Influence of prosthesis use on cortical activation and movement variability
Objective: To determine the influence of using a prosthesis on neural activation patterns of the primary motor cortex and motor performance in children with unilateral congenital upper-limb reductions.
Dr. Zuniga's Team
The development of prostheses for children is complex due to their rapid and continuous growth. Up to 58% of children with upper limb reductions reject or abandon their prostheses due to excessive weight, lack of visual appeal, limited function, and complexity of control.
Theoretically, the use of a prosthesis may lead to an enlargement of the primary neuronal networks located in the cortical area involved with motor control of the affected limb.
Ultimately, this might lead to a larger repertoire of motor strategies and integration of the prosthesis into the motor control of the child facilitating prosthesis acceptance.
Contact us at: unobiomechanics@unomaha.edu about participating in upper limb 3D printed prosthetics.