New research by UCF’s Limbitless Solutions to test brain’s ability to adapt to bionic limbs

ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF’s Limbitless Solutions will lead a new, first-of-its-kind clinical trial this spring to examine how the brain adapts to advanced, bionic arms in children born without a limb.

Officials said its ultimate goal is to improve children’s control of their prosthetics.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The research will be done in partnership with Wolfson Children’s Hospital of Jacksonville and Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville.

Officials said the four-month clinical trial will examine if Limbitless’ prosthetic, paired with its custom training video game, will impact the motor control center of the brain. Researchers will closely monitor any changes in the signals the brain sends to the muscle groups that direct the bionic arms’ movement.

READ: Brothers use creative superpowers to publish comic book to raise money, awareness for bionic arm

“It may provide new insight to how the brain’s motor cortex adapts to learning how to use our organic, or robotic, limbs,” said Albert Manero, executive director and co-founder of Limbitless Solutions.

To learn more about the program and to submit an application to receive information about the study, families are asked to apply here. The study is for children ages 9 to 12, and a maximum of five patients will be enrolled in the pilot study.

READ: Orlando couple to launch into space alongside Pete Davidson on Blue Origin flight

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group