Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 3 to 18

Exploring how 3D printed prostheses affect brain activity in children

Official title: The Influence of 3D Printed Prostheses on Neural Activation Patterns of the Primary Motor Cortex in Children With Unilateral Congenital Upper-limb Reductions

Run by University of Nebraska · NCT04110730 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing how using 3D printed prosthetic arms affects brain activity in children with upper-limb differences compared to typically developing kids.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages3 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Nebraska
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Omaha, Nebraska)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 10, 2020
Main results expectedAugust 2030
Study endsAugust 2030
Registry record updatedOctober 19, 2026
Trial IDNCT04110730 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 18 with upper limb deformities or missing digits.

Probably not a fit

Patients with recent upper extremity injuries or medical conditions that contraindicate prosthetic use may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the neural activation patterns in children using 3D printed prostheses for upper-limb deformities. It aims to enroll 40 children aged 3 to 18, including those with congenital upper-limb reductions and a control group of typically developing children. Participants will undergo 3D scanning and fitting of the prosthesis, followed by assessments of motor performance and brain activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The goal is to enhance understanding of how prosthesis use influences motor cortex activity and to inform rehabilitation strategies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation programs that reduce prosthesis rejection and enhance motor performance in children.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific use of 3D printed prostheses in this context is novel, related studies have shown promise in understanding neural activation patterns in prosthesis users.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 3-18 years.
* Individuals missing any digits, hand, arm, shoulder.
* Any dysfunction of the upper limbs.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants who are outside of age range.
* Participants with upper extremity injury within the past month.
* Medical conditions which would be contraindications to wear a prosthetic or assistive device, Such as skin abrasions and musculoskeletal injuries in the upper limbs.

Where it's running

  • University of Nebraska at Omaha
    Omaha, Nebraska, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.