Final answer:
Four paralyzed patients regained some motor function through epidural electrical stimulation at the University of Louisville as part of continued advancements in spinal cord injury treatments and brain-computer interface technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
As of 2014, four paralyzed patients have regained some motor function by receiving epidural electrical stimulation at the University of Louisville. This medical advancement is just one of the progressive steps taken toward utilizing technology to aid individuals with paralysis or neurodegenerative conditions like ALS. The intervention is a result of research in spinal cord injuries and the use of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.
BCIs can be non-invasive, using EEG recordings from electrodes placed on the skull to capture neural data. More invasive BCIs involve implantation of electrode arrays in the motor cortex, recording actual action potentials from neurons, to control devices such as computer cursors or robotic arms. This technology offers hope to individuals with paralysis, granting them the ability to communicate and interact with their environment despite their physical limitations.