Restoring hand movement using brain-computer interfaces
Official title: Restoring Dexterous Hand Function with Artificial Neural Network-Based Brain-Computer Interfaces
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11095977 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new technology that helps people with paralysis move their hands and fingers more naturally by using signals from their brains, making it easier for them to regain control and improve their daily activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,040 |
| NIH project number | 5F32HD112173-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095977 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with tetraplegia who are seeking to regain hand function and improve their independence in daily activities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not affect hand function or those who do not have paralysis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that can help individuals with paralysis regain dexterous hand function. By monitoring brain signals and employing sophisticated decoding algorithms, the project aims to translate these signals into precise movements of the hand and fingers. The approach utilizes neural population dynamics to enhance the accuracy of movement predictions, potentially allowing for more natural and coordinated hand movements. This innovative method seeks to overcome the limitations of current BCIs, which struggle to replicate the full range of human hand capabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with paralysis by restoring their ability to perform daily tasks that require fine motor skills.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using dynamics-based decoding for improving brain-computer interface performance, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nason-Tomaszewski, Samuel Ross — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Nason-Tomaszewski, Samuel Ross
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core for Breast Cancer Breakthrough in Kenya
A national effort in Kenya to speed up how we screen for breast cancer and connect women to treatment, using teamwork across institutions.
-
Collaborative research program to advance patient care
A multi-project research effort at Emory University aims to push forward medical knowledge that could help people with illnesses in the future.
-
Project-003: A multi-partner research program at Emory University
A multi-faceted NIH grant at Emory University aims to advance understanding in a focused area over several years to benefit patients with diseases or conditions connected to the research.
-
Project-002: advancing patient care through coordinated research at Emory
A multi-project NIH grant at Emory aims to translate findings into better care for people with a health condition by coordinating research efforts across teams.
-
Project-006: A Multidisciplinary Emory Initiative to Advance Medical Understanding
A multi-project NIH grant at Emory University aims to push forward medical knowledge in areas that could eventually help patients.
-
Project-005: A multi-component research effort at Emory University
A multi-part NIH grant from Emory University aims to advance understanding in a specific health area over several years with potential patient benefits in the future.
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.