New AI model decodes brain signals captured noninvasively via EEG opens the possibility of developing future neuroprosthetics to help the paralyzed move again.
shows how AI has the potential to restore lower-limb functions in those with severe spinal cord injuries by identifying patterns in brain signals captured noninvasively via electroencephalography . “These findings establish a baseline for EEG decoding of lower-limb motor attempts in severely paralyzed individuals and pave the way for the development of brain-controlled neuroprosthetic systems,” wrote corresponding author Silvestro Micera along with co-authors Laura Toni, Valeria De Seta, Luigi Albano, Daniele Emedoli, Aiden Xu, Vincent Mendez, Filippo Agnesi, Sandro Iannaccone, Pietro Mortini, and Simone Romeni.
The means to harness technology to improve the quality of daily living for the paralyzed is a worthy cause. An estimated 15 million people worldwide have spinal cord injury according to the World Health Organization. In the U.S., there are over 308,600 Americans living withspinal cord injury, and since 2015 78% of new cases are male according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. The lifetime cost for a 25-year-old with high-level quadriplegia, also known as high tetraplegia, can cost over USD 4.7 million according to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The researchers for this study are affiliated with Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Lausanne, Switzerland, the University Hospital Lausanne in Switzerland, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, Italy, and the IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan, Italy. Four male patients with spinal cord injury ranging in age from 18 to 33 years old participated in this proof-of-concept study. Each participant performed four experimental sessions consisting of multiple trials over intervals of weeks. While seated in a wheelchair with at 64-channel EEG cap by ANT-Neuro, each participant was asked to visualize movements without attempting it and later attempt performing the movements. The four different movements were bending the left and right hips and extending the left and right knees. After statical data analysis of the brain activity recordings, an AI machine learning classifier XGBoost was used to analyze all of the sessions for each participant, as well as Monte Carlo iterative sampling. “Our results suggest that EEG signals can often differentiate lower-limb movement attempts from rest, whereas decoding of left vs right and hip vs knee movements was more elusive,” the researchers reported. With this proof-of-concept, the scientists have demonstrated that AI can decode brain activity recorded noninvasively with an EEG cap and tell the difference between intended lower-limb movement attempts from rest in severely paralyzed patients. This favorable feasibility assessment is the starting point for future novel noninvasive neuroprosthetics to help the paralyzed to move again using just their thoughts.Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New on Disney+ in February 2026 — The Full List of New Movies, TV Shows and Specials'The Muppet Show' with Sabrina Carpenter and 'The Artful Dodger' season 2 highlight Disney+'s new movies and shows in February 2026
Read more »
Michigan State QB Coach Bajakian Leaving for New Job in NFLOne of the Spartans' new staffers is taking a new job in the pros.
Read more »
New Avengers: Doomsday & Spider-Man: Brand New Day Trailer Report Reveals Super Bowl ShockThere is some shocking news coming from the MCU as the Super Bowl is coming up in the next week and here is what you need to know.
Read more »
A Day in the Life of Big Machine Label Group CEO Scott BorchettaAn interview with Scott Borchetta, CEO of Big Machine Label Group, detailing his career path, from starting in the mailroom to leading a major record label, and providing a glimpse into his daily routine, including his workout regimen and approach to managing the business.
Read more »
Tesla adds a new Model Y AWD option, and a new price point for youTech Product Reviews, How To, Best Ofs, deals and Advice
Read more »
Over 40% of New Yorkers support deporting illegal immigrants, new Siena poll revealsToday's Video Headlines: 02/02/26
Read more »