• Our Services
    • Our Services
    • Therapy Tools
  • Our Team
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Partners & Board
    • News
    • Videos
  • Success Stories
  • FOUNDER’S STORY
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Menu Menu
  • Home
  • Our Services
    • Therapy Tools
  • Our Team
  • About Us
    • Partners & Board
    • News
    • Videos
  • Success Stories
  • FOUNDER’S STORY
  • Contact
  • Donate

Tag Archive for: NeuroLife

Brain Implant lets Quadriplegic Move Hand

May 4, 2016/in General Blog Posts/by Chris Leeuw

It may sound like science fiction, but it happened in a lab at Ohio State University.

Back in 2014, Ian Burkhart made headlines worldwide by becoming the first complete quadriplegic to regain movement in his hand using the power of his thoughts.  Now, his story is back in the news with the release of the study by his researchers in the journal Nature.

Thanks to a chip implanted into his brain, a specialized computer, and a sleeve of electrodes strapped to his arm, Burkhart can achieve voluntary movement.

When we “command” movement in our limbs, the signal originates in our brain’s motor cortex, travels down the spinal cord, and out to our peripheral nerves and muscles.  A spinal cord injury blocks the commands.  Researchers have long been trying to figure out how to bypass the injury to restore movement.

The experiment with Burkhart began in 2014 when doctors implanted a pea-sized chip at the exact location in his brain that controls hand movement.  According to the New York Times, the chip contains 96 microelectrodes that record the firings of individual neurons.

After the chip was implanted, the work began.  Computer software designed by Battele Memorial Institute had to be trained to interpret the signals from the microelectrodes.  This required Burkhart to spend months tediously learning how to cue the movement with his thoughts.   Over time the computer learned to translate the neural patterns, and Burkhart learned to hone movements with the help of a display monitor.

But, brain surgery and training a computer to understand neural signals was only part of the project.  The team still had to successfully decode the information and send it back to the body to restore movement.   The solution was the construction of a sleeve for Burkhart’s arm that uses electrical stimulation to trigger muscle movement.  Battele calls the sleeve: NeuroLife Neural Bypass Technology.  In an interview with Slate, project leader Chad Bouton described it as a “virtual spinal cord” that takes messages from the brain and bypasses the cord to move muscles.

Ian The technology is remarkable, but is in it’s infancy.

The surgery is dangerous and was funded solely for research purposes.  Burkhart must be in the lab and physically plugged into the computer through a port on his head for any restored movement to take place.  His movements are small and only possible after nearly a year of intense training.  There is also no sensory feedback, and the implanted chip will only last a few years.

Nevertheless, the science is fascinating.

Researchers have had success in the past with similar projects.  In 2004, a chip embedded into a Massachusetts man let him control movement on a computer screen.  In 2012, a woman could move a robotic arm that was wired to her brain.  But, what has been accomplished with Burkhart is unprecedented.

Burkhart is the first to move his own arm from a computer controlled by his thoughts.  It may not be a cure for spinal cord injury or paralysis, but it is a significant step in helping researchers better understand the complexities of the nervous system.

Read the full study released in April here.

Pictures from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IanGuitar-1.jpg 350 960 Chris Leeuw /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg Chris Leeuw2016-05-04 13:25:242016-05-04 13:25:24Brain Implant lets Quadriplegic Move Hand

Archive

Categories

  • Annoucements (48)
  • General Blog Posts (85)
  • Homepage (14)
  • Media (12)
  • News (16)
  • Personal (1)
  • Success Story (12)

Facebook

Instagram

neurohope

View

Mar 14

Open
#SpinalCordInjury recovery is a team effort💪. Caleb in a Locomotor Training treadmill session with the NeuroHope team. Step by step we’re here for you.  #keeppushing #AffordableRehab #spinalcordinjuryrecovery

neurohope

View

Mar 9

Open
On the first Friday of each month, we host a community group of rotating activities and topics. This month, @pawsandthinkinc, a fellow nonprofit that brings therapy dogs into the community paid us a visit!  Golden Retriever Nai’a had 3 objectives : Belly rubs, head pats, and smiles.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 😀.
#therapydog #therapydogsofinstagram

neurohope

View

Mar 8

Open
Here’s to the amazing women who make our community what it is: leaders, clinicians, patients, caregivers & supporters.  Thank you!
.
#internationalwomensday

neurohope

View

Mar 2

Open
Less than two months before her 2022 high school graduation, Olivia was paralyzed in a car crash.  She has been on a physical, emotional, and mental journey over the last year, recovering from her spinal cord injury.  In the year since her accident , she has suffered pressure sores, UTIs, blood pressure issues and more.
She bounces back , and keeps pushing.  The need for continued therapy and exercise programs after life-changing injuries is real - and her story is an inspiring one!  Read it through the link on our IG Story! .
.
#neurorecovery #spinalcordinjury #sci #keeppushing #affordablerehab

neurohope

View

Feb 17

Open
KENDAL driving NeuroFit class 💪💪!!
#adaptivegym #adaptiveworkout #cardio #spinalcordinjuy #keeppushing

neurohope

View

Feb 14

Open
Happiest of Birthdays to Wellness Director Bart!! He has helped build our programs for 5 years and helped hundreds of people (like Mitch 💪💪) on their recovery journey!  Thank you Bart!
#neurorehabilitation #neurorehab #affordablerehab

neurohope

View

Feb 5

Open
Calab (Spinal cord injury), on the floor with Barry and Kendal.  Balance and core work to keep his body moving 💪💪.
#spinalcordinjury #neurorehab #sci #keeppushing

neurohope

View

Jan 31

Open
We are looking for an energetic Occupational Therapist passionate about #neurorecovery AND a Development / Advancement Manager to help our growing team reach new audiences, donors, and partners!

