Device Brings Hope of Paralysis Recovery
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A diving accident 24 years ago paralyzed Todd Boser, but it didn't stop him.
He's pushing on every single day.
But now a major breakthrough may make his dream of actually moving his toes and legs again very real.
"As long as it's not too painful. You know? I think it would be a very, something I haven't felt in 20-something years. It would be an interesting feeling," said Boser.
The research at the University of Louisville studied four paralyzed men with spinal cord injuries who had epidermal stimulators implanted near the base of their spine.
All four have had amazing results including limb movement and regaining bladder control.
"It provides basically electrical signals below that level of injury and it's been amazing to see what the body is able to do without the input directly from the brain," said Andy Rapacz, with Courage Kenny Rehab Institute.
Rob Wudlick was also paralyzed after a diving accident.
He's actually applied to have a similar stimulator implanted and is incredibly hopeful.
"The fact that the four out of four people have been tried are all showing results is huge," he said.
While no one is calling it a cure, quality of life could change dramatically.
This research and the device are both a big step forward.
"Well it's really exciting, things are moving really quickly in the area of spinal cord research and rehab and it's exciting to be a part of it," said Rapacz.