Experiment allows Calven Goza to move knee and toes after he was paralysed in crash

Method offers hope to thousands of people left paralysed by spinal injuries It involves giving the spinal cord an electrical stimulation Scientists say this 'teaches' the spinal cord to control limbs and body

By Mark Prigg For Dailymail.com

Published: 15:55 EST, 6 January 2015 | Updated: 17:25 EST, 6 January 2015

Researchers are set to expand a pioneering treatment that uses electric shocks to stimulate damaged spinal cords, allowing patients to move again.

Their most recent subject, 26 year old Calven Goza, was paralysed below the chest two and a half years ago, and told he would never move his legs again.

Using a radical implant that mimics signals from the brain, he was able to move his toe and knee.

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26 year old Calven Goza trying the procedure: Using a radical implant that mimics signals from the brain, he was able to move his toe and knee for the first time since he was paralysed below the chest two and a half years ago.

The technique involves giving the spinal cord an electrical stimulation to mimic signals from the brain.

Scientists say this 'teaches' the spinal cord to control limbs and body functions independently of the brain, so eventually the patient gains some control over their movement.

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Experiment allows Calven Goza to move knee and toes after he was paralysed in crash