How can neuromodulation immediately transform the physiological state of the spinal cord from complete to incomplete paralysis?

Individuals with a chronic motor complete spinal cord injury and completely paralyzed for years can be transformed to incomplete paralysis that enables them to regain voluntary movement immediately with the application of appropriate methods of neuromodulation of spinal networks below the spinal lesion. In the presence of this stimulation they can stand, move their lower limbs on command and generate a rhythmic stepping motion in a gravity neutral position. These movements can be enhanced or modulated further by auditory and visual input. With training these improvements can be  performed with stimulation strengths well below motor threshold. These results suggest that our presumed mechanism of a spinally complete lesion is in need of a serious and urgent reassessment. In this lecture I will present hypotheses as to the underlying mechanisms that might enable these highly significant degrees of recovery of individuals, years after being injured severely.