Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Capturing Representative Hand Use at Home Using Egocentric Video in Individuals with Upper Limb Impairment
06:25

Capturing Representative Hand Use at Home Using Egocentric Video in Individuals with Upper Limb Impairment

Published on: December 23, 2020

3.0K

Coactivation index of children with congenital upper limb reduction deficiencies before and after using a

Jorge M Zuniga1,2, Katsavelis Dimitrios3, Jean L Peck4

  • 1Department of Biomechanics, Biomechanics Research Building, 3D Printed Prosthetic, Orthotic & Assistive Devices, University of Nebraska, 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, NE, 68182, USA. jmzuniga@unomaha.edu.

Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation
|June 10, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Using a wrist-driven 3D printed prosthesis significantly reduced co-contraction in children with upper-limb differences. This finding suggests improved motor control and better prosthetic rehabilitation outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Rehabilitation Science
  • Pediatric Orthopedics

Background:

  • Co-contraction, the simultaneous activation of opposing muscles, is crucial for joint stability.
  • Neuromuscular motor control strategies in children with upper-limb deficiencies using prosthetic devices remain under-investigated.
  • The impact of wrist-driven 3D printed prostheses on co-contraction in affected hands is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of a wrist-driven 3D printed partial hand prosthesis on the coactivation index (CI) in children with congenital upper-limb reduction deficiencies.
  • To compare the coactivation index of the affected hand before and after 6 months of prosthesis use.

Main Methods:

  • Electromyographic activity of wrist flexors and extensors was recorded during maximal voluntary contractions.
  • The coactivation index was calculated as the percentage of antagonist muscle activation relative to agonist activation.
  • Nine children with congenital upper-limb deficiencies were fitted with a wrist-driven 3D printed prosthetic hand; five completed a 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

  • A significant main effect for hand was observed, with the affected hand exhibiting a higher coactivation index for both flexion and extension compared to the non-affected hand.
  • A significant main effect for time indicated a lower coactivation index in both affected and non-affected hands after 6 months of prosthesis use.
  • The study observed a 70% reduction in the coactivation index in the affected hand after prosthesis use.

Conclusions:

  • The use of a wrist-driven 3D printed hand prosthesis effectively lowered the coactivation index in children with congenital upper-limb reduction deficiencies.
  • This reduction in co-contraction suggests potential improvements in neuromuscular motor control strategies.
  • These findings may enhance prosthetic rehabilitation outcomes for pediatric patients with upper-limb differences.
Abstract

Keywords:
Additive manufacturingArmBiomechanicsComputer-aided designCustom-made prosthesesHandMotor controlPediatricReaching

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Post-Stroke Upper Limb Rehabilitation with Robotic Technologies for Improved Motor Recovery and Functional Outcomes04:49

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Post-Stroke Upper Limb Rehabilitation with Robotic Technologies for Improved Motor Recovery and Functional Outcomes

Published on: September 6, 2024

1.5K
Event-related Potentials During Target-response Tasks to Study Cognitive Processes of Upper Limb Use in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy08:26

Event-related Potentials During Target-response Tasks to Study Cognitive Processes of Upper Limb Use in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Published on: January 11, 2016

12.6K

Related Concept Videos

Arteries of the Upper Limbs01:12

Arteries of the Upper Limbs

The subclavian artery transitions into the axillary artery as it exits the chest and enters the axillary region. This artery is critical for supplying blood to the shoulder area, including the head of the humerus, through the humeral circumflex arteries. As the vessel continues into the upper arm or brachium, it becomes the brachial artery. This artery plays a key role in vascularizing the brachial region and bifurcates at the elbow into several branches. These branches include the deep...
2.5K
Veins of Upper Limbs01:17

Veins of Upper Limbs

The human circulatory system, a marvel of biological engineering, is a complex network of vessels that transport blood throughout the body. Among these, the veins responsible for carrying blood from the upper limbs are divided into two categories: deep and superficial.
The deep venous system is primarily composed of the ulnar and radial veins. The ulnar vein, which drains the fingers through the superficial palmar venous arches, and the radial vein, which serves the palms via the deep palmar...
4.4K
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus01:19

Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus

The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
7.3K
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna01:15

Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna

The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side...
4.5K
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius01:09

Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius

The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
4.9K
Oxidation-Reduction Reactions03:11

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Oxidation–Reduction Reactions
75.8K