Paraplegic Isidre Esteve Pujol completes the Dakar. Goal achieved! The Walloon start-up company STX-Med has developed a highly specialised programme to stimulate the paralysed muscles of Isidre, former European and Spanish champion in endurance motoring, who took part this time in the Dakar Rally as a car driver.

The weight of the body in the seated position during long days behind the wheel crushes the gluteal muscles. This prolonged compression of paralysed muscles can cause injuries, which often mean that drivers have to abandon the race.

The Walloon company STX-Med, based in the Science Park of Liège, is renowned for developing the Cefaly® (www.cefaly.com), the first neuro-stimulation device for the head that delivers treatment for or prevention of migraines. It is this expertise in neuro-stimulation that Isidre wanted to tap into. Highly specific parameters were programmed into a neuro-stimulation device designed by the STX-Med team to stimulate Isidre’s muscles during the race.

Isidre Esteve Pujol: European and Spanish champion in endurance motoring who took part in ten Dakar rallies and reached 4th position on two occasions. On the 24th of March 2007, he had an accident during the Almeria Rally, sustaining injuries to the spinal column and cord, resulting in irreversible and marked paraplegia.

STX-Med: Walloon start-up company located in the Science Park of Liège, whose mission is to make electronics work for humans. STX-Med has particular expertise in neuro-stimulation for combating paralysis or pain. STX-Med has developed the Cefaly® (www.cefaly.com), the first neuro-stimulation device designed to treat and prevent headaches.