According to doctors in Southern California, a brain-to-computer technology that is able to convert thoughts into leg movements has helped a paraplegic man walk without the use of robotics. Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, described in the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation how they helped the patient.

A system was used to make it possible for the man to walk. The system allowed the brain to bypass the injured spinal cord and send messages with help of a computer algorithm to electrodes put around knees of the patient to activate controlled leg muscle movements.

According to Dr. Miguel Nicolelis, a professor of neurobiology and the director for the Center of Neuroengineering at Duke University, the study was thrilling, but it stressed that the striking results will have to be replicated in other such patients. He added that it is very important that scientists make efforts to find ways for assisting paraplegics in gaining more mobility.

He said, “Walking is a very fundamental behavior for us”, mentioning that sitting can have an effect on cardiovascular health or bladder control of a person. He added, "The impediment or impact of not walking is very dramatic for the whole body”.

However, biomedical engineer Zoran Nenadic, who led the research, said that the study proved that it is possible to bring back intuitive, brain-controlled walking following a total spinal cord injury. A lot of mental training was involved in the latest work carried out by the researchers.