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A medical breakthrough has given to millions of people who are to walk. Doctors pioneered a special procedure that electrically stimulated the of ex-athlete Rob Summers. Mr Summers, 25, was paralysed the chest in a hit-and-run car accident in 2006. Professor Susan Harkema, of the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center gave the revolutionary treatment to “” nerves in Mr Summers’ spinal cords. He was to move his legs and toes and take a few steps with the of a walking frame. Dr Harkema said: "This is a breakthrough. It opens a opportunity to improve the daily functioning of...individuals...but we have a long ahead.” She said this is "going to have a impact" on people with disabilities.

The treatment is epidural stimulation. It has taken over three of research to get to this stage. The process when electrical signals bypass the brain to tell the spinal cord what to . The signals allow the limbs to function independently of the . Mr Summers said the treatment has been life-changing. "This procedure has completely my life. For someone who for four years was unable to even move a , to have the freedom and ability to on my own is the most amazing feeling," he said. He added: “My sense of well- has changed. My physique and muscle tone has improved greatly. Most people don't even believe I'm paralysed." Five other patients are also part in the trial.