Figure 1.

Single neuron action potentials (spikes) were recorded from populations of neurons within the rat hindlimb sensorimotor cortex while rats performed a cued hindlimb press task for a water reward. Using the acquired spikes, we formulated an online algorithm to replace the pressing behavior with neural control of the water reward. We then subjected rats to a complete midthoracic spinal cord injury (complete TX) that left the hindlimbs completely paralyzed and, after reintroduction to the task, used task-related neural activity to decode intention to press (short or long duration) in response to the cue and subsequently to control implanted epidural electrical stimulation electrodes implanted over the intact lumbar spinal cord to restore the task-dependent hindlimb movements.