Proprioceptive Sensorimotor Integration With Neural Interfaces for Hand Prostheses

Description

The purpose of this study is to characterize proprioceptive sensations in the missing limb of upper limb amputees using nerve stimulation, and to develop advanced controllers for moving a prosthesis. Proprioceptive sensations are the sensations that tell individuals where their hand is in space, and if it is moving. The research team uses Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), which involves applying small electric currents to the nerves. These signals are then transferred to the brain just like the information about the individual's intact hand used to be transferred to their brain. This study will test different placements for stimulation and determine which one(s) provide the individual with proprioceptive sensations. The investigators want to know what the participants feel and if the investigators can use proprioceptive sensation to give the participants information about limb movement and position.

Conditions

Upper Limb Amputees

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of this study is to characterize proprioceptive sensations in the missing limb of upper limb amputees using nerve stimulation, and to develop advanced controllers for moving a prosthesis. Proprioceptive sensations are the sensations that tell individuals where their hand is in space, and if it is moving. The research team uses Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), which involves applying small electric currents to the nerves. These signals are then transferred to the brain just like the information about the individual's intact hand used to be transferred to their brain. This study will test different placements for stimulation and determine which one(s) provide the individual with proprioceptive sensations. The investigators want to know what the participants feel and if the investigators can use proprioceptive sensation to give the participants information about limb movement and position.

Proprioceptive Sensorimotor Integration With Neural Interfaces for Hand Prostheses

Proprioceptive Sensorimotor Integration With Neural Interfaces for Hand Prostheses

Condition
Upper Limb Amputees
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Cleveland

Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, Cleveland, Ohio, United States, 44106-1702

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Unilateral upper limb amputation above or below the elbow with fully healed and healthy surgical sites
  • * Viable peripheral nerve function in the residual limb
  • * Volitional activity of the residual muscles in the amputated limb
  • * Medically fit to undergo general anesthesia
  • * Fitted with a prosthesis by a certified prosthetic and orthotic specialist (CPO) and at least one month of experience using a prosthesis
  • * Willingness and availability to follow the study protocol
  • * Recommendation of a psychologist that the subject is mentally competent and capable of completing the study-related activities
  • * Bilateral upper limb amputation
  • * Inability to speak English
  • * Medically unfit to undergo surgery
  • * Pregnancy, or those who are of childbearing potential, unwilling to prevent pregnancy during the trial
  • * Uncontrolled diabetes
  • * Active infection or open sores on the residual limb
  • * History of frequent infection or sores with unknown cause
  • * Inability to provide informed consent or follow experimental protocols
  • * Severe pain that would prevent the subject from completing study-related activities

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

VA Office of Research and Development,

Emily L Graczyk, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH

Study Record Dates

2025-12-31