A video clip online shows an elderly patient surnamed Zhang with high paraplegia controlling a cursor on a computer screen through brain-computer interface to play mahjong. Photo: screenshot from Sina Weibo.

Chinese' love for mahjong has become so intense that an old man with high paraplegia has turned to the help of brain-computer interface to play the game even when his body can't move.  

A video clip online shows an elderly patient surnamed Zhang with high paraplegia controlling a cursor on a computer screen through brain-computer interface to play mahjong. 

Zhang was the first in China to have an invasive brain-computer interface planted in his head, according to media reports.

With the passage built by the interface between the patient's neural signals and an external device, Zhang is able to control the machine's hand to hold a bottle and shake hands with people. 

"So impressed with how advanced our country's medical system has become," said one netizen. "Great news for people who cannot freely move their body," said another.

Global Times