Project Abstract
Grant Text: For thousands of years spinal cord injury (SCI) was thought to be irreversible. This view is now changing. Recent scientific evidence has shown that thought-controlled rehabilitation robots can restore some voluntary movement in SCI. Other studies have also shown that electrically stimulating spinal cord or muscles can help. But to maximize benefits, all these technologies must be controlled intelligently and adapt to the patient.
A Digital Twin is a computer representation of a person's bones, muscles, joints, and nervous system. To date, Digital Twin technology has been used to predict surgery outcomes and prevent sport injury. Now, Digital Twin technology could be used in real-time to virtually bypass the site of SCI, connecting again brain, spinal cord, and muscles.
We propose to develop and test the efficacy of BioSpine, a novel neural restoration technology co-designed by patients, clinicians, researchers, and engineers to restore movement in people with SCI.
Funded by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (AUD$2,000,000)
