biostudies-literatureUnknown22(1)Mirkiani SThe restoration of standing and walking after spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a top priority for individuals with paraplegia. Despite significant advancements in neuromodulation techniques, challenges such as limited selectivity and inconsistent outcomes highlight the need for innovative approaches. Intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) has emerged as a promising method for restoring motor function as demonstrated in various preclinical models. This study aimed to investigate the functional neural networks within the ventral lumbar spinal cord of pigs. We explored 134 stimulation sites inside the spinal cord in 13 domestic pigs. Post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the location of microelectrode tips inside the spinal cord. The recorded kinematics and electromyographical muJournal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation219https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12542385biostudies-literatureFunctional motor mapping of domestic pig lumbar spinal cord using penetrating microelectrodes.PMC12542385Robinson KHu DMushahwar VKUwiera RArefadib AEveraert DGSeres PMirkiani SToossi AO'Sullivan CKonrad PfalseFunctional motor mapping of domestic pig lumbar spinal cord using penetrating microelectrodes.The restoration of standing and walking after spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a top priority for individuals with paraplegia. Despite significant advancements in neuromodulation techniques, challenges such as limited selectivity and inconsistent outcomes highlight the need for innovative approaches. Intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) has emerged as a promising method for restoring motor function as demonstrated in various preclinical models. This study aimed to investigate the functional neural networks within the ventral lumbar spinal cord of pigs. We explored 134 stimulation sites inside the spinal cord in 13 domestic pigs. Post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the location of microelectrode tips inside the spinal cord. The recorded kinematics and electromyographical mu2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Oct2026-06-04T17:01:50.815Z2026-05-13T14:24:44.942ZS-EPMC125423854112625510.1186/s12984-025-01754-1