Robot outfits help paralyzed people move

28-year-old Thibault, falling from a height of 12m, suffered a spinal cord rupture, paralysis from the shoulder to only a slight movement in the upper arm, left wrist.

Luckily, he still can control a wheelchair. Two years ago, he was invited to try out a robot outfit that could help him move. He implants a tracking device between the brain and the skin on one side of the head to affect the motor cortex - the area that controls motor and sensory function.

Thibault in a robotic outfit.(Photo: NBC News).

During this time, Thibault taught the algorithm to understand his thinking by controlling a virtual character to move around and touch 2D and 3D objects on the computer. Thanks to this, the robotic outfit - with its movable frame attached to the ceiling - can help him to walk, using his arms in simple daily activities.

Combining the use of simulation characters, video and skeletons, Thibault has moved a total of 480 steps (about 145 m)."Although I have not been able to travel long distances with this outfit, I was able to walk by myself whenever I wanted and stopped when needed , " Thibault said.

Professor Stephan Chabardes, a neurosurgeon at Grenoblem University Hospital, said the study author: "It is possible that in the future wheelchairs will be controlled by the patient's brain signals, instead of using their hands to control. as it is now ".

This technology is still being tested, with the potential to significantly improve the lives of patients with paralysis when officially put into use.

The movable frame mounted on the ceiling supports Thibault's body.(Photo: CNN).

The team invited three more patients to test the costume. They are continuing further research, seeking to remove the moving frame system mounted on the ceiling to make it more convenient for patients.

The research results are a collaboration between Grenoble University, the Center for Clinical Biomedical Research and the Center for CEA Research, published in the October 4 issue of Lancet Neurology .

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