Parkinson’s: when a new neuroprosthesis allows a patient to walk almost normally

This is a world first. Researchers have developed a neuroprosthesis to allow Parkinson’s patients to walk fluidly, without any blockage and, above all, without falling. A revolution in the treatment of this neurodegenerative disease which, at an advanced stage, causes very disabling walking disorders in 90% of patients. In a study published Sunday in the journal Naturescientists from Inserm and CNRS in collaboration with Swiss researchers, have detailed the development process of this prosthesis.

A successful first attempt

Thanks to this prosthesis, the patient will be able to go from robotic walking, with their feet glued to the ground for a few seconds, to a fluid gait. A possible development thanks to electrodes placed at the level of the spinal cord in the area responsible for walking. During a precision neurosurgical procedure, Marc, originally from Bordeaux, was equipped with this new neuroprosthesis also composed of an electrical impulse generator implanted under the skin of his abdomen.

Thanks to the targeted programming of spinal cord stimulations which adapt in real time to his movements, Marc quickly saw his walking problems fade away. After a few weeks of rehabilitation with this neuroprosthesis, he regained almost normal walking. “Now I can walk from one point to another without worrying about how I’m going to get there,” summarized this 62-year-old patient to AFP. “I can go for a walk, go shopping alone, go do what I want,” explained the man who has suffered from Parkinson’s disease for around thirty years.

“Generalize access to this innovative technology”

This neuroprosthesis therefore opens up new perspectives for treating the walking disorders suffered by many people with Parkinson’s disease. However, at this stage, this therapeutic concept has demonstrated its effectiveness in a single person, with an implant that still needs to be optimized for large-scale deployment. The team of researchers will now continue the experiment on a group of six patients.

Scientists are therefore working to develop a commercial version which must integrate all the essential functionalities for optimal daily use. Clinical trials on a larger number of patients are also due to start next year. “Our ambition is to generalize access to this innovative technology, in order to significantly improve the quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease, everywhere in the world,” the researchers concluded.