August 12, 2016.
Virtual reality could be a major ally for the rehabilitation of paraplegics. An American study has just provided proof of the good results that it is possible to obtain thanks to the connection of the brain to the machine, by giving seven paraplegics physical sensations and partial use of their legs.
Virtual reality to re-educate the paralyzed
Paraplegics, immobilized in their lower body for years, have regained sensations and partial use of their legs. This scientific miracle took place in Brazil, where American researchers used virtual reality to help in the rehabilitation of these paralyzed.
To achieve this result, Dr. Miguel Nicolelis, a neuroscientist at American Duke University in North Carolina, used a brain-machine interface. As indicated by his name, this device allows the brain to be connected to a machine, without the use of electrodes, electronic chips or even a simulator.
Exceptional results in patients who have been paralyzed for years
It’s all about virtual reality, and the eight participants in this study were asked to imagine themselves walking. The imagination of this action allowed them to advance a virtual avatar and thus “reactivate” the idea of walking in the brain of the paralyzed person.. Physical rehabilitation then put this idea into action and the researchers observed that certain nerves which had not been damaged as a result of the accident which had led the patient to become paraplegic, began to function again.
At the end of twenty months of study, seven of the eight participants regained physical sensations. They are now called partial paraplegics by doctors. Spectacular results were particularly observed in two women, each paralyzed for more than 10 years. One can now sit and drive, while the other has felt the pains of contractions during childbirth.
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