Restore legs for paralyzed people

Scientists have developed a form of electronic implant that allows paralyzed people to control their feet.

One patient is fitted with ActiGait - (Photo: jobwerx.com)

A surgical team in the UK has applied new technology to four paralyzed patients, restoring their ability to walk, according to the Daily Express.

The device is called ActiGait , designed for people with stroke or brain damage.

In one case, a patient who received an ActiGait transplant in July recovered and participated in a relay event at the London Olympics.

The girl, in her 20s, was injured in a traffic accident and lost her ability to walk. It is a miracle to see such patients walking almost normal, said Dr. Michael Jauch, who is in charge of the therapy program.

Patients with stroke and other brain injuries may not be able to walk because nerve signals are no longer transmitted to their feet.

By implanting an electronic stimulation device in the thigh, the signal to the thigh will be forwarded to the calf and foot.

Earlier, a small computer on the waist would send radio signals through an external antenna to the stimulus.