Implant helps paralysed man regain finger movement

Finger movement has for the first time been restored to the victim of a paralysing spinal injury using “thought control” technology.

American Ian Burkhart, 24, is able to grasp objects, pour and stir drinks, and even play the Guitar Hero computer game using a wearable sleeve that sends electrical impulses to his muscles.

Scientists developed a computer system that can read and decode Ian’s thoughts and translate them into signals tailored for different hand movements, by-passing his broken spinal cord.