Paralyzed people will be able to return to a full life
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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In the near future, paralysis will not be considered an incurable disease, and paralyzed people will again be able to become full members of society. Scientists do not stop research in this area, experts have already developed and continue to improve exoskeletons (the so-called "external skeletons"), which were originally developed for the military in order to increase strength, but eventually found their application in medicine, helping people with various disorders of support - motor apparatus (trauma, old age) to start moving again.
Recently, at the World Cup 2014 in Brazil, there was a landmark not only for medicine, but also for the robotic event. The first symbolic blow to the ball was made by a man with paralysis of the lower extremities. The 29-year-old Giuliano Pinto, dressed in an exoskeleton, was able to accomplish with his own thought what was recently considered almost impossible. The development of this robokostyuma was conducted for several years and more than 150 researchers from all over the world worked on it.
A few days after this significant event for science, information was received that a man with paralyzed hands again had the opportunity to move his limbs. Accepted in the experiment, Ian Burkhar, who a few years ago after injury to the cervical vertebrae received paralysis of the upper extremities, tested the virtual spinal cord. According to experts, Yan's candidacy was ideal for this bold scientific project, given the young age (23 years) and the peculiarities of his trauma.
In early April 2014, doctors made a small hole in the skull of Jan and implanted a specially designed chip into the brain. This operation was called "The technology of creating a neuromus" and allowed Jan to impulse impulses on the electrodes, which led to a reduction in weakened muscles on his hands.
In total, there are 96 electrodes, which allow you to read signals sent by means of a chip, more accurately. In addition, the electrodes help control a lot of muscles in the hands.
First of all, it took Jan some time, in order to learn the power of thought to control the computer's cursor, his tasks became more complicated with time. As doctors noted, even if Jan managed to move only one finger - it was possible to consider the experiment as a success, but as a result, Ian did much more - he could raise a spoon with a paralyzed hand, using the power of his own thought.
As a result, the experiment was successful, the technology showed itself in action and the specialists were satisfied with the result. This research project shows what a great step forward humanity has made. Such technologies will allow in the future to eliminate the consequences of injuries or diseases that have caused paralysis. It is worth noting that such significant results in this area are achieved thanks to bold decisions and extraordinary technologies.
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