Understanding how we control hand movements and grip strength
Official title: Coordination of human grasp and manipulation forces
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-10778617 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our hands work together to move and hold things steadily, and it's designed to help people with hand problems, like carpal tunnel syndrome, by finding better ways to support their hand function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | February 6, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $167,519 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR081636-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10778617 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or other conditions affecting hand dexterity and strength.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no hand function issues or those not experiencing any form of neuropathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex mechanisms behind how we use our hands for precise movements and grip. It focuses on understanding how the hand's neuromuscular system coordinates forces to manipulate objects without slipping or tilting. By studying these control mechanisms, the research aims to improve clinical interventions for individuals with conditions that affect hand function, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The approach includes experimental tasks where participants grasp and manipulate objects while their movements are analyzed.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments and rehabilitation strategies for patients with hand function impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding hand function, but this specific approach to studying object pose control is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santello, Marco — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Santello, Marco
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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.