Vibo Valentia

Researchers are investigating a new rehabilitation approach for frail individuals with chronic sensorimotor and/or cognitive disabilities, focusing on improving dual-task performance, which is the ability to perform a motor and a cognitive task simultaneously. This ability is often impaired in this population, increasing risks such as falls and cognitive decline. The study aims to develop and assess an integrated rehabilitation paradigm combining robotic technology and telerehabilitation to enhance cognitive-motor interference and improve quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group (G-Tec) will receive 4 weeks of outpatient rehabilitation using robotic and technological devices, followed by 4 weeks of asynchronous home telerehabilitation using a tablet with cognitive exercises. The second group (G-Con) will receive conventional outpatient rehabilitation and a booklet of cognitive exercises for home use. Both groups will then undergo an 8-week observation phase without active treatment. Rehabilitation sessions last 45 minutes, three times per week. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed on clinical outcomes, treatment adherence, satisfaction, and acceptance of technology. Data from home exercises will be collected via the telerehabilitation software for the technological group. The primary outcome is the change in Dual-Task Cost after 8 weeks. Clinical and instrumental evaluations will be conducted at the end of each phase to monitor improvements and maintenance of gains. The study lasts a total of 16 weeks per participant, including treatment and follow-up.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a dietary supplement made of diosmin, hesperidin, bromelain, and Ruscus aculeatus (Vesