Pieve Di Soligo

Researchers are studying the potential benefits of an intensive, personalized rehabilitation program using the Prokin 252 stabilometric platform to improve balance in adolescents and adults with Friedreichs Ataxia, a progressive hereditary neurological condition causing coordination and balance problems. The study aims to explore how this technology combined with conventional therapy may help patients and to assess how well any treatment effects last over time. This is an exploratory, randomized, controlled, open-label study conducted at a single center with a prospective design. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups for four weeks one group will receive balance training combining conventional rehabilitation and the stabilometric platform, while the other group will receive only conventional rehabilitation. The stabilometric platform training includes exercises to improve stability and balance using static and dynamic phases, dexterity tasks, imbalance exercises, and interactive games. Conventional rehabilitation focuses on tissue mobilization, muscle activation, balance training, and functional exercises relevant to daily life. Each participant will undergo three assessments before treatment T0, at the end of treatment after four weeks T1, and a follow-up via telemedicine 90 days after T1 T2. Assessments include clinical scales measuring overall function and balance, such as the Modified Friedreichs Ataxia Rating Scale, Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia, walking tests, and balance tests using the stabilometric platform. Researchers will track changes in these measures to evaluate treatment effectiveness and retention. The total study duration per participant includes the treatment period plus the follow-up assessment.

Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia HSP is a group of inherited neurological conditions causing progressive weakness and stiffness in the lower limbs, which greatly reduce walking ability and balance. This research aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a structured training program designed to improve walking function in adults with HSP by focusing on flexibility, muscle strength, motor control, balance, and aerobic fitness. Participants will take part in 10 to 16 therapy sessions lasting between 60 and 120 minutes each, held once or twice a week according to individual preference. The program includes four key components flexibility exercises combined with electrical stimulation to reduce muscle tone resistance training targeting hip and trunk muscles along with balance exercises motor control-based gait training and high-intensity interval aerobic training using activities like walking or cycling. After completing the supervised sessions, participants will receive written and video materials to support continued exercise at home. Evaluations will be conducted before the program starts, immediately after it ends 5 to 10 weeks later, and three months after completion. Researchers will assess the feasibility by tracking recruitment, adherence to the sessions, participant retention, safety, and satisfaction. They will also measure changes in walking endurance and speed using standardized walking tests, as well as improvements in muscle strength, balance, and joint mobility.

Researchers are conducting a prospective multicenter natural history study to understand the range and progression of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias HSP and related disorders. The study aims to identify digital, imaging, and molecular biomarkers that may help in diagnosis and therapy development, as well as explore the genetic causes and molecular mechanisms of these diseases. Participants affected by HSP or related disorders, their unaffected first or second-degree family members, and unrelated healthy controls will be followed annually. Each study visit includes a standardized clinical examination with clinical rating scales to measure disease severity and progression. Participants may also provide biosamples such as blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, or skin biopsies, and may undergo additional tests like imaging, movement analysis, neuropsychological exams, and advanced genetic sequencing if no genetic diagnosis exists. Throughout the study, data will be collected and entered into a clinical database. Researchers will monitor changes in the Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale SPRS total score over up to two years. Participants can expect regular assessments, optional biosampling, and comprehensive evaluations to track disease features and progression over time. The study is planned to continue until August 2041.