# Development and Validation of a Low-Cost 3D Printed Upper Limb Prosthetic Simulator

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA · 2020 · $56,474

## Abstract

The use of novel tools such as prostheses involves the neural processes of embodiment and ownership of the
tool, allowing the brain to incorporate the device into its internal model. Currently, a gap exists in the literature
that describes how these processes effect the rejection or acceptance of upper limb prostheses. Prosthetic
simulators are tools used within rehabilitative settings that aid amputees with becoming more familiar with their
prosthetic device with the unaffected limb or have been used to investigate learning paradigms. However, it is
unknown if these simulators truly emulate the neural and muscular responses of using an actual prosthesis.
Neural imaging through functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in parallel with muscle activity readings
with the use of electromyography (EMG) from the effector muscles during the use of a prosthetic simulator in
typically developing population would allow for a physiological description of novel tool use, both within the brain
and end effector. This data would aid in elucidating the effects of using a novel tool on brain activation, as well
as differences between simulator use and prosthesis use. The objective of the study is to determine differences
in lateralization of brain function during a gross manual dexterity assessment using prosthetic simulators and 3D
printed prostheses. Our hypothesis is that ipsilateral hemispheric activity and end-effector co-contraction will be
significantly increased during the use of the simulator in the non-preferred hand of the typically developing
participants. Secondly, that prosthesis users will show significantly more ipsilateral dominance and co-
contraction compared to the simulator users and typically developing controls. Should our hypotheses prove
correct, we may use the knowledge gained to better inform rehabilitative programs for children receiving
prostheses and create more effective simulators. To test our hypotheses, we formulated two specific aims:
Specific Aim 1: Determine the differences in primary motor cortex hemispheric activity during the performance
of motor tasks using upper-limb prosthetic simulators in typically developing children, compared to children using
upper limb prostheses. We will analyze a sub-group of 20 participants already enrolled in the parent grant (10
typically developing and 10 prosthesis users) from 7 to 12 years of age and monitor their primary motor cortex
activation during a gross manual dexterity test.
Specific Aim 2: Determine the changes in co-activation index, as measured by the co-contraction of the extensor
digitorum and flexor carpi ulnaris, during a maximal voluntary isometric contraction.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10108723
- **Project number:** 3R01NS114282-01S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA
- **Principal Investigator:** Brian Andrew Knarr
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $56,474
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10108723

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10108723, Development and Validation of a Low-Cost 3D Printed Upper Limb Prosthetic Simulator (3R01NS114282-01S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10108723. Licensed CC0.

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