In a world-first breakthrough, scientists have developed a bionic leg that enables below-the-knee amputees to move more naturally, walk at regular speeds, and even climb stairs. This cutting-edge technology leverages the body’s own neural system for control, surpassing conventional prosthetics, according to The Guardian.
Published in the journal Nature Medicine, the research details a novel surgical technique that connects muscle pairs in the residual limb. Through electrodes, this reconnection allows amputees to operate their bionic leg by feeling the movements of their phantom limbs. This mind-machine interface eliminates the need for pre-programmed robotic controls, providing a more realistic walking experience.
“No one has been able to show this level of brain control that produces a natural gait, where the human’s nervous system is controlling the movement, not a robotic control algorithm,” said Professor Hugh Herr, co-director of the K Lisa Yang Centre for Bionics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the study’s senior author. “Not only will they be able to walk on a flat surface, but they’ll be able to go hiking or dancing because they’ll have full control over their movement,” he told The Guardian.
Professor Herr emphasized the emotional impact of this advancement. “With a prosthesis not controlled by the brain, patients view it as a tool, like a carpenter would view their hammer,” he said. “When the person can directly control and feel the movement of the prosthesis, it becomes truly part of the person’s anatomy. That can be quite emotional for the subjects that undergo this procedure.”
This breakthrough brings immense hope for amputees seeking to regain mobility and independence. The ability to walk at normal speeds and navigate stairs significantly enhances the quality of life. Researchers estimate that this technology could be available for clinical use within the next five years.
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