LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A life-changing therapy at the University of Louisville is helping children with complete paralysis take steps again.
Researchers at UofL’s Kosair for Kids Center for Pediatric NeuroRecovery combined electrical stimulation with activity-based therapy in a clinical study involving five children between ages 7 and 12.
All of the children had complete paralysis from spinal cord injuries — and all five regained the ability to take steps.
The study combined noninvasive spinal stimulation with physical therapy and encouragement for each child to consciously “think about stepping.”
After 60 sessions, the children showed major improvements in movement and sensation.
The results were published in the September 2025 issue of Brain.
"We’ve found that electrical stimulation can ‘charge’ the spinal cord, making it possible for a paralyzed individual to step voluntarily," said Dr. Andrea Behrman, professor in UofL’s Department of Neurological Surgery and director of the Center for Pediatric NeuroRecovery.
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