Paralysed man regains movement in breakthrough trial
A Kent man paralysed from the waist down has partially regained bowel and bladder control thanks to breakthrough UK research.
Dan Woodall, from Rainham, was paralysed in 2016 after falling from a bypass after a night out.
The 33-year-old was one of 10 people to take part in a recent Pathfinder2 trial, funded by charity Spinal Research, using electrical stimulation to "excite" the spinal cord and attempt to create movement.
"[The trial] gave me back control over muscle groups I never thought I'd move again, including my right hamstrings and hip flexors," he said.
"I've also regained some bowel and bladder control - something I was told in hospital after my accident might never happen.
"Just knowing when you want to use the toilet is such a massive thing for your independence and mental health.
"The fact that the gains have continued after the trial is really encouraging and I can't wait to see where this goes."
The participants took part in 120 sessions using the technology - known as ARC-EX therapy.
All saw significant improvements in upper body strength, torso control and balance, according to Spinal Research.
Spinal Research chairwoman Tara Stewart said: "This therapy is not a silver bullet.
"It works on spared spinal tissue so results will vary widely and it does need to be paired with proper active rehabilitation over a consistent period of time.
"Even so, this is a game changing moment. It's now time to stop talking about spinal cord injury as being incurable and to stop telling people with this injury that nothing can be done."
The peer-reviewed study has been published in Neuromodulation: Technology at Neural Interface.
Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
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