Rovato

Acquired Brain Injury ABI is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, often causing difficulties with swallowing and breathing. This research investigates whether the Expiratory Flow Accelerator EFA device can improve respiratory and swallowing functions in patients with ABI. The study is conducted at Centro Ettore Spalenza-Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi in Rovato, Italy, aiming to reduce complications like hospital-acquired pneumonia and improve tracheotomy weaning. Patients first undergo a one-week baseline assessment measuring oxygen saturation, oxygen supply, desaturation episodes, tracheal cannula aspirations, and antibiotic treatments for pneumonia. After this, they are randomly assigned to either a control group receiving standard rehabilitation treatments or an experimental group receiving the same rehabilitation plus additional sessions with the EFA device. The EFA treatment occurs three times daily Monday to Friday and once on Saturday, each lasting 20 minutes, using the device via tracheal cannula, facial mask, or mouthpiece. Participants are monitored throughout the 8-week treatment period with weekly arterial blood gas analyses and repeated assessments of the baseline measures. Researchers focus on the number of oxyhemoglobin desaturation episodes as the primary outcome, along with secondary measures like tracheal aspiration frequency, pneumonia incidence, tracheostomy weaning time, and staff satisfaction. The study aims to assess if EFA improves airway clearance and respiratory health in ABI patients.

Researchers are investigating the role of frailty in patients who have undergone hip or knee arthroplasty surgery and are now in rehabilitation. The study seeks to compare frail and non-frail subjects based on their recovery and outcomes following these surgeries. Frailty is assessed using the Primary Care Frailty Index from patient records before surgery, aiming to better understand how frailty affects rehabilitation and long-term results. Participants are grouped by the type of arthroplasty they receivedhip or kneeand further divided into frail and non-frail groups. Frailty levels are reassessed at hospital admission for rehabilitation T0 and at discharge T1. Follow-up assessments will occur at 3 months T2 and 1 year T3 after surgery. The study collects various outcome measures including the Oxford Hip and Knee Scores, modified Barthel Index, pain rating scales, and adverse event rates to evaluate body function, activity, satisfaction, and safety. During the study, participants will undergo assessments at hospitalization, discharge, and follow-up visits up to one year post-surgery. These include clinical scores related to hip and knee function, pain levels, and rehabilitation progress. Researchers will monitor adverse events and use these data to understand the impact of frailty on recovery. This long-term observation aims to inform future tailored rehabilitation strategies for frail patients after arthroplasty.

Researchers are studying stroke rehabilitation by implementing a National Stroke Rehabilitation Registry SRR based on a minimal assessment protocol published by the Italian Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. This registry collects demographic, clinical, and functional data from stroke patients to improve understanding of stroke recovery and support epidemiological and clinical research. The study aims to test the feasibility of this registry in routine clinical care and to develop models that predict rehabilitation outcomes. Patients with stroke who receive intensive inpatient rehabilitation will be included. Treatment follows an Individual Rehabilitation Project IRP developed by an interdisciplinary team including physiatrists, therapists, nurses, and psychologists. Rehabilitation includes at least three hours of specific therapy daily, such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, neuropsychological support, occupational therapy, and clinical management. Data will be collected at admission, discharge about 30 days later, and during telephone follow-ups at three and six months after the stroke event. Participants will undergo assessments of their clinical condition and function at admission and discharge, using standard tools like the modified Barthel Index, modified Rankin Score, Functional Ambulation Category, and others. Telephone follow-ups at three and six months will monitor progress. The main outcome measured is the change in the modified Barthel Index over time. The study involves several rehabilitation centers within the Don Gnocchi Foundation in Italy and aims to gather data to guide future stroke rehabilitation planning and research.

This research aims to identify medium-term factors that influence recovery for patients with Severe Acquired Brain Injuries. It also seeks to develop a continuous system to assess the quality of care provided by rehabilitation units treating these patients. The study focuses on understanding key outcomes important to rehabilitation success. Data will be collected from each participating rehabilitation unit, including information about their structure and organization. Detailed patient data will be gathered upon admission to these units and then re-evaluated four months after their acute brain injury event. Statistical models will be used to predict the likelihood of achieving three key rehabilitation goals removal of tracheostomy tubes, trunk control, and full feeding by mouth. Participants will be adults admitted to these specialized rehabilitation units between July 2021 and December 2023. Patients admitted more than 14 weeks after their acute injury will not be included. Researchers will monitor patients for up to four months post-injury to evaluate the main outcomes. The study will help understand patient progress and care quality in these rehabilitation settings.