Researchers analyzed fossil data from 7 human ancestors, finding Australopithecus had strong arms but human-like leg pattern, while early Homo had stronger legs and weaker arms, suggesting a major shift in movement and living habits around 2 million years ago. This finding supports the idea that bipedalism evolved gradually, with early...
A new study from Northwestern University developed a customized video game to help chronic stroke survivors regain lost arm function. After six weeks of therapy, participants showed significant improvement in arm function and daily activities, with scores improving up to 7.8 times that of the control group.
A new study identifies a previously unknown brainstem pathway controlling hand and arm movements, revealing a multi-stage pathway integrating signals from the cortex, brainstem, and spinal networks. This finding may lead to new therapies for stroke rehabilitation, providing additional targets for neuromodulation treatments.
A new study from the University of Birmingham found that consuming flavanols can preserve blood vessel function in young healthy men during periods of uninterrupted sitting. The researchers tested whether high-flavanol cocoa could prevent FMD declines, and found significant protection against vascular dysfunction.
New research identifies 'general motor skills' as crucial for world-class performance across various athletic disciplines. World-class experts show fewer inefficiencies in elastic tissue motions compared to regional-level and novice competitors.
A Cochrane review found that virtual reality (VR) can help stroke survivors regain arm movement and increase therapy time. VR may also improve balance and reduce activity limitations, but effects on mobility and quality of life are uncertain.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 19, 2025
Researchers developed an animal model of forelimb embodiment in mice to study the neural basis of sensory-based forelimb embodiment. The findings suggest that mice can develop a sense of embodiment of an artificial limb, similar to humans who participate in the rubber-hand illusion experiment.
Prolonged sitting impairs forearm cutaneous vascular function, but alternating local skin cooling and heating alleviates this effect. This study found that ambient temperature modulation can mitigate the decline in cutaneous vascular function.
Research suggests that people with obesity experience a redistribution of their body compartments, such as increased fat trunk accumulation and lower muscle mass, particularly in extremities, as they age. This shift occurs without significant changes in BMI, making it a less useful tool for assessing weight status.
A new nanotechnology-based drug delivery system has been developed to save patients from repeated surgeries. The approach, called Pericelle, uses a paste of nanoparticles containing hydrogel on transplanted veins to prevent blockages, which can lead to repeated surgeries in heart and dialysis patients.
The American Heart Association warns hunters about the increased risk of heart attack and stroke due to exertion, cold temperatures, and excitement. Hunters should recognize symptoms, take breaks, and have a plan in case of emergencies. Learning Hands-Only-CPR can also save lives.
Researchers identified three key trauma features - boggy swelling to the head, abdominal bruising, and thigh swelling or deformity - that prompt immediate review and prioritized treatment. The study found children brought in by carers were seen within an average time of 58.5 minutes, highlighting the need for improved triage alerts.
A crossover randomized clinical trial found that using lap or side positions for blood pressure readings leads to substantial overestimation. This misdiagnosis could have serious consequences, particularly for patients with hypertension.
Researchers found that lap support overestimated systolic pressure by nearly 4 mmHg and an unsupported arm hanging at the side overestimated systolic pressure by nearly 7 mmHg. The study emphasizes the importance of adhering to clinical guidelines for accurate blood pressure measurement.
Scientists unveiled a spatial cell atlas of the entire developing human limb, capturing intricate processes governing rapid development. The study uncovers new links between developmental cells and congenital limb syndromes, such as short fingers and extra digits.
A study by Dartmouth researchers reveals that human shoulders and elbows evolved to facilitate 'downclimbing' - the process of descending from trees without dying. This adaptation allowed early humans to navigate their environment safely, gathering food and deploying tools for hunting and defense.
Researchers analyzed data from 220,935 injured mountain bikers and 17,757 injured hikers to find the injury types and affected body areas. Most reported injuries were of low severity, primarily affecting upper limbs in mountain bikers and legs and ankles in hikers.
Limbitless Solutions has been selected as one of eight winners for the 2023 Unity for Humanity Grant. The organization will use $85,000 to develop its video game Quantum's Pursuit, which aims to empower children and adults with limb differences to learn how to use their bionic arms in a fun and engaging way.
A new study found that eccentric contractions prove most effective in preventing muscle wasting and damage after immobilization. Strengthening the unaffected arm through weightlifting also counteracted muscle atrophy, with a stronger cross-education effect observed for eccentric contractions.
