A Computational Framework for the Design of Spinal Neuroprostheses

Severe Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) alters the communication between supra-spinal centers and the sensorimotor networks coordinating limb movements, which are usually located below the injury. Epidural electrical stimulation of lumbar segments has shown the ability to enable descending motor control of the lower limbs in rodents and humans with severe paralysis. Using computational models and in vivo experiments in rodents, we found that EES facilitates motor control through the recruitment of muscle spindle feedback circuits. Stimulation protocols targeting these circuits allowed the selective modulation of synergistic muscle groups, both in rodents and non-human primates. This framework supports the design of stimulation strategies for humans.