Understanding How Our Brain Plans and Adjusts Hand Movements
Planning and Updating in Frontoparietal Networks for Grasping
This work explores how the brain's frontoparietal networks help us plan and quickly adjust our hand movements, like when we reach for and grasp objects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004689 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our everyday movements, especially those involving our hands, seem easy but rely on complex brain activity. This project aims to understand how our brain quickly updates and corrects hand movements when things change around us or during the action itself. Researchers are particularly interested in how different brain regions work together to control precise hand movements, which is not fully understood. By using non-invasive methods, they hope to uncover the specific roles these brain areas play in allowing us to grasp objects smoothly and efficiently.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research may eventually benefit individuals experiencing difficulties with hand and grasping movements, such as those recovering from a stroke or with other neurological conditions affecting motor control.
Not a fit: Patients without issues related to brain control of hand movements or those with conditions not impacting frontoparietal networks may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide a deeper understanding of how the brain controls hand movements, potentially leading to better rehabilitation strategies for individuals who have difficulty with grasping due to conditions like stroke.
How similar studies have performed: While much is known about general movement control, this project addresses gaps in understanding the specific neural mechanisms for updating dexterous hand movements, suggesting a novel approach to a complex problem.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Northeastern University — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tunik, Eugene — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Tunik, Eugene
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.