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Favetta M, Romano A, Valè N, Cieslik B, Federico S, Girolami A, Mazzarotto D, Pregnolato G, Righetti A, Salvalaggio S, Castelli E, Smania N, Bargellesi S, Kiper P, Petrarca M. A scoping review of scientific concepts concerning motor recovery after stroke as employed in clinical trials. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1221656. [PMID: 38146442 PMCID: PMC10749504 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1221656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The scientific literature on poststroke rehabilitation is remarkably vast. Over the last decades, dozens of rehabilitation approaches have been investigated. However, sometimes it is challenging to trace new experimental interventions back to some of the known models of motor control and sensorimotor learning. This scoping review aimed to investigate motor control models' diffusion among the literature on motor recovery after stroke. We performed a literature search on Medline, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases. The last search was conducted in September 2023. This scoping review included full-text articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals that provided rehabilitation interventions based on motor control or motor learning frameworks for at least one individual with stroke. For each study, we identified the theoretical framework the authors used to design the experimental treatment. To this aim, we used a previously proposed classification of the known models of motor control, dividing them into the following categories: neuroanatomy, robotics, self-organization, and ecological context. In total, 2,185 studies were originally considered in this scoping review. After the screening process, we included and analyzed 45 studies: 20 studies were randomized controlled trials, 12 were case series, 4 were case reports, 8 were observational longitudinal pilot studies, and 1 was an uncontrolled trial. Only 10 studies explicitly declared the reference theoretical model. Considering their classification, 21 studies referred to the robotics motor control model, 12 to the self-organization model, 8 to the neuroanatomy model, and 4 to the ecological model. Our results showed that most of the rehabilitative interventions purposed in stroke rehabilitation have no clear theoretical bases on motor control and motor learning models. We suggest this is an issue that deserves attention when designing new experimental interventions in stroke rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Favetta
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARlab), Neurorehabilitation Unit, Neurological Science and Neurorehabilitation Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Romano
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARlab), Neurorehabilitation Unit, Neurological Science and Neurorehabilitation Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Health Systems Management, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Nicola Valè
- Neuromotor and Cognitive Rehabilitation Research Center (CRRNC), Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Blazej Cieslik
- Laboratory of Healthcare Innovation Technology, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy
| | - Sara Federico
- Laboratory of Healthcare Innovation Technology, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy
| | - Alessia Girolami
- Spondilos Lab Centro Medico and Riabilitazione, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Deborah Mazzarotto
- Medicina Fisica e Riabilitazione, ULSS 4 Veneto Orientale, Jesolo, Italy
| | - Giorgia Pregnolato
- Laboratory of Healthcare Innovation Technology, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy
| | - Anna Righetti
- Neuromotor and Cognitive Rehabilitation Research Center (CRRNC), Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Salvalaggio
- Laboratory of Computational Neuroimaging, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, Università Degli Studi di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Enrico Castelli
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARlab), Neurorehabilitation Unit, Neurological Science and Neurorehabilitation Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Smania
- Neuromotor and Cognitive Rehabilitation Research Center (CRRNC), Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Bargellesi
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda ULSS 3 Serenissima, Venezia, Italy
| | - Pawel Kiper
- Laboratory of Healthcare Innovation Technology, IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy
| | - Maurizio Petrarca
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARlab), Neurorehabilitation Unit, Neurological Science and Neurorehabilitation Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Romano A, Ippolito E, Favetta M, Lotan M, Moran DS. Individualized Remotely Supervised Motor Activity Programs Promote Rehabilitation Goal Achievement, Motor Functioning, and Physical Activity of People with Rett Syndrome-A Single-Cohort Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 20:ijerph20010659. [PMID: 36612980 PMCID: PMC9819180 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gross motor function in Rett syndrome (RTT) is always limited. The complex clinical picture typical of most people with RTT requires intensive and specific rehabilitation programs. Previous reports on remotely supervised motor activity programs suggested positive outcomes for this population. The current article describes the impact of a remote-supervised motor activity program carried out by family members of individuals with RTT on achieving rehabilitation goals and improving gross and fine motor functioning and daily physical activity. METHODS Forty subjects with RTT followed a three-month remotely supervised motor activity program carried out by their family members at home after a three-month baseline period. After the end of the intervention, a three-month wash-out period was implemented. Rehabilitation goal achievement, motor functioning, and level of daily physical activity were measured. RESULTS 82.4% of rehabilitation goals were achieved or overachieved. Participants' motor functioning and physical activity significantly increased after the intervention (p ˂ 0.001). Improvements were maintained after the wash-out phase. CONCLUSIONS The proposed intervention was effective for people with RTT of various ages and severity levels. The results highlight the need for lifelong, individualized, daily based, and professionally supervised rehabilitation possibilities for individuals with RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Romano
