A groundbreaking trial has shown that a brain-controlled bionic leg has greatly improved the walking speed and ease of people with amputations. The device allows users to control the foot of the prosthetic with their thoughts alone, resulting in a more natural gait, better stability on stairs and uneven terrain, and a 41% increase in walking speed compared to traditional prosthetics.
The bionic leg works by reading the activity in the patient’s residual leg muscles and using these signals to control an electrically powered ankle. This level of brain control produces a natural gait where the human’s nervous system controls the movement, rather than a robotic control algorithm. This advancement opens up possibilities for activities like hiking and dancing, as users will have full control over their movement.
In a study published in Nature Medicine, seven patients were given the bionic leg and compared with seven patients using traditional prosthetics. Patients who received the bionic leg reported less pain, less muscle atrophy, and felt that the prosthetic limb was part of their body. The surgery required for control of the bionic leg, called agonist-antagonist myoneural interface (AMI), aims to preserve muscle connections that are typically severed during a conventional amputation.
Dr. Sigrid Dupan, an expert in prostheses, expressed excitement about this advance in prosthetics, emphasizing the importance of tapping into the body and brain’s inherent abilities rather than relying on complex technology. The study not only showed impressive results in walking speed but also highlighted the impact on how users can navigate different terrains, which can greatly improve their quality of life.
The MIT team behind this innovation hopes to have a commercial version of the bionic leg available within five years to benefit more patients worldwide. This technology is expected to revolutionize clinical care for individuals in need of prosthetics. The team is dedicated to making this technology accessible to those who can benefit from it, emphasizing the importance of getting this groundbreaking technology to the patients who need it most.
