A spinal cord injury interrupts the communication between the brain and the region of the spinal cord that produces walking, leading to paralysis^1,2. Here, we restored this communication with a digital bridge between the brain and spinal cord that enabled an individual with chronic tetraplegia to stand and walk naturally in community settings. This brain–spine interface (BSI) consists of fully implanted recording and stimulation systems that establish a direct link between cortical signals³ and the analogue modulation of epidural electrical stimulation targeting the spinal cord regions involved in the production of walking^4,5,6. A highly reliable BSI is calibrated within a few minutes. This reliability has remained stable over one year, including during independent use at home. The participant reports that the BSI enables natural control over the movements of his legs to stand, walk, climb stairs and even traverse complex terrains. Moreover, neurorehabilitation supported by the BSI improved neurological recovery. The participant regained the ability to walk with crutches overground even when the BSI was switched off. This digital bridge establishes a framework to restore natural control of movement after paralysis.

脊髓损伤会中断大脑与负责行走的脊髓区域之间的通讯，从而导致瘫痪^1,2 。在这里，我们通过大脑和脊髓之间的数字桥梁恢复了这种通信，使患有慢性四肢瘫痪的人能够在社区环境中自然站立和行走。这种脑-脊柱接口 (BSI) 由完全植入的记录和刺激系统组成，该系统在皮质信号³和针对参与行走的脊髓区域的硬膜外电刺激的模拟调制之间建立了直接联系^4,5,6 。高度可靠的 BSI 可在几分钟内完成校准。这种可靠性在一年多的时间里一直保持稳定，包括在家中独立使用期间。参与者报告说，BSI 能够自然控制他的腿部运动，例如站立、行走、爬楼梯，甚至穿越复杂的地形。此外，BSI 支持的神经康复改善了神经功能恢复。即使 BSI 关闭，参与者也恢复了在地面上拄着拐杖行走的能力。这座数字桥梁建立了一个框架，可以在瘫痪后恢复自然的运动控制。