Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Present motor-system neural prostheses use electrical activation of last-order (motor) neurons to restore function. We are pursuing a new approach: restoration of function by electrical activation of higher-order interneurons. ⋯ The results demonstrate that electrical activation of spinal neural circuits allows generation of complex motor behaviors including micturition and organized multi-joint motor responses with a single electrode. Electrical activation of spinal neural circuits, and generation of the complex functions they subserve, holds great promise to advance the function of motor system neural prostheses.