Join our growing team .Interested applicants inquire through the link in our bio, and type either "OT" or "Development" in the subject line.

neurohope

View

Jan 25

Open
Learning to walk again is something no one ever expects they will need to do.  It is the definition of determination, resilience , patience, and guidance.  PT Brittanie is here for Mark every step of the way 💪💪.

neurohope

View

Jan 6

Open
Therapy Director Elliot and Chris were in studio @indynowtv to tell the NeuroHope story and the hundreds of families we have helped on their road to recovery from #Spinalcordinjury #braininjury and #Stroke.  Neurologic injuries are life changing.  The need for affordable rehab after hospital discharge, and specialized fitness programs to improve long-term health is REAL.  Thanks to @uindy_kspt, @orthoindy Foundation , @reevefoundation and all those who have helped us grow.
Recovery is a process.  It’s why we’re here!.
.
#affordablerehab #nonprofit #neurorecovery #physicaltherapy

neurohope

View

Jan 2

Open
Just a few of the NeuroHope #heroes battling #paralysis and the hard work they put in everyday….
.
#AffordableRehab #spinalcordinjury #strokerecovery #motivationmonday

neurohope

View

Dec 27

Open
Thank you @indystar for telling my personal story recovering from #spinalcordinjury , the growth of NeuroHope thanks to @orthoindy Foundation and most importantly ..the hundreds of people recovering from paralysis NeuroHope helps receive affordable , after-hospital care.

It’s all possible thanks to our amazing staff that change lives everyday , and the supporters that believe in us!

Readable link in bio!

#spinalcordrehab #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #sci #nonprofit #beinspired #indy #affordablerehab

neurohope

View

Dec 25

Open
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at NeuroHope!

neurohope

View

Dec 2

Open
It’s getting pretty Christmas-y at NeuroHope! 🎄 Decorations are up , and we’re in the spirit!
#tistheseason

neurohope

View

Nov 30

Open
The healthcare system is complex, especially for people recovering from neurological conditions like spinal cord injury, brain injury, and stroke.  The cost of care is high, and the time spent in insurance-covered rehabilitation is short.  Our mission revolves around providing services for the people that fall through the cracks of healthcare.  It’s why we’re here.  We smashed our $5,000 #GivingTuesday goal, and raised $7,000 yesterday to support our programs for people recovering from paralysis
Thank you all!

neurohope

View

Nov 29

Open
Keep those #GivingTuesday donations coming! $200 for a chance for four ROW 1 Colts tix, field passes, transportation to #MondayNightFootball on 12/26!
Donate link in bio!
Help us reach our $5,000 goal to help those recovering from paralysis!

neurohope

View

Nov 29

Open
TODAY!  A $200 donation could WIN FOUR 1st row @colts tickets, field passes, and transportation to Monday Night Football 12/26! Courtesy of @hensleylegal !

Help us reach our $5,000 goal today to help people recovering from #paralysis. 
Donation link in bio!
.
#givingtuesday #giveback #nonprofit #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #healthcare #indy

neurohope

View

Nov 14

Open
Day 1 of our @ndtassociation seminar led by DPT Monica Diamond. “Facilitating Transitional Movements Effectively”. 
Lecture and lab today - for postural control, and balance for neuromuscular impairments.
.
#pt #neurorecovery #strokerecovery #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neuropt #physicaltherapy #ndta

neurohope

View

Nov 12

Open
Wishing a special #VeteransDay weekend to clients Mike, Bob, and ALL who have served!  Thank you for your service - and for being YOU.

neurohope

View

Nov 4

Open
Kayode (c4/5 spinal cord injury) working on sit-to-stands with Megan.  Activating quads, glutes and STANDING TALL.  Recovery is a process.  This is why we’re here!.
.
#neurorecovery #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #affordablerehab #keeppushing

neurohope

View

Oct 27

Open
BIG Congratulations to Wellness Director Bart Richwalski - now certified through the NSCA as a Special Population Specialist (CSPS). This is a rigorous exam established for kinesiologists to address the unique fitness needs of those with chronic neuromuscular conditions.

We can’t express how lucky we are to have Bart leading our Wellness Team.  Since joining NeuroHope 5 years ago, he has built a parallel program to our clinical therapy side, and made NeuroHope’s overall model - a hybrid of skilled therapy and personalized fitness what it is today.

Congratulations Bart!.
.
#neuroexercisetherapist #neurorehabilitation #neurorecovery #csps #nsca
Load More

6002 Sunnyside Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46236

Located In The Concrete
Building Attached To The US
Lumber Warehouse

Contact Us

Phone: 317-525-8386

Fax: 844-556-4672

Open Monday – Friday

9AM – 5PM

Donate Now

NeuroHope is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides long-term physical rehabilitation and wellness following neurologic injury.   TIN: 46-1842276

Your contribution keeps our extended care services strong.  Thank You!

© Copyright NeuroHope 2022

Privacy Policy

Scroll to top