A team of researchers from Harvard and MGH developed a soft robotic wearable capable of significantly assisting upper arm and shoulder movement in people with ALS. The device improved range of motion, reduced muscle fatigue, and increased performance of tasks like holding or reaching for objects.
Researchers at UVA Health have developed a new magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) technique to track peripheral artery disease, which affects over 200 million people worldwide. The CEST approach produces comparable results to the current gold standard without requiring specialized equipment.
UC Riverside engineers develop low-cost robotic clothing to help children with cerebral palsy. The soft machine garments contain sealed regions that inflate to provide force for movement, enabling natural limb functioning.
Dr. Nathan Hogaboom has won the prestigious Ernest Bors, MD Award for Scientific Development for his pioneering work on regenerative rehabilitation research in spinal cord injury. His award-winning study applied novel principles to treat debilitating shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury.
Paleontologist Kevin Padian suggests that T. rex's short arms evolved to prevent accidental or intentional amputation during pack feeding, a behavior thought to be common among the species. This hypothesis proposes that the reduced forelimbs provided an adaptive advantage by reducing the risk of injury during intense feeding interactions.
Researchers developed a video game-based therapy, Recovery Rapids, to aid stroke patients in improving their motor skills from home. The game helped patients adhere to exercises and showed similar outcomes to traditional constraint-induced therapy.
Researchers have created a compact and affordable device for recording brain activity, offering research-grade signal quality and customizable configuration. The device has the potential to help people with epilepsy detect impending seizures and those with limited mobility regain control over their limbs.
A new algorithm provides accurate solutions that mimic natural human movement, reducing the risk of injury. The Pro-ISADE approach improves calculation speed while ensuring calculated joint angles are feasible for robotic use in daily activities like drinking water and brushing teeth.
Researchers at Northwestern University and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have discovered that muscles lose sarcomeres -- their smallest building blocks -- after a stroke. This loss results in shorter muscle fibers and tighter muscles, making it harder for patients to regain function.
Researchers at Saarland University are developing soft robotic tools with smart polymeric materials for flexibility and sensitivity. These systems can mimic human movements and interact with humans in a safe and harmonious way.
Scientists at MedUni Vienna have successfully developed a bionic foot for a bearded vulture named Mia using osseointegration, a technique that directly attaches the prosthetic to the bone. The procedure has enabled Mia to regain her ability to land and walk with both feet, making her the first 'bionic bird'.
A new study by Rutgers researchers found that COVID-19 can trigger a rare recurrence of upper extremity blood clots, requiring vigilant monitoring and treatment. Patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis or chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for recurrence.
A new study suggests that postmenopausal women are at increased risk of subsequent fractures after an initial bone break, regardless of the location. The study found that fractures in various parts of the body, including the arm, wrist, leg, and hip, were associated with a significant increase in risk.
Researchers have created an early prototype of a medical imaging system using neural networks to analyze near-infrared images of veins and project a venous pattern onto a patient's body. The system can detect vein contours accurately, fully automatically, and independently, reducing discomfort for patients with difficult access to veins.
A team of researchers at SUTD and TTSH created a novel 3D printed non-metallic self-locking prosthetic arm that is more comfortable, flexible, and 20% cheaper than conventional prostheses. The patient's satisfaction with the new prosthesis was higher due to its improved fit, function, and comfort.
Researchers found that eccentric exercise on the opposing arm can prevent muscle damage and build strength in the unaffected limb. The study involved 30 participants with one arm immobilised for four weeks, showing significant improvements in strength and minimal muscle loss.
Researchers have found that the number of tentacle arms in sea anemones is determined by their food intake, with muscle cells playing a crucial role in this process. This discovery sheds light on how environmental factors can influence morphological changes in organisms.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found significant variability in blood pressure readings taken from different parts of the body and opposite sides of the body in the same individual. The study suggests that blood pressure measurements may need to be adjusted based on the site taken, which could impact medical decisions.
A new study benchmarks the technology, finding it effectively detects early arm swelling associated with lymphedema in breast cancer patients. The detection technology improves not only physical health but also peace of mind and finances.
Scientists at the University of Chicago discovered that signals in the motor cortex act like a series of clutches when it comes to moving, and that these signals can be disrupted to slow the brain's initiation of movement. This finding has potential implications for treatments of Parkinson's disease.
