Motor imagery, function, and proprioception in people with below-elbow amputation who use myoelectric prostheses

Investigation of the Effect of Motor Imagery Ability on Upper Extremity Functionality and Proprioception in Transradial Amputees Using Myoelectric Prostheses

Observational Medipol University · NCT06541379

We will test whether people with a unilateral transradial amputation who use a myoelectric prosthesis differ from people without amputation in motor imagery ability and whether that ability relates to prosthesis function and limb position sense.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedipol University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Beykoz)
Trial IDNCT06541379 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study compares adults with unilateral transradial amputation who have used a myoelectric prosthesis for at least six months to matched control participants. Participants must pass brief cognitive and mood screens and will complete motor imagery tasks, functional prosthesis tests, and proprioception measures. The study aims to relate motor imagery performance to functional prosthetic use and perceived limb position, drawing on hypotheses about cortical reorganization after amputation. No experimental intervention is applied; analyses will compare group performance and correlations between imagery ability and functional outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–65 with a unilateral transradial amputation who have used a myoelectric prosthesis for at least six months, who are literate and pass cognitive and depression screening, are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who have bilateral amputations, use non-myoelectric prostheses, have major cognitive, neurological, psychiatric, or other physical problems, or cannot travel to the study site are unlikely to benefit from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If findings show a link between motor imagery ability and prosthesis function, they could guide rehabilitation and training to improve prosthetic control and body awareness.

How similar studies have performed: Motor imagery training has shown benefits in stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, and some orthopedic conditions, but direct evidence in upper-limb amputees is limited and inconsistent.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Amputee group inclusion criteria

* Being an amputee using a unilateral transradial and myoelectric prosthesis
* Having at least 6 months of prosthesis experience
* Having a maximum score of 15 on the Beck Depression Inventory
* Having a minimum score of 26 on the Standardized Mini Mental Test
* Being willing to participate in the study

Control Group inclusion criteria

* Being between the ages of 18-65
* Having a minimum score of 26 on the Standardized Mini Mental Test
* Having signed the Informed Voluntary Consent Form
* Having a maximum score of 15 on the Beck Depression Inventory
* Being literate

Exclusion Criteria:

Amputee group exclusion criteria

* Having another physical problem other than amputation
* Having a diagnosed cognitive disorder
* Not being able to read or write

Exclusion criteria for the control group from the study

* Having any neurological, orthopedic, psychological (such as schizophrenia, psychosis) and systemic problems
* Having an unchangeable visual or auditory disability

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Beykoz

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Amputation of Upper Limb Below ElbowProsthesis UserImageryAmputeeProstheticFunctionalMyoelectric
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.