It's nice to see a mainstream media outlet report on a significant medical advance without the hype. This result should create a lot of optimism, but not without caution.
"[the patients] are also reported to have regained some control of bladder and sexual function - which many paralysed patients regard as more important than walking"
http://www.japantoday.com/category/kuchikomi/view/business-c...
1. Resolution of neuropathic pain 2. Use of hands 3. Sexual function 4. Bladder and bowel function 5. (a few other things) 6. The ability to walk
I should note that the discussions/polls I've read are mostly from the United States. The U.S. is probably the most accessible country in the world, and as a citizen I don't miss walking so much because I can still do almost anywhere I want to. If the discussion was among people from undeveloped countries, the ability to walk might score much higher.