The technology is amazing.from economist:
Fourteen years ago, journalist Melanie Reed fell off her horse and broke her neck. The spinal cord injury left her paralyzed, limiting the function of her four limbs and torso, a condition known as quadriplegia. For more than a decade, she had no feeling or movement in her left hand. Now, however, Ms. Reed can not only move that hand; She also gets to practice “the right to wear her hair in a ponytail,” as she puts it.
Ms. Reed's recovery, while incomplete, was remarkable and required neither surgery nor medication, but exercise and electricity. She is one of 60 patients from three national trial sites receiving a new form of non-invasive spinal cord stimulation called arcEX…
How does the technology work?
The researchers placed two stimulating electrodes on the back of the patient's neck (above and below the injury site) and placed two electrodes on the clavicle or hip bone to close the circuit. A current with a frequency of 30Hz was then applied and the patient reported hearing an internal buzzing sound. They then continued with their existing exercise regimen, completing the task of improving movement and grip strength.
How is the result?An article in natural medicine go through Moritz et al. (2024) The report said:
72% of participants demonstrated improvements greater than the minimum important difference criterion in the strength and function domains. Secondary endpoint analyzes showed significant improvements in fingertip pinch strength, hand grip and strength, upper limb motor and sensory abilities, and self-reported quality of life.
To learn more, read economist article or scientific papers in natural medicine.
