Key points from article :
A recent trial has demonstrated that a brain-controlled bionic leg significantly enhances walking speed and mobility for amputees. The device allows users to control the prosthetic foot's movements—such as flexing and rotating—through their thoughts, resulting in a 41% increase in walking speed compared to traditional prosthetics. This advancement provides a more natural gait and better stability on stairs and uneven surfaces.
The bionic leg operates by interpreting signals from the residual muscles in the patient’s leg and using these signals to control an electrically powered ankle. This method improves stability and reduces pain, as reported by patients who participated in the study. The research, published in Nature Medicine, involved seven patients using the bionic leg compared to seven with conventional prosthetics.
The technology relies on a new surgical method called agonist-antagonist myoneural interface (AMI), which preserves muscle connections that are typically severed in traditional amputations. This approach allows the prosthetic to respond more naturally to muscle contractions.
The study, from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, highlights that the device allows for a more integrated and emotionally fulfilling experience for users, who can control the prosthetic as if it were part of their own body.
Experts have praised the study for utilizing the body’s natural abilities rather than just complex technology, noting the potential significant impact on users' lives, particularly in handling various terrains.
The team behind the technology aims to make the bionic leg commercially available within five years, potentially marking a major shift in prosthetic technology and patient care.
