Proprioceptive Sensorimotor Integration With Neural Interfaces for Hand Prostheses
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
The purpose of this study is to characterize proprioceptive sensations in the missing limb of upper limb amputees using nerve stimulation, and to develop advanced controllers for moving a prosthesis. Proprioceptive sensations are the sensations that tell individuals where their hand is in space, and if it is moving. The research team uses Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), which involves applying small electric currents to the nerves. These signals are then transferred to the brain just like the information about the individual's intact hand used to be transferred to their brain. This study will test different placements for stimulation and determine which one(s) provide the individual with proprioceptive sensations. The investigators want to know what the participants feel and if the investigators can use proprioceptive sensation to give the participants information about limb movement and position.
Description
Hands are the primary means of interacting with the world, and Veterans who have lost a hand must cope with diminished functional and sensory capabilities. While myoelectric prostheses can restore the basic grasping function of the lost hand, many amputees abandon use of prostheses because current prosthetic options do not meet their needs. In addition, many amputees struggle with phantom pain and psychosocial deficits following limb loss that are not fully mitigated by current treatments. In the normal sensorimotor system, proprioception, which is the sense of limb position and movement, is…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Unilateral upper limb amputation above or below the elbow with fully healed and healthy surgical sites * Viable peripheral nerve function in the residual nerves serving the limb * Volitional activity of the residual muscles in the amputated limb or actuating movement of the limb * Medically fit to undergo general anesthesia * Fitted with a prosthesis by a certified prosthetic and orthotic specialist (CPO) and at least one month of experience using a prosthesis * Willingness and availability to follow the study protocol * Willingness to undergo psychological evaluation, i…
Interventions
- DeviceChronically Implanted Neural and Muscular Interface
Participants will be chronically implanted with neural and muscular interfaces to characterize proprioceptive sensations using Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).
Location
- Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OHCleveland, Ohio