Veruno

Researchers are evaluating the effects of adding a therapeutic dose of oxygen during exercise on patients with chronic respiratory failure or exertional hypoxemia caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial lung disease (ILD). This multicenter crossover trial aims to assess exercise performance, gas exchange, heart rate, symptom perception, and the ease of performing exercise in patients hospitalized in specialized pulmonary rehabilitation centers. The study also seeks to understand differences in responses among different disease groups and to improve oxygen therapy prescriptions during exertion. Participants will perform two 6-minute walk tests under different oxygen conditions in random order: one using their usual oxygen flow prescribed at rest or room air for those with exertional hypoxemia, and the other with supplemental oxygen set at double the resting flow rate or 2 liters per minute for those with exertional hypoxemia. The tests will be done at least 3 hours apart and within 24 hours. Oxygen is delivered through nasal cannula, and patients will carry oxygen in a stroller or similar device during the walks. The study includes three groups based on diagnosis and oxygen needs: COPD with exertional hypoxemia, COPD with chronic respiratory failure, and ILD with chronic respiratory failure. During the study, researchers will measure walking distance, oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, and symptom scales before, during, and after each walk. Participants will also complete a questionnaire about the ease of performance. The main outcome is the change in distance walked with supplemental oxygen compared to usual oxygen. Data analysis will explore clinical factors related to oxygen response, aiming to identify which patients benefit most and to inform better oxygen therapy dosing during exercise. The study plans to enroll 114 patients and follow strict statistical methods for comparison.

Researchers are investigating the impact of different types of pain and autonomic symptoms in patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). The study focuses on evaluating how prevalent pain and autonomic symptoms are in these conditions, and how they affect patients' quality of life. It also aims to assess the effect of rehabilitation on these symptoms by comparing patients with PD and MSA. This observational study is conducted at the Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri Centers and includes both inpatients and outpatients. All participants will receive a neurological examination and undergo a personalized rehabilitation program designed to improve strength, coordination, balance, endurance, and daily living activities. Alongside rehabilitation, clinical scales will be used to assess disease stage, severity, motor and non-motor symptoms, cognitive function, depression, quality of life, autonomic dysfunction, and pain. The rehabilitation program allows evaluation over time to observe any significant changes in clinical parameters. Participants will be closely monitored before and after the rehabilitation program, with outcome measures including the prevalence and characterization of pain at recruitment and after about 30 days of rehabilitation. Researchers will collect data through clinical scales and neurological examinations to understand the impact of pain and autonomic symptoms on disability and quality of life. This comprehensive evaluation aims to guide clinicians in managing patient disability and refining rehabilitation strategies to improve patient outcomes.