- Department of Health System Management, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel
- Airett Innovation and Research Center, 37122 Verona, Italy
| | | | - Martina Favetta
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Robotics Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Meir Lotan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel
- Israeli Rett Syndrome National Evaluation Team, Ramat Gan 5200100, Israel
| | - Daniel Sender Moran
- Department of Health System Management, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel
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Favetta M, Romano A, Summa S, Colazza A, Minosse S, Vasco G, Castelli E, Petrarca M. Influence of sagittal pelvic attitude on gait pattern in normally developed people and interactions with neurological pathologies: A pilot study. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:797282. [PMID: 35992946 PMCID: PMC9386486 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.797282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gait Analysis of healthy people, imitating pathological conditions while walking, has increased our understanding of biomechanical factors. The influence of the pelvis as a biomechanical constraint during gait is not specifically studied. How could mimicking a pelvic attitude influence the dynamic mechanical interaction of the body segments? We proposed an investigation of the pelvic attitude role on the gait pattern of typically developed people when they mimicked pelvic anteversion and posteroversion. Materials and methods Seventeen healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study (mean age 24.4 ± 5.5). They simulated a pelvic anteversion and posteroversion during walking, exaggerating these postures as much as possible. 3D gait analysis was conducted using an optoelectronic system with eight cameras (Vicon MX, Oxford, United Kingdom) and two force plates (AMTI, Or-6, Watertown, MA, United States). The kinematic, kinetic, and spatio-temporal parameters were compared between the three walking conditions (anteversion, posteroversion, and normal gait). Results In Pelvic Anteversion gait (PA) we found: increased hip flexion (p < 0.0001), increased knee flexion during stance (p = 0.02), and reduction of ankle flexion-extension Range of Motion (RoM) compared with Pelvic Normal gait (PN). In Pelvic Posteroversion gait (PP) compared with PN, we found: decreased hip flexion-extension RoM (p < 0.01) with a tendency to hip extension, decreased knee maximum extension in stance (p = 0.033), and increased ankle maximum dorsiflexion in stance (p = 0.002). Conclusion The configuration of PA contains gait similarities and differences when compared with pathologic gait where there is an anteversion as seen in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) or Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Similarly, attitudes of PP have been described in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome (CMT) or patients who have undergone Pelvic Osteotomy (PO). Understanding the dynamic biomechanical constraints is essential to the assessment of pathological behavior. The central nervous system adapts motor behavior in interaction with body constraints and available resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Favetta
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Romano
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Summa
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Susanna Summa,
| | - Alessandra Colazza
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Minosse
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gessica Vasco
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Castelli
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Petrarca
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Zwilling M, Romano A, Favetta M, Ippolito E, Lotan M. Impact of a Remotely Supervised Motor Rehabilitation Program on Maternal Well-Being During the COVID-19 Italian Lockdown. Front Psychol 2022; 13:834419. [PMID: 35345633 PMCID: PMC8957072 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.834419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 Lockdown was particularly challenging for most mothers of people with intellectual disabilities, including those with Rett syndrome (RTT), leading to feelings of abandonment from healthcare services of their children. Within those days, telerehabilitation has represented a valid alternative to support physical activity and treatment, supporting parents in structuring their children’s daily routine at home. This article aims to describe the well-being level of two groups of mothers of girls and women with RTT who were involved in a home-based remotely supervised motor rehabilitation program, respectively, before and during the COVID-19 Italian lockdown. Forty participants with classic RTT were recruited before the lockdown and randomly assigned to two groups that performed the intervention immediately before (Group 1) and during (Group 2) the lockdown, respectively. The intervention included an individualized daily physical activity program carried out for 12 weeks by participants’ parents and fortnightly supervised throughout Skype contacts to plan, monitor, and accommodate individual activities in the participant’s life at home. The short form Caregivers Well-Being Scale was collected for the mothers in each group 12 weeks before intervention (T1), at intervention initiation (T2), immediately after intervention termination (T3), as well as at 12 weeks after intervention termination (T4). Mothers of participants in the Group 1 showed a stable level of well-being across all four evaluations with a slight improvement during the lockdown, without significant change. Similarly, the well-being level of mothers in the Group 2 showed a statistically significant increase in their well-being between T2 and T3 (during the lockdown) and its reduction to the pre-intervention level between T3 and T4 (after the lockdown). The results suggest that the lockdown did not negatively affect the participants’ mothers’ well-being, leading to its improvement. Moreover, the proposed intervention could have supported the mothers in managing the new daily routine at home, positively affecting maternal well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moti Zwilling
- Department of Economics and Business Administration, Ariel University, Ari'el, Israel
| | - Alberto Romano
- Department of Health System Management, Ariel University, Ari'el, Israel.,Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Centro AIRETT Ricerca e Innovazione (CARI), Research and Innovation Airett Center, Verona, Italy
