In cases where the connections between the spinal cord and muscles are damaged, electrical stimulation generally doesn't work. Right now, the stimulation systems are controlled by levers, switches and control boxes outside the body. The future of the field lies with creating a direct link from the brain to the spinal cord to the nerves to the muscles. In other words, instead of relying on a control box to stand, Penko could just think about standing. Development of that technology, however, has been set aside for now, says FES communications director Jeanne O'Malley Teeter.
Technology has to evolve before that becomes reality.
Much of the current talk about spinal cord injuries is dominated by stem cell research, which seeks to regrow damaged nerves. But stem cell research and electrical stimulation aren't seen as conflicting options. For stem cell research to help someone with a spinal cord injury, the muscles have to be conditioned. Stimulation devices do just that, by keeping the muscles moving, making sure they don't waste away. If and when that happens, he's trying to make sure his hands and arms will be ready.