A CYCLIST paralysed in an accident 12 years ago can stand and walk again after a technological breakthrough.
Scientists created a “digital bridge” to restore the link lost between his brain and spinal cord.
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It has allowed Gert-Jan Oskam to regain control over the movement of his legs — enabling him to stand, walk and even climb stairs.
He has even been able to show motor skills when the digital bridge was turned off — suggesting that “new nerve connections have developed”.
Gert-Jan, 40, underwent surgery twice to implant electrodes in the brain and the spinal cord.
Together with a headset and computerised backpack, the technology uses artificial intelligence to convert movement thoughts into actions — establishing a direct link between the brain and spinal cord areas involved in walking.
Dutch engineer Gert-Jan said that, after intensive training, he is now able to walk at least 100 metres with a walker or crutches on a good day.
He said: “For the first time after more than ten years I was able to stand up and have a beer with some of my friends, so that was pretty cool.”
His life has been transformed by neuroscientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne.
He was unable to take a single step after suffering his severe spinal cord injury in 2011 in China — where he was living and working.
Professor Gregoire Courtine declared: “For the first time this digital bridge bypasses an injury, restoring the communication between two regions of the central nervous system that are disconnected.
“We observed a digital repair of the spine.”
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