Spinal cord injury is a tragedy that profoundly affects the lives of about 1000 Canadians every year and involves considerable financial cost to the community.

In recent years, researchers have demonstrated the feasibility of electrically stimulating the nervous system below the level of the spinal lesion to produce powerful muscle contractions useful for locomotion. The objective of our research is to develop advanced neuroprostheses called "Hybrid Systems" that allow practical standing and walking. These systems must be convenient to use and easy to put on and off and powered by small batteries.