Humanoid robots for psychological assessment in mild cognitive impairment: from evaluation to the future of AI-driven data prediction systems.

Introduction: Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD), are increasingly prevalent, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and effective intervention. This study explores the feasibility of using the humanoid robot to administer cognitive assessments for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Specifically, it evaluates the usability, accuracy, and patient experience of robot-administered cognitive testing compared to traditional assessments conducted by neuropsychologists.

The Role of Dance in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review of Functional and Cognitive Effects.

Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability globally, frequently resulting in persistent motor and cognitive impairments. Rehabilitation is critical for promoting recovery, and dance-based interventions have emerged as a promising complementary approach. This scoping review aimed to examine the recent literature on the application of dance in stroke rehabilitation, with a particular focus on its effects on motor function (including balance and gait), cognitive performance, and quality of life.

Use of Wearable Sensors to Assess Fall Risk in Neurological Disorders: Systematic Review.

Background: Assessing fall risk, especially in individuals with neurological disorders, is essential to prevent hospitalization, hypomobility, and reduced functional independence. Wearable sensors are increasingly used in neurorehabilitation, as they enable unsupervised fall risk assessment by providing continuous monitoring during daily functional tasks, thereby offering a reflection of the individual's real-world fall risk.

Objective: We systematically reviewed the literature on reliable biomechanical gait parameters detected with wearable sensors to assess fall risk in neurological disorders, focusing on patients with Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or Alzheimer disease.

Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Patient with Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) encompass a wide range of heart and vascular conditions and remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that integrates acceptance, mindfulness, and commitment to value-based actions. This systematic review aims to explore the current evidence on the potential role of ACT interventions in supporting psychological well-being among individuals with CVDs.

Sex Differences in Elderly Multiple Sclerosis Patients Undergoing Neurorehabilitation: How Many Things are Taken for Granted? A Retrospective Study.

BackgroundOur aim is to evaluate the intricate dynamics of gender differences in cognitive rehabilitation outcomes among older adults with MS undergoing cognitive rehabilitation using robotics plus virtual reality.MethodsThis retrospective study included 80 RRMS patients aged >60 years, matched for demographic and clinical variables and divided into two groups. The experimental group (EG, n = 40) received Lokomat Free-D training with VR integration, while the control group (CG, n = 40) underwent traditional rehabilitation.

How to Cope with Coping in Adult Post-Hemorrhagic Patients Undergoing Neurorehabilitation: A Scoping Review.

Cerebral hemorrhage (CH) has physical, cognitive, and emotional consequences. Recovery requires a complex rehabilitation process in which coping strategies play a fundamental role in supporting psychological adaptation. The aim of this study is to investigate and understand the extent and manner in which coping strategies have been assessed in the CH population within the scientific literature.

Enhancing functional motor outcomes in chronic stroke: A systematic review of the growing role of non-invasive brain stimulation.

Introduction: Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) promotes functional recovery by enhancing neuroplasticity and reorganizing brain networks. It is hypothesized that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), or intermittent θ-burst stimulation (i-TBS) as well as trans direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate synaptic connectivity, through magnetic or electric stimuli, directly on the brain area. This systematic review aims to address the lack of comprehensive syntheses focusing on the comparative effectiveness of NIBS techniques, including tDCS, rTMS, and iTBS, on distinct motor domains (upper limb, lower limb, and vocal/swallowing functions) in chronic stroke patients.

An Overview About Figure-of-Eight Walk Test in Neurological Disorders: A Scoping Review.

Introduction: The figure-of-eight walk test (F8WT) assesses gait on a curved path, reflecting everyday walking complexity. Despite recognized validity among elderly individuals, its application in neurological disorders remains inadequately explored. This scoping review summarizes evidence regarding F8WT use, validity, and clinical applicability among individuals with neurological disorders.

Effects of GBA1 Variants in Patients With Parkinson's Disease and Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel: A Nation-Wide, Multicenter, Longitudinal, "Real-World" Study. The EPIC Study.

Background: The outcome of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) in Parkinson's disease carriers of GBA1 mutations (GBA-PD) remains uncertain.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of LCIG in a large PD cohort, focusing on GBA1 variants.

Methods: This multicenter, retrospective, longitudinal "real-world" study included consecutive patients with advanced PD treated with LCIG at 31 Italian centers; data were collected at baseline, 1-, 5-year, and last-available follow-up.

Neural control meets biomechanics in the motor assessment of neurological disorders: a narrative review.

The emerging concept of "neurobiomechanics" embodies an integrative approach, bringing together insights from functional anatomy, the physiology of the musculoskeletal and central nervous systems, physics, and computer science. By examining human movement under normal, optimal, and pathological conditions, neurobiomechanics aims to unravel the intricate mechanisms driving motor function and dysfunction, offering a comprehensive perspective on disorders such as acquired brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. In this narrative review, we sought to explore the "neurobiomechanics" as a potential approach to investigate both neural and biomechanical aspects of human motion, trying to answer the following questions: (1) "Which technologies can perform a neurobiomechanical assessment in neurological patients?," (2) "What are the key neurophysiological and biomechanical parameters?," (3) "How can we translate this approach from research to clinical practice?.

The role of virtual reality-based cognitive training in enhancing motivation and cognitive functions in individuals with chronic stroke.

Stroke represents a major health challenge worldwide, often resulting in significant long-term disability that affects cognitive, motor, and emotional functions. Rehabilitation strategies that enhance patient motivation are crucial for improving outcomes. This randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Systems (VRRS) compared to traditional cognitive training on motivation, cognitive recovery, and emotional state in post-stroke patients.

