Technology increases possibilities for paralyzed

Balancing optimism with realism is a challenge that spinal-cord patients face the moment they regain consciousness. But there are encouraging signs a revolution in technology may speed the process of regaining mobility.

Rapid advances in technology are hastening the spread of new, motion-based treatments for people paralyzed by spinal-cord injuries, raising their hopes of moving in ways they never dreamed would be possible again.

Fast-improving, computer-assisted machines promise lighter and cheaper robotic walking suits, artificial limbs controlled by mere thought and wheelchairs that go upstairs, among other long-sought goals.

The future holds promise in an area of research that has seen more than its share of failure and frustration. Helping fuel that optimism is locomotor treatment, which leading rehabilitation centers including Craig Hospital in Englewood are using to re-create walking motions by force until patients' spinal cords learn to control muscles.

DENVER, CO. - AUGUST 21: After a morning workout at Craig Hospital Kyle Pearson talks with a new client while working in the lobby at the Marriott in the Denver Tech Center, Denver, CO August 21, 2013. He said being able to work gave him hope, "I realized you can still work, you can still live a normal life in that sense and that was important to know that my life hadn't ended. Once I had that toehold of hope, that beachhead of hope, I tried to think of other things I could be hopeful about doing in the future." (Photo By Craig F. Walker / The Denver Post) (THE DENVER POST | Craig F. Walker)

Locomotor patient Kyle Pearson, who broke his back and 10 ribs at Breckenridge on a ski vacation from Dallas in January, remembers two moments in his recovery very clearly. The first was the face of Craig's Dr. Dan Lammertse, visiting him post-surgery.

During Lammertse's ritual probing of his wrecked body for sensations and movement, Pearson wiggled his left big toe. "He told me, 'You've got possibilities.' I'll never forget that," Pearson said.

The other moment came this summer. Pearson was using a motion-training treadmill to regain a walking pattern, but his calf wouldn't pull his toe up to keep from stubbing. A Craig therapist jolted his right leg with electrons to coax his foot into line.

"That was my first 'walking' day," Pearson said. "My soul realized I was upright and walking, and that really feeds my motivation."

Pearson recovered at Craig until April, then came back for a two-month push to leave his wheelchair and resume family life and an engineering consulting career in Texas. Doctors reminded him the body recovers for up to two years. So Pearson set up a progression: wheelchair to two crutches, then one crutch, then walking with two canes and finally walking with one cane.

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Technology increases possibilities for paralyzed