Functional restoration after paralyzing spinal cord injury (SCI) has been interpreted as the need to promote long-distance regeneration of severed fibers to their original targets. A radically new and more immediate approach may instead capitalize on the remarkable capacity of the spinal brain to produce highly complex motor patterns, and to reorganize through use-dependent mechanisms. Here, I will introduce a multi-system neuroprosthetic training paradigm that fully exploits this therapeutic concept. This neurorehabilitation program combines an electrochemical neuroprosthesis that transforms the spinal brain from non-functional to highly functional states, and a robotic postural interface that enables overground training under safe conditions. This multifaceted intervention restored cortical control over complex locomotor movements through the extensive remodeling of spared supraspinal and intraspinal pathways in rats with a paralyzing SCI. I will discuss the implication of these findings for the design of strategies to return function in severely paralyzed patients.

参考文献：
van den Brand R et al. (2012) Restoring voluntary control of locomotion after paralyzing spinal cord injury. Science 336: 1182-1185.