors placed on the scalp, avoiding surgery.
A noninvasive approach
Earlier research has relied heavily on implanted electrodes placed directly in the brain. While effective, those systems involve surgical risks.
The new study focused on whether an external EEG cap could provide enough information to work with spinal stimulators that activate nerves below the injury.
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The results showed that EEG could reliably detect when a patient was trying to move, even if the body could not respond.
Limits and next steps
The system struggled to identify specific movements, such as different leg actions. Signals for lower-limb movement originate deeper in the brain and are harder to detect. Machine learning helped improve accuracy, but fine control remains a challenge.
The researchers describe the work as an early step. With further refinement, they believe brain signals could eventually be translated into meaningful movement without invasive procedures.
Sources: ScienceDaily and AIP
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