Rovato

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, often leading to difficulties with swallowing and breathing. This research aims to evaluate whether the Expiratory Flow Accelerator (EFA) technology 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, with patients meeting specific eligibility requirements. Participants undergo a one-week baseline assessment before being randomly assigned to either the control group or the experimental group. The control group receives traditional rehabilitation treatments daily, including respiratory and swallowing therapies. The experimental group receives these standard treatments plus additional sessions using the Free Aspire device with EFA technology three times a day from Monday to Friday and once on Saturday, with each session lasting 20 minutes. The EFA device helps remove bronchial secretions without requiring active patient cooperation and can be applied via tracheal cannula, facial mask, or mouthpiece. Both treatments last for eight weeks. Throughout the study, researchers monitor oxygen saturation, oxygen supply, episodes of oxyhemoglobin desaturation, tracheal cannula aspirations, and antibiotic use due to pneumonia. Weekly arterial blood gas analyses are performed to closely monitor patients. After eight weeks, patients are reassessed to measure improvements in secretion clearance, respiratory and swallowing functions, and frequency of pneumonia. The study also evaluates the potential for earlier removal of tracheal cannulas. Researchers hope to demonstrate that EFA technology is a simple and effective tool for improving rehabilitation outcomes in ABI patients.

This research aims to understand the differences between frail and non-frail patients who undergo rehabilitation after hip or knee arthroplasty surgery. The study focuses on how frailty affects recovery and outcomes following these surgeries. Frailty is assessed before surgery using the Primary Care Frailty Index and monitored during the rehabilitation process to explore its impact on body function, activity level, and satisfaction with treatment. Participants are grouped based on the type of arthroplasty they receive—hip or knee—and further divided into frail and non-frail groups. Frailty status is evaluated at hospitalization in the rehabilitation ward (T0) and again at discharge (T1). Follow-ups occur at 3 months (T2) and 1 year (T3) after surgery to gather additional information on recovery and adverse events, particularly focusing on how rehabilitation may influence outcomes in frail patients. During the study, researchers collect data on physical function, activity levels, and patient satisfaction using measures such as the Oxford Hip and Knee Scores at multiple time points: hospital admission, discharge (about day 20), 3 months, and 1 year after surgery. Long-term follow-up also tracks adverse events to better understand risks for frail individuals. This study provides important insights into rehabilitation's role in recovery after hip or knee replacement surgeries, potentially guiding more personalized care for frail patients.

Researchers are developing a National Stroke Rehabilitation Registry (SRR) based on the Italian Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine's minimal assessment protocol (PMIC2020). This registry collects demographic, clinical, and functional data from stroke patients to improve understanding of stroke rehabilitation needs and outcomes. The study aims to verify the feasibility of using this protocol in routine clinical practice and to create data-driven models to predict patient prognosis. All patients admitted for intensive inpatient post-stroke rehabilitation receive care through a shared evidence-based Integrated Care pathway used across multiple rehabilitation centers of the Don Gnocchi Foundation in Italy. Data including demographic, clinical, and functional variables will be collected at admission and discharge. Additionally, follow-up assessments will be conducted by telephone at three and six months after the stroke event. Participants will undergo evaluations at admission, discharge (approximately 30 days later), and follow-ups up to six months post-stroke. Researchers will measure changes in functional independence using tools like the modified Barthel Index. The study includes collecting information through clinical assessments and telephone interviews to monitor rehabilitation progress and outcomes over time.

This research focuses on patients with Severe Acquired Brain Injuries and aims to identify medium-term factors that can predict their rehabilitation outcomes. The study also seeks to develop a continuous system to assess the quality of care provided by rehabilitation units treating these patients. Identifying these prognostic factors helps understand which patients are likely to experience key rehabilitation milestones. Data will be collected from rehabilitation units and will include information about the units themselves and detailed patient data at admission and again four months after the acute brain injury event. The study will use statistical models to analyze the likelihood of achieving important rehabilitation goals such as removal of tracheostomy tubes, trunk control, and feeding entirely by mouth, all evaluated four months after the injury. Participants will be assessed at the start of rehabilitation and then re-evaluated four months later. The study measures include monitoring tracheostomy tube status, trunk control ability, and feeding methods. This allows researchers to track patient progress and evaluate care quality over time. The total participation duration includes the initial admission and follow-up assessments up to four months post-injury.