In 2011, a motorbike accident left Gert-Jan Oskam paralyzed from the hips down.
Since then he has explored multiple interventions to get him to walk again. Finally, a breakthrough treatment that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) to connect his thoughts and intentions to his muscle movement yields positive results.
“For 12 years I’ve been trying to get back my feet,” said Oskam at a press briefing. “Now I have learned how to walk normal, natural.”
Just a year after being introduced to these AI devices, Oskam is showing signs of remarkable neurological recovery. A combination of devices creates a bridge between Oskam’s brain and his spinal cord – so much so that he is able to walk using crutches even when the devices are switched off.
When turned on he is able to stand, walk and go up a steep ramp with the assistance of a walker.
“We’ve captured the thoughts of Gert-Jan, and translated these thoughts into a stimulation of the spinal cord to re-establish voluntary movement,” said Grégoire Courtine, a spinal cord specialist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne. Courtine led the research group that created these devices.
ALSO SEE:
Celine Dion shares news about diagnosis of rare neurological disorder
Feature image: Pexels
