Virtual reality and exoskeletons helped paraplegics walk again

A combination of motorized exoskeletons and virtual reality could help paraplegics regain some control of paralyzed limbs, according to a new study.

New research published today in the journal Scientific Reports looked at how this therapy affected eight patients — all but one of whom were diagnosed as completely paralyzed from spinal cord injury. None of the patients had responded to previous types of rehab.

For 12 months, the patients participated in a training regimen that involved immersive virtual reality training, visual-tactile feedback, and walking with a custom-designed lower-limb exoskeleton.