A 40-year-old man with paralyzed thought he would be forever bounded to the wheelchairs and the support of other people to walk. However, after having a procedure that placed implants in his brain and spinal cords, these could pair with external devices which could convert his thoughts into actual movement.
12 years ago, Gert-Jan Oskam experienced a motor bike accident, resulting in a spinal cord injury in which doctors explain how Oskam could not take a single step by himself without help.
In 2017, however, he received a trial implant in his spinal cord as part of an experiment to see if he could possibly regain his ability to walk by himself. At the time, he could lift his heels on his own, which would send electrical currents that stimulated nerves in his spinal cord. This would allow him to then take steps.
Within a few minutes of training, he could walk by himself, gaining more control of his movement and also different types of terrain to walk on, including rough terrain.
Now, he can walk up to 660 feet a day and stand without support for 2 to 3 minutes at a time. While this may be nothing in comparison, these progresses are monumental and his mobility will only improve from here.
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