Restoring finger movement for people with upper limb amputations
Official title: Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces for Restoring Individual Finger Movement in Transhumeral Amputees
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11024611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with arm amputations move their fingers more naturally using special muscle grafts, and it’s designed for those who want to regain better control over their prosthetic hands.
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 start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $575,566 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD116916-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11024611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with transhumeral amputations who have limited residual musculature for controlling finger movements.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with amputations below the elbow or those who do not have sufficient nerve function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method called Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces (RPNI) to help individuals with transhumeral amputations regain control over finger movements. By using small muscle grafts that can regenerate and connect with nerves, the project aims to create prosthetic devices that can be controlled more naturally. Participants will have RPNIs implanted, and their nerve signals will be monitored for 18 months to assess the effectiveness of this approach in providing precise control of prosthetic hands.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable transhumeral amputees to control prosthetic hands with greater dexterity and intuitiveness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise with similar nerve interface technologies, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.