Rehabilitation and Neural Engineering Laboratory

High Resolution Brain Mapping using Functional MRI after Upper-Limb Amputation

Study Goal

The goal of this study is to use high resolution functional MRI to map brain activity related to finger movements and sensations.

Study Summary

The purpose of this research study is to map areas of the brain related to movement of various parts of the body (hand, wrist, fingers, mouth).  We will use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to take a 3-D picture of your brain structure.  Brain activity will be measured in the same MRI scanner using a type of MRI called functional MRI.  This way we can locate exactly where the brain activity is occurring.  We will use functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure and locate brain activation relating to the movement, touch and position of various joints in the body.  We will also measure activity associated with imagining movement (e.g. "imagine moving a videogame joystick"), sound effects (e.g. differing musical tones) and physical touch (e.g. tactile or vibration stimulation).  We hope to use this information in future studies related to the surgical placement of BCI devices for individuals with upper limb amputation.

Inclusion Criteria

  • Between the ages of 18 and 65 years old.
  • Normal or corrected to normal vision.
  • Must have an amputation of at least one upper limb, at a level between the wrist and shoulder joints.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Pacemaker, baclofen pump, cochlear implant or other electronic implanted device
  • Metallic implants or metal in body that is unsafe for MRI 
  • Visual impairments such that extended viewing of a computer monitor would be difficult
  • Subjects may not be pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Individuals who weigh over 300 lbs (because of MRI space constraints)

Principal Investigator

Jennifer Collinger, PhD

For more information call
412-383-1355

Additional Information

Study Flyer