Northwestern University researchers create a thin, wireless system that adds a sense of touch to virtual reality experiences, enabling new applications in social interactions, prosthetics, telemedicine, and entertainment. The device transmits touch patterns through miniature vibrating actuators embedded into a soft, flexible material.
Researchers have identified unique populations of neurons and associated cells in the spinal cords of patients with ALS, which could serve as useful biomarkers for earlier diagnosis. The study found different types of motor neurons and microglia present in less affected regions of patients with focal-onset ALS.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have successfully developed a noninvasive brain-computer interface (BCI) that enables continuous control of a robotic arm using only thoughts. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize the lives of paralyzed patients and those with movement disorders.
A new study aims to develop safe throwing amounts for young baseball players by tracking their total number of throws and intensity. The research team will use sensor technology to capture data on 10-11 year old male competitive pitchers over 12 months.
Researchers found a wide variety of different forelimb shapes evolved within the therapsids 270 million years ago. This discovery helps explain how mammals evolved traits that have made us what we are today, from simple tasks like holding a phone to more complex behaviors.
Researchers at Saarland University develop robotic arms with flexible, shape-memory wires, allowing for greater agility and precision. These 'muscles' can be used to create large grippers or tiny endoscopes, enabling new applications in medical procedures.
A randomized, assessor-blinded trial found that home-based telerehabilitation is as effective as clinic-based therapy in restoring arm function among stroke survivors. The study used a computer-based telerehabilitation system with game-ified activities and therapists using videoconferencing to assess progress.
Researchers found that neural activity in both the left and right hemispheres of the brain is involved in encoding individual arm movements. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective rehabilitation strategies for individuals with limb function after a brain injury, by harnessing the unaffected hemisphere.
Researchers found that brain anatomy is highly individualized, reflecting a combination of genetic and non-genetic influences. Over 90% accurate identification was achieved using MRI scans of nearly 200 healthy individuals.
Researchers have developed a control algorithm that regulates electrical current to provide steady sensation in prosthetic arms. The system reduces painful shocks and improves user experience, enabling users to feel touch and pressure, even with electrodes peeling off or sweat building up.
A new study reveals prehistoric women had up to 30% stronger arm bones than modern rowers due to activities like grinding grain and performing manual labor. The research suggests that the varied work of early agricultural women played a crucial role in shaping their physical strength.
A recent study reveals prehistoric women performed intensive manual labor for thousands of years, surpassing modern female athletes. This finding highlights the crucial role of women's labor in agriculture's development and underscores the importance of using female comparative data to interpret past behavior.
Despite multiple injuries and deafness, Shanidar 1 lived into his 40s with the help of others. His sensory impairment made him vulnerable to predators, emphasizing the importance of social support for survival as a hunter-gatherer in the Pleistocene.
Intento's device enables stroke patients to self-administer electrical stimulation, improving mobility and performing basic tasks. 70% of patients showed significant improvement in motor functions compared to conventional therapy.
A new study published in Biology Open found that the heel-down posture of great apes, including humans, provides a fighting advantage due to increased swinging force when standing with heels planted. This stance allows for stronger blows and more striking force compared to digitigrade stances used by other species.
A University of Utah study found that heel-down posture in great apes and humans is beneficial for fighting due to increased swinging force. This stance allows for more efficient application of rotational force, enabling physical competition to be costly and demanding peak performance from the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system.
A recent study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that hand-grip strength is a reliable indicator of physical function decline in Parkinson's patients. The researchers used a portable monitoring device to measure muscle activity, showing that the test was conclusive and easy to administer.
A new grant will help increase range of motion for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by developing an exoskeleton that provides intuitive robotic guidance controls and motorized assistance. The device aims to spare muscle deterioration, keeping people stronger for longer.
Researchers found that hearing metaphors involving arms or legs activates the left extrastriate body area (EBA) in the brain, which is responsible for visual perception of those body parts. This finding supports the concept of grounded cognition, where comprehension of abstract concepts is built upon concrete experiences.
A small study found that augmented reality and serious gaming therapy significantly reduced phantom limb pain, improving quality of life. The therapy involved training a virtual arm, racing, and copying movements, leading to halved pain intensity and frequency.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a novel treatment for phantom limb pain, reducing symptoms by 50% in over a dozen amputees. The new approach uses augmented reality and machine learning to control virtual environments with muscle signals from the missing limb.