| | - Martina Favetta
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Meir Lotan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Ariel University, Ari'el, Israel.,Israeli Rett Syndrome National Evaluation Team, Sheba Hospital, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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Minosse S, Favetta M, Romano A, Pisano A, Summa S, Schirinzi T, Vasco G, Castelli E, Petrarca M. Comparison of the Gait Biomechanical Constraints in Three Different Type of Neuromotor Damages. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:822205. [PMID: 35422690 PMCID: PMC9001917 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.822205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective Absolute angle represents the inclination of a body segment relative to a fixed reference in space. This work compares the absolute and relative angles for exploring biomechanical gait constraints. Methods Gait patterns of different neuromotor conditions were analyzed using 3D gait analysis: normal gait (healthy, H), Cerebral Palsy (CP), Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), representing central and peripheral nervous system and muscular disorders, respectively. Forty-two children underwent gait analysis: 10 children affected by CP, 10 children by CMT, 10 children by DMD and 12 healthy children. The kinematic and kinetic parameters were collected to describe the biomechanical pattern of participants’ lower limbs. The absolute angles of thigh, leg and foot were calculated using the trigonometric relationship of the tangent. For each absolute series, the mean, range, maximum, minimum and initial contact were calculated. Kinematic and kinetic gait data were studied, and the results were compared with the literature. Results Statistical analysis of the absolute angles showed how, at the local level, the single segments (thigh, leg and foot) behave differently depending on the pathology. However, if the lower limb is studied globally (sum of the kinematics of the three segments: thigh, leg and foot), a biomechanical constraint emerges. Conclusion Each segment compensates separately for the disease deficit so as to maintain a global biomechanical invariance. Using a model of inter-joint co-variation could improve the interpretation of the clinical gait pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Minosse
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Favetta
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Romano
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pisano
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Summa
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Susanna Summa,
| | - Tommaso Schirinzi
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gessica Vasco
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Castelli
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Petrarca
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Robotics, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab), “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Romano A, Favetta M, Summa S, Schirinzi T, Bertini ES, Castelli E, Vasco G, Petrarca M. Upper Body Physical Rehabilitation for Children with Ataxia through IMU-Based Exergame. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11041065. [PMID: 35207341 PMCID: PMC8876617 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Children with ataxia experience balance and movement coordination difficulties and needs intensive physical intervention to maintain functional abilities and counteract the disorder. Exergaming represents a valuable strategy to provide engaging physical intervention to children with ataxia, sustaining their motivation to perform the intervention. This paper aims to describe the effect of a home-conducted exergame-based exercise training for upper body movements control of children with ataxia on their ataxic symptoms, walking ability, and hand dexterity. Methods: Eighteen children with ataxia were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group were asked to follow a 12-week motor activity program at home using the Niurion® exergame. Blind assessments of participants’ ataxic symptoms, dominant and non-dominant hand dexterity, and walking ability were conducted. Results: On average, the participants performed the intervention for 61.5% of the expected time. At the end of the training, participants in the intervention group showed improved hand dexterity that worsened in the control group. Conclusion: The presented exergame enhanced the participants’ hand dexterity. However, there is a need for exergames capable of maintaining a high level of players’ motivation in playing. It is advisable to plan a mixed intervention to take care of the multiple aspects of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Romano
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MAR Lab), Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Robotics Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00050 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (G.V.); (M.P.)
| | - Martina Favetta
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MAR Lab), Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Robotics Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00050 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (G.V.); (M.P.)
| | - Susanna Summa
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MAR Lab), Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Robotics Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00050 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (G.V.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tommaso Schirinzi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Enrico Silvio Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscolar and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Enrico Castelli
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MAR Lab), Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Robotics Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00050 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (G.V.); (M.P.)
| | - Gessica Vasco
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MAR Lab), Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Robotics Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00050 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (G.V.); (M.P.)
| | - Maurizio Petrarca
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MAR Lab), Intensive Neurorehabilitation and Robotics Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00050 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (G.V.); (M.P.)