The overlooked role of exergames in cognitive-motor neurorehabilitation: a systematic review.

Exergames are emerging tools for cognitive-motor neurorehabilitation, but their effects in adults with neurological conditions remain insufficiently explored. This systematic review examined studies from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, assessing the impact of exergames on motor and cognitive outcomes. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and experimental designs.

Use of Smartphones and Wrist-Worn Devices for Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review of Commercially Available Technologies.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. The accurate and continuous monitoring of these symptoms is essential for optimizing treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. Traditionally, clinical assessments have relied on scales and methods that often lack the ability for continuous, real-time monitoring and can be subject to interpretation bias.

Exploring the Impact of Dopaminergic Treatment on Creative Expression in Parkinson's Disease: A Scoping Review.

: Creativity is a complex cognitive process influenced by multiple factors, including neurobiological mechanisms and neurotransmitter regulation. In Parkinson's disease (PD), dopaminergic therapy has been associated with both increases and decreases in creative output, raising questions about its underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance. : A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines to evaluate studies assessing the effects of dopaminergic therapy on creativity in PD patients.

Exploring the Impact of Robotic Hand Rehabilitation on Functional Recovery in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by motor and cognitive impairments that significantly affect quality of life. Robotic-assisted therapies, such as the AMADEO system, have shown potential in rehabilitating upper limb function but are underexplored in PD. This study aimed to assess the effects of Robotic-Assisted Therapy (RAT) compared to Conventional Physical Therapy (CPT) on cognitive, motor, and functional outcomes in PD patients.

The Potential Effects of Sensor-Based Virtual Reality Telerehabilitation on Lower Limb Function in Patients with Chronic Stroke Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Background/objectives: Individuals with chronic stroke often experience various impairments, including poor balance, reduced mobility, limited physical activity, and difficulty performing daily tasks. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, telerehabilitation (TR) can overcome the barriers of geographical and physical distancing, time, costs, and travel, as well as the anxiety about contracting COVID-19. In this retrospective case-control study, we aim to evaluate the motor and cognitive effects of balance TR training carried out with a sensor-based non-immersive virtual reality system compared to conventional rehabilitation in chronic stroke patients.

Can artificial intelligence improve the diagnosis and prognosis of disorders of consciousness? A scoping review.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI), in the form of machine learning (ML) or deep learning (DL) models, can aid clinicians in the diagnostic process and/or in the prognosis of critically medical conditions, as for patients with a disorder of consciousness (DoC), in which both aspects are particularly challenging. DoC is a category of neurological impairments that are mainly caused by severe acquired brain injury, like ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes or traumatic injuries. The aim of this scoping review is to map the literature on the role of ML and DL in the field of diagnosis and prognosis of DoCs.

Children and Adolescents with Co-Occurring Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of Multimodal Interventions.

: The co-occurrence of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is very common and worsens adaptive functioning. This systematic review evaluates both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in this underserved population. : Registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024526157), a systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science until 5 April 2025.

The Role of VibraPlus on Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Fatigue represents a hallmark symptom in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but its diagnosis and clinical evaluation is difficult because it is described as a subjective feeling of exhausted physical and mental sensation. Studies have also shown that approaches based on assisted therapies and robotics, as well as the use of vibration, which are used to improve sensory integration, reduce fatigue. The primary outcome in this study is to evaluate the effects of the application of focal vibrations on the reduction in fatigue, muscle strength, and endurance in MS patients with moderate disability.

Predictive Factors of Successful Decannulation in Tracheostomy Patients: A Scoping Review.

: Tracheostomy (TCT) creates an artificial airway, essential for overcoming obstructions or enabling long-term ventilation. Decannulation represents a critical step in recovery, with its success strongly influenced by the underlying indication for tracheostomy and the patient's clinical profile. Successful decannulation requires careful assessment of multiple factors, including respiratory function and underlying pathology.

Recent advances (2022-2024) in eye-tracking for Parkinson's disease: a promising tool for diagnosing and monitoring symptoms.

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms, including impaired oculomotor functions. Eye-tracking technology, a precise and non-invasive method for measuring eye movements, has emerged as a promising tool for diagnosing and monitoring PD progression. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of eye-tracking in assessing motor and cognitive alterations associated with PD.

A Convolutional Neural Network Model for Classifying Resting Tremor Amplitude in Parkinson's Disease.

Resting tremor (RT) is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (PD), characterized by involuntary rhythmic muscle contractions. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) 3.17 is a clinical assessment used to evaluate the amplitude of RTs, providing critical insights into the severity of this condition.

The Use of Neurologic Music Therapy in Post-Stroke Aphasia Recovery: A Case Report on Linguistic Improvements and fMRI Correlates.

Post-stroke aphasia (PSA) severely limits communication and quality of life. This case study explores the impact of an integrated Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) approach, combining Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) and Therapeutic Singing (TS), on language recovery and brain reorganization in a 59-year-old woman with non-fluent motor aphasia following an ischemic stroke. Over 8 weeks, the patient underwent 24 sessions of MIT alongside standard speech therapy.

The Impact of Co-Occurring Behavioral and Emotional Problems on the Quality of Life of Caregivers of Autistic Children: A Preliminary Study.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by symptoms that vary in how severe they are. ASD individuals often present with psychiatric comorbidities that significantly impact their well-being and quality of life (QoL), with possible impacts on their family. This preliminary study aims to assess the impact of internalizing and externalizing behaviors, not closely related to the core symptoms of autism, on the QoL of their caregivers.