Movement analysis

This unit conducts multidisciplinary clinical and research activities involving methods used to measure movement and process movement signals. The aim is to provide instrumental descriptions of physiological motor functions and of abnormalities characterizing various nervous system disorders.

Its main fields of interest are computerized gait analysis (where gait can be recorded using kinematic systems and inertial systems) and evaluation of static and dynamic trunk postural stability.

In the clinical sphere, it works with the Neurorehabilitation Unit, measuring sensitive and reliable indices for the monitoring of functional recovery after rehabilitation treatment. Non-invasive neuromodulation, by means of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), is a key part of this activity; there exists a certain amount of literature evidence supporting the use of this method, in combination with physiokinesitherapy, in the rehabilitation of different neurological disorders (aphasia, dysphagia, ataxia, upper limb motor recovery).

This unit deals with a range of different conditions, but focuses particularly on Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders, stroke, multiple sclerosis and degenerative diseases.

Specialized equipment:

For studying posture and movement:

• A SmartDx400 optoelectronic system (BTS Bioengineering) with 4 infrared cameras for spatial tracking of dedicated reflective markers

• A G-Sensor inertial sensor system (BTS Bioengineering), shared with our institute’s Neuro-otology Laboratory, for functional assessment of gait and movement

• A P6000 dynamic postural assessment system (BTS Bioengineering) with 2 force plates allowing different configurations (INIFINI-t technology)

• A FREEEMG electromyography device (BTS Bioengineering) with 4 wireless EMG probes for remote dynamic monitoring of muscle activation patterns during movement

For rehabilitation in virtual and immersive environments:

• A Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS, Khymeia Group) for virtual reality-based rehabilitation treatment. The system is complete with various peripherals allowing the rehabilitation approach to be customized to the single patient.

• An OAK ELDERLY CARE system (Khymeia Group) integrating virtual reality with a balance board for the assessment and rehabilitation of balance disorders in patients with neurological impairment

For non-invasive neuromodulation:

• A tDCS system (Newronika s.r.l.) for non-invasive neuromodulation by tDCS