NOVA Season 11 Episode 17 Will I Walk Again?

Will I Walk Again? is the season 11, episode 17 of the acclaimed documentary series, NOVA. This episode, which originally aired on July 20, 1984, explores the groundbreaking research and advancements in the field of spinal cord injuries and the quest to help paralyzed individuals regain mobility.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to four individuals who have suffered from various degrees of spinal cord injury. Through their stories, we learn about the devastating impact such injuries can have on a person's life – from being unable to walk or move their limbs, to the loss of independence and inability to perform simple tasks like brushing their teeth or taking a shower.

We then meet the scientists and researchers who are exploring cutting-edge solutions to help these individuals. One such researcher is Dr. Wise Young, a neurologist who is on a mission to find a cure for paralysis. We learn about his work in developing a treatment that involves transplanting fetal nerve tissue into the spinal cord to stimulate nerve growth. While this approach shows promising results in animal studies, human trials are still in their early stages.

The NOVA team also visits the Frazier Rehabilitation Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, where they meet with patients who are taking part in a groundbreaking research project. Led by Dr. Susan Harkema, this study involves implanting electrodes into the spinal cords of paralyzed individuals and using electrical stimulation to help them stand and even take steps. Viewers witness the emotional moment when one participant, Rob Summers, takes his first steps in four years thanks to this technology.

We also learn about the use of braces and exoskeletons to help paraplegics regain mobility. NOVA speaks with Dr. Augusto Sola, a biomechanical engineer who is designing lightweight exoskeletons that can be worn by paralyzed individuals, allowing them to stand and walk with the help of robotic support. While these devices are still in the early stages of development, they offer a glimmer of hope for a future where wheelchair use may no longer be necessary.

Throughout the episode, NOVA highlights the incredible determination and resilience of those living with spinal cord injuries. Despite the obstacles they face, these individuals remain hopeful and optimistic about their future. Viewers are left with a sense of awe at the groundbreaking research being conducted in this field and the potential it holds for individuals with paralysis.

Overall, NOVA's Will I Walk Again? is an inspiring and informative episode that sheds light on a subject that has long been shrouded in mystery and misconceptions. It offers a glimpse into the groundbreaking research being conducted to help paraplegics regain their mobility and the possibility of a brighter future for those living with spinal cord injuries.