“Una Tuta Intelligente per L'Equilibrio e la postura”.
PI: Stefano Masiero

Age-related deterioration of biological systems in elderly populations could contribute to postural instability and falls. To design wearable garments for postural regulation, we are developing a paradigm to counteract the elderly falling. Neurophysiological and biomechanical features need to be quantitatively investigated to develop these preventive strategies.

“Un protocollo innovativo per l’indagine e il trattamento della scoliosi idiopatica dell’adolescente”.
PI: Stefano Masiero

The cause and pathophysiology of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) remains unclear, but multifactorial hypotheses including genetic factors, central nervous system abnormalities and hormonal dysfunction have been proposed to explain its appearance. Results from several studies have suggested that sensorimotor processing impairments could be related to spine deformation onset and that an anomalous sensorimotor integration critically contributes to the cause of AIS. Electroencephalography (EEG) can characterize the abnormal activation of the sensorimotor brain network in movement disorders and could provide further insights into the neuropathogenesis of AIS. The aim of the project is to deepen the understanding of AIS aetiology by means of EEG cortical recordings during balance tasks. Body schema and body image distortions are assessed by neuropsychological tests.

“Nuovi modelli di integrazione tra trattamenti termali e terapia riabilitativa in soggetti con disabilità cronica nell’ambito del progetto di rilancio delle terme”.
PI: Stefano Masiero

Thermal medicine thanks to the potential synergies between traditional thermal treatments and rehabilitative activities (e.g., therapeutic massage, water massage, physical therapies, therapeutic exercise in water and dry, breathing, balance and muscle strengthening) can contribute to the drafting of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation proposal as an alternative to the hospital setting for subjects with chronic disabilities.
The aim of the project is to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of thermal treatments in in vitro and in vivo experimental models that reproduce some of the most frequent inflammatory and degenerative conditions.