Article

Half of human spinal cord injuries lead to chronic paralysis. Here, we introduce
an electrochemical neuroprosthesis and a robotic postural interface designed to
encourage supraspinally mediated movements in rats with paralyzing lesions.
Despite the interruption of direct supraspinal pathways, the cortex regained the
capacity to transform contextual information into task-specific commands to
execute refined locomotion. This recovery relied on the extensive remodeling of
cortical projections, including the formation of brainstem and intraspinal relays
that restored qualitative control over electrochemically enabled lumbosacral
circuitries. Automated treadmill-restricted training, which did not engage
cortical neurons, failed to promote translesional plasticity and recovery. By
encouraging active participation under functional states, our training paradigm
triggered a cortex-dependent recovery that may improve function after similar
injuries in humans.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI