Ricerca

 DFBW

Funded by: MISE (now MIMIT) - Accordi di Innovazione D.M. 31 Dicembre 2021 e D.D. 18 Marzo 2022 
 

Design For Baby Wellness

PI: Inglesina baby Spa

The aim of the project is to quantitative measure the child comfort, i.e., define and measure the physiological parameters to objectify the state of quietness/comfort of the child (0-3 months) vs the state of "discomfort".

 COMPRISEAIS

Funded by: PRIN - PROGETTI DI RICERCA DI RILEVANTE INTERESSE NAZIONALE – Bando 2022  
 

A COMPRrehensIve asSEssment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

PI: Stefano Masiero

The pathophysiology of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is not yet completely understood, but multi-factorial hypotheses have been proposed including defective central nervous system control of posture, biomechanics and body schema alterations. Toward this aim, two top-end Italian universities (University of Padova and University of Pavia) will cooperate on a three-phase protocol in which the specific competences of each research unit will be complementary and fully integrated.
Phase 1 will define neurophysiological biomarkers of AIS progression to offer novel therapeutic targets according to the identified pathophysiological patterns.
Phase 2 will evaluate balance performance in rehabilitation settings to unveil possible alterations in the postural control mechanisms investigating global motion complexity and activation patterns of trunk muscles.
Phase 3 will identify a routine battery to monitor body image alterations before treatment (i.e., full-time brace and scoliosis specific exercises) and during/after treatment, and eventually provide adequate psychological support and/or set cognitive-behavioral therapies, to enhance the body image satisfaction and avoid the development of psychopathologies or comorbid disorders in AIS.
The effectiveness of these three approaches (neurophysiological - Phase 1 - postural - Phase 2 - and cognitive/behavioural - Phase 3) will be tested in a pilot trial in a cohort of 20 AIS girls and 10 age and sex-matched controls.
The expected results of the project will translate in advancement of scientific knowledge, monitoring and treatment of AIS and in avoiding psychological relapses in development of these adolescent girls.

UTILE


Funded by: REACT-EU PON "Ricerca e Innovazione 2014-2020" DM 1062/2021 

 

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.

 

Funded by: Fondo di beneficienza Intesa San Paolo



“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.

 

Funded by: Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo



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.