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Lotan M, Ippolito E, Favetta M, Romano A. Skype Supervised, Individualized, Home-Based Rehabilitation Programs for Individuals With Rett Syndrome and Their Families - Parental Satisfaction and Point of View. Front Psychol 2021; 12:720927. [PMID: 34603144 PMCID: PMC8481588 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.720927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT) experience impaired gross motor skills limiting their capacity. Therefore, they need support to participate in physical activities, and it is crucial to work with primary caregivers when developing appropriate strategies, thereby leading to an active lifestyle. There is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of remotely supported physical activity interventions. This project aimed to evaluate the effects of a skype-based, telehealth-delivered physical activity program carried out by participants’ parents at home. This article will focus on parental points of view. A mixed-methods design evaluating parental satisfaction was conducted. Forty participants with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of RTT and their families were recruited. The intervention included a 12-week individualized daily physical activity program carried out by participants’ parents and bi-weekly supervised by expert therapists. Parents’ impressions and feelings related to the program implementation were collected throughout semi-structured interviews, and an ad hoc developed questionnaire and discussed. The current project results suggest that a remote physical rehabilitation program, supported fortnightly by video calls, represents an effective way of conducting a remote physical therapy intervention for this population and that it can be easily carried out at home by primary caregivers, promoting positive functional changes, without bringing feelings of frustration due to the required workload. The strategies that families have learned during the program to support the motor activities of their daughters represent an easily performed set of tools that they can maintain and use in everyday life even after the cessation of the program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meir Lotan
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.,Israeli Rett Syndrome National Evaluation Team, Sheba Hospital, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | | | - Martina Favetta
- Motion Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Romano
- SMART Learning Center, Milan, Italy.,Motion Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Centro AIRETT Ricerca e Innovazione (CARI), Research and Innovation Airett Center, Verona, Italy
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Summa S, Tartarisco G, Favetta M, Buzachis A, Romano A, Bernava GM, Sancesario A, Vasco G, Pioggia G, Petrarca M, Castelli E, Bertini E, Schirinzi T. Validation of low-cost system for gait assessment in children with ataxia. Comput Methods Programs Biomed 2020; 196:105705. [PMID: 32846316 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2020.105705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ataxic syndromes include several rare, inherited and acquired conditions. One of the main issues is the absence of specific, and sensitive automatic evaluation tools and digital outcome measures to obtain a continuous monitoring of subjects' motor ability. OBJECTIVES This study aims to test the usability of the Kinect system for assessing ataxia severity, exploring the potentiality of clustering algorithms and validating this system with a standard motion capture system. METHODS Gait evaluation was performed by standardized gait analysis and by Kinect v2 during the same day in a cohort of young patient (mean age of 13.8±7.2). We analyzed the gait spatio-temporal parameters and we looked at the differences between the two systems through correlation and agreement tests. As well, we tested for possible correlations with the SARA scale as well. Finally, standard classification algorithm and principal components analysis were used to discern disease severity and groups. RESULTS We found biases and linear relationships between all the parameters. Significant correlations emerged between the SARA and the Speed, the Stride Length and the Step Length. PCA results, highlighting that a machine learning approach combined with Kinect-based evaluation shows great potential to automatically assess disease severity and diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The spatio-temporal parameters measured by Kinect cannot be used interchangeably with those parameters acquired with standard motion capture system in clinical practice but can still provide fundamental information. Specifically, these results might bring to the development of a novel system to perform easy and quick evaluation of gait in young patients with ataxia, useful for patients stratification in terms of clinical severity and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Summa
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - G Tartarisco
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Messina, Italy.
| | - M Favetta
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - A Buzachis
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Messina, Italy.
| | - A Romano
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - G M Bernava
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Messina, Italy.
| | - A Sancesario
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - G Vasco
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - G Pioggia
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Messina, Italy.
| | - M Petrarca
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - E Castelli
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - E Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscolar and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
| | - T Schirinzi
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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Summa S, Tartarisco G, Favetta M, Buzachis A, Romano A, Bernava GM, Vasco G, Pioggia G, Petrarca M, Castelli E, Bertini E, Schirinzi T. Spatio-temporal parameters of ataxia gait dataset obtained with the Kinect. Data Brief 2020; 32:106307. [PMID: 32984487 PMCID: PMC7498847 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.106307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ataxic syndromes include several rare, inherited and acquired conditions. One of the main issues is the absence of specific, and sensitive automatic evaluation tools and digital outcome measures to obtain a continuous monitoring of subjects' motor ability. Gait evaluation was performed by Kinect v2 in a cohort of young participant affected by ataxia syndrome. The dataset is composed of the spatio-temporal parameters calculated by the skeleton acquired by the Kinect sensor, by the diagnosis of each participant, and by the total score of the clinical scale SARA. These parameters have been previously validated and corrected as requested by the Bland-Altman test.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Summa
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - G Tartarisco
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR)-Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Messina Italy
| | - M Favetta
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Buzachis
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Messina, Italy
| | - A Romano
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - G M Bernava
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR)-Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Messina Italy
| | - G Vasco
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - G Pioggia
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR)-Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Messina Italy
| | - M Petrarca
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - E Castelli
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - E Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscolar and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - T Schirinzi
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Summa S, Schirinzi T, Favetta M, Romano A, Minosse S, Diodato D, Olivieri G, Martinelli D, Sancesario A, Zanni G, Castelli E, Bertini E, Petrarca M, Vasco G. A wearable video-oculography based evaluation of saccades and respective clinical correlates in patients with early onset ataxia. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 338:108697. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Summa S, Schirinzi T, Bernava GM, Romano A, Favetta M, Valente EM, Bertini E, Castelli E, Petrarca M, Pioggia G, Vasco G. Development of SaraHome: A novel, well-accepted, technology-based assessment tool for patients with ataxia. Comput Methods Programs Biomed 2020; 188:105257. [PMID: 31846831 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2019.105257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Early onset ataxias (EOAs) are a heterogeneous group of neurological conditions, responsible for severe motor disability in paediatric age, which still lack reliable outcome measures. Available scales to assess ataxia, such as the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), are based on subjective assessment of specific motor and language tasks by an examiner, and therefore is age dependent and lacks accuracy in detecting small variations in disease severity. In last years, novel technologies, including computer interfaces and videogames, have emerged for clinical applications and the advent of Internet of Medical Things and of Information Communication Technology have allowed the remote control of such technologies. This pilot study describes a newly developed tool (SaraHome) for the assessment at home of EOA evaluating its feasibility and acceptability on a small sample of children. METHODS Ten EOA children and ten caregivers have been enrolled for a preliminary outpatient evaluation. The Microsoft Kinect 2.0 and Leap Motion Controller (LMC) connected to a personal computer with an ad hoc software have been set-up, for the acquisition of standardized motor tasks performed by the patients with the caregivers' assistance. Acceptance and practicability have been tested by QUEST 2.0 and IMI questionnaires in caregivers and patients respectively. RESULTS The SaraHome software was developed, based on a collection of services provided by a complex architecture that consists of a Restful interface, which enables to access a series of plugins for the execution of different tasks. A graphical user interface allows the acquisition of the patient movements while performing a motor task. A protocol of standard tasks inspired by SARA was established, and a system of video-assisted instruction provided. The set-up for the optimal acquisition of such protocol by Kinect and LMC has been defined. Both patients and caregivers accomplished the SaraHome assessment with good feedback at the technology acceptance questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS SaraHome represents a newly developed tool for the assessment of ataxia in patients, resulting from the integration of low-cost and easy-accessible technologies. This pilot application highlighted the feasibility and the acceptability of the system, suggesting the potential use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Summa
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Schirinzi
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Massimo Bernava
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB-CNR), Via Torre Bianca, Mortelle, Istituto Marino, 98164 Messina, Italy.
| | - Alberto Romano
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Martina Favetta
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Enza Maria Valente
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Genetics, Università degli studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy; IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscolar and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
| | - Enrico Castelli
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Petrarca
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB-CNR), Via Torre Bianca, Mortelle, Istituto Marino, 98164 Messina, Italy.
| | - Gessica Vasco
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Schirinzi T, Favetta M, Romano A, Sancesario A, Summa S, Minosse S, Zanni G, Castelli E, Bertini E, Petrarca M, Vasco G. One-year outcome of coenzyme Q10 supplementation in ADCK3 ataxia (ARCA2). Cerebellum Ataxias 2019; 6:15. [PMID: 31890231 PMCID: PMC6916514 DOI: 10.1186/s40673-019-0109-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background The recessive ataxia ARCA2 is a rare disorder characterized by Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency due to biallelic mutations in ADCK3 gene. Despite the pathophysiological role, available data are not univocal on clinical efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation in ARCA2. Here we described the long-term motor outcome of 4 untreated ARCA2 patients prospectively followed-up for one year after starting CoQ10 oral supplementation (15 mg/kg/day). Methods Clinical rating scales (SARA; 9 holes peg test; 6 min walking test; Timed 25-Foot Walk) and videoelectronic gait analysis were performed at baseline and every 6 months (T0, T1, T2) to evaluate the motor performances. Since two patients discontinued the treatment at the 7th month, we could provide comparative analysis between longer and shorter supplementation. Results At T2, the gait speed (Timed 25-Foot Walk test) significantly differed between patients with long and short treatment; overall, the clinical condition tended to be better in patients continuing CoQ10. Conclusions Although preliminarily, this observation suggests that only prolonged and continuous CoQ10 supplementation may induce mild clinical effects on general motor features of ARCA2. Dedicated trials are now necessary to extend and validate such observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Schirinzi
- 1Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Hospital, via della Torre di Palidoro, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy.,2Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Favetta
- 1Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Hospital, via della Torre di Palidoro, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Romano
- 1Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Hospital, via della Torre di Palidoro, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sancesario
- 1Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Hospital, via della Torre di Palidoro, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy.,2Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Summa
- 1Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Hospital, via della Torre di Palidoro, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Minosse
- 1Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Hospital, via della Torre di Palidoro, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra Zanni
- 1Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Hospital, via della Torre di Palidoro, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Castelli
- 1Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Hospital, via della Torre di Palidoro, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- 1Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Hospital, via della Torre di Palidoro, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Petrarca
- 1Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Hospital, via della Torre di Palidoro, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Gessica Vasco
- 1Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Hospital, via della Torre di Palidoro, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
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Romano A, Favetta M, Schirinzi T, Summa S, Minosse S, D'Amico A, Catteruccia M, Petrarca M, Castelli E, Bertini E, Vasco G. Evaluation of gait in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Relation of 3D gait analysis to clinical assessment. Neuromuscul Disord 2019; 29:920-929. [PMID: 31791868 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Walking ability in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) deteriorates progressively until complete loss of the function. Interventions aimed at maintaining ambulatory ability relies on accurate clinical-based scores and evaluations of walking. This kind of assessment has intrinsic limitations. A 3D optoelectronic system could provide elements useful for the functional evaluation of patients with DMD. Nineteen boys with DMD were evaluated using the 6-Minutes Walking Test, North Star Ambulatory Assessment and 3D gait analysis. Participants' gait parameters were compared to those of an age-matched control group and correlated with standard clinical scores. Seventeen kinematic variables differed between DMD and control groups. Strong correlations with North Star Ambulatory Assessment were found for stride width, gait velocity and ankle angles on the sagittal plane. The 6-Minutes Walking test did not correlate with investigated kinematic variables but showed a correlation with North Star Ambulatory Assessment. Our data support the reported DMD gait pattern characterized by increased anterior pelvic tilt and ankle plantar flexion. The stride width and ankle kinematics emerged as the main representative gait parameters of DMD global ambulatory status. Although preliminary, our findings suggest that 3D gait analysis may provide useful objective and accurate parameters reflecting the functional ability of individuals with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Romano
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Via della torre di Palidoro, snc, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Favetta
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Via della torre di Palidoro, snc, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Schirinzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Via della torre di Palidoro, snc, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Summa
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Via della torre di Palidoro, snc, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Minosse
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Via della torre di Palidoro, snc, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Adele D'Amico
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Catteruccia
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Petrarca
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Via della torre di Palidoro, snc, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy.
| | - Enrico Castelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Via della torre di Palidoro, snc, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gessica Vasco
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Via della torre di Palidoro, snc, Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
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Minosse S, Pisano A, Petrarca M, Favetta M, Romano A, Summa S, Castelli E. 293. Exploring the biomechanical constraints in different pathologies with gait analysis. Phys Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2018.04.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Schirinzi T, Vasco G, Aiello C, Rizzo C, Sancesario A, Romano A, Favetta M, Petrarca M, Paone L, Castelli E, Bertini ES, Cappa M. Natural history of a cohort of ABCD1 variant female carriers. Eur J Neurol 2018; 26:326-332. [PMID: 30295399 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The therapeutic scenario of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is rapidly changing. Whereas the disease is well characterized in men, the condition remains to be fully clarified in women carrying ATP binding cassette subfamily D member 1 (ABCD1) variants. Specifically, data on clinical progression are needed, in order to recommend any appropriate management. The objective of this study was to outline the natural history of a cohort of untreated ABCD1 heterozygous female carriers. METHODS Longitudinal data from a single-center population of 60 carriers were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, anthropometrics, serum very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) levels, clinical parameters and the Adult ALD Clinical Score (AACS) were collected from every recorded visit in a 7-year period and analyzed to define the phenotype modifications, to determine factors associated with clinical features, and to estimate the annual progression rate and the subsequent sample size for interventional trials. RESULTS Thirty-two patients were eligible for the study, and 59.4% were symptomatic at baseline. Clinical severity worsens with age which increases risk of symptom onset, the cut-off of 41 years being crucial for phenoconversion. VLCFA levels were not predictive and did not change over time. Symptomatic carriers were followed up for 3.45 ± 2.1 years. The AACS increased at an annual rate of 0.24 points. The estimated sample size for 30% reduction in annual progression at 80% power was 272. CONCLUSIONS This study provides data on the natural disease progression of untreated ABCD1 heterozygous female carriers, demonstrating the relevance of aging. The estimated annual increase of the AACS will be useful for future interventional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Schirinzi
- Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - G Vasco
- Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - C Aiello
- Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - C Rizzo
- Division of Metabolism and Research Unit of Metabolic Biochemistry, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - A Sancesario
- Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - A Romano
- Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - M Favetta
- Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - M Petrarca
- Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - L Paone
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - E Castelli
- Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - E S Bertini
- Department of Neurosciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - M Cappa
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Schirinzi T, Romano A, Favetta M, Sancesario A, Burattini R, Summa S, Della Bella G, Castelli E, Bertini E, Petrarca M, Vasco G. Non-invasive Focal Mechanical Vibrations Delivered by Wearable Devices: An Open-Label Pilot Study in Childhood Ataxia. Front Neurol 2018; 9:849. [PMID: 30356679 PMCID: PMC6189288 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive focal mechanical vibrations (NIFMV) now represent a strategy of increasing interest to improve motor control in different neurological diseases. Nanotechnology allowed the creation of wearable devices transforming thermal variations into mechanical energy with focal vibrations. This kind of wearable stimulators (WS) has produced encouraging preliminary results when used in the treatment of movement disorders and ataxia in adults. In this open label pilot study we first evaluated the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of NIFMV by WS in a cohort of 10 patients with childhood ataxia, a phenomenological category including different conditions still lacking of effective symptomatic therapies. Through the assessment of both clinical rating scales and spatio-temporal gait parameters via standardized gait analysis, we observed that a 4 weeks long treatment with WS Equistasi® was safe and provided significantly different effects in stride features of patients with slow/non-progressive cerebellar ataxia and Friedreich's Ataxia. Although limited by the sample size, the absence of a placebo-controlled group, the poor compliance of enrolled population to the original experimental design and the partial accuracy of outcome measures in pediatric subjects, we suggest that NIFMV by WS could support locomotion of patients with childhood slow/non-progressive cerebellar ataxia with preserved sensory system and no signs of peripheral neuropathy. Future studies are definitely necessary to confirm these preliminary results and define criteria for successful NIFMV-based treatment
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Schirinzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Romano
- Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Favetta
- Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sancesario
- Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Burattini
- Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Summa
- Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Castelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Petrarca
- Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gessica Vasco
- Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Cataldo R, Agrusti A, De Nunzio G, Carlà A, De Mitri I, Favetta M, Quarta M, Monno L, Rei L, Fiorina E. Generating a Minimal Set of Templates for the Hippocampal Region in MR Neuroimages. J Neuroimaging 2012; 23:473-83. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6569.2012.00713.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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