A significant breakthrough in spinal cord injury recovery has emerged from a recent clinical trial in Seattle, Washington, where participants have experienced remarkable improvements in strength and function after using a novel electrical-stimulation device. The study, conducted by the University of Washington School of Medicine, involved over 60 patients suffering from tetraplegia, a condition characterized by partial or complete loss of function in all four limbs.
The device delivers electrical currents to the spinal cord through skin electrodes, enabling increased stimulation compared to existing treatments. Research led by Professor Chet Moritz revealed that 72% of participants witnessed substantial enhancements in their physical abilities after just two months of treatment.
Among these participants was a 49-year-old Seattle resident who has been living with the aftermath of a spinal cord injury for nearly two decades. Following a diving accident in 2005 that resulted in an incomplete C5-C7 spinal injury, the individual had undergone extensive rehabilitation efforts but reached a plateau in recovery. However, his outlook changed dramatically upon joining the study.
The clinical trial offered new hope as the participant managed to regain control of his right hand and arm after years of limitation. Authorities documented that improvements in blood pressure and other systemic issues were also noted among those involved in the study.
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