July 2026
For the first time, Spinal Research has launched a pioneering Programme to test ARC‑EX spinal cord stimulation in real‑world rehabilitation settings.
Developed by Onward Medical, ARC-EX combines targeted electrical spinal cord stimulation with rehabilitation exercises to help restore strength, movement and independence.
Spinal Research is working with specialist rehabilitation centres to look at the real-world impact of this exciting technology. The charity is providing the ARC-EX system on loan to three rehabilitation centres over a 12-month period, with a fourth being funded in partnership with the Injured Jockey’s Foundation.
The Programme is an example of the Spinal Research Recovery Alliance in action. This brings together researchers, clinicians, industry and charity partners with the spinal cord injured community to create a new roadmap for a cure.
Turning progress into real-world impact
Spinal Research Chief Executive Louisa McGinn said: “The next five years present an unprecedented opportunity to change what’s possible for people living with spinal cord injuries.
“Breakthrough therapies are nearing clinical reality, and frontier technologies, from AI and robotics to gene therapy, are creating bold and quicker new pathways toward repair and recovery.
“At this pivotal moment, the programme launched today is an important first step in the creation of a network of community rehabilitation centres which will connect research and industry innovators to real world outcomes.
“It’s a key element of our Recovery Alliance in which we’re also building powerful clinical research and digital platforms that bring people with spinal cord injuries together with researchers and clinicians.”
The first centre to join the Programme is the Matt Hampson Foundation Get Busy Living Centre in Leicestershire. The Matt Hampson Foundation inspires and supports young people following life-changing injury through sport, providing expert physical and emotional rehabilitation, wellbeing, mentorship and community support.
Founder and former England Under-21 rugby union player Matt Hampson, who was paralysed from the neck down in a training accident aged just 20, said: “We always aim to be innovative and pioneering in the support we provide our beneficiaries so we are delighted to be selected for participation in this Programme with Spinal Research.
“As a Foundation, it is rewarding to be selected to work alongside teams with different expertise and experiences, all trying to develop treatments which could make such a difference to someone with a spinal injury.”
Every two hours, someone in the UK is paralysed following a spinal cord injury. It can happen to anyone at any time with devastating consequences for them and their families. For more information about ARC-EX, register for our informative webinar on 14 July.
