Restoring finger movement for people with upper limb amputations
Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface for Restoring Individual Finger Movement in People with Upper Limb Amputations
This study is exploring a new way to help people with upper limb amputations regain control of their prosthetic fingers by using small muscle grafts to improve the signals that connect their nerves to the prosthetics, making it easier and more natural to move their fingers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10451527 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method called the Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) to help individuals with upper limb amputations regain control over their fingers. By using small muscle grafts that regenerate and reconnect with nerves, the project aims to enhance the electrical signals that control prosthetic fingers. The approach has shown promising results in initial human trials, where signals corresponding to finger movements were successfully recorded. The ultimate goal is to provide users with intuitive control and sensory feedback from their prosthetic devices.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with complete or partial upper limb amputations seeking improved prosthetic functionality.
Not a fit: Patients with lower limb amputations or those who do not use prosthetic devices may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for amputees by enabling more natural and precise control of prosthetic fingers.
How similar studies have performed: This approach has shown success in preliminary trials with animals and a few human subjects, indicating a promising direction for further development.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chestek, Cynthia Anne — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Chestek, Cynthia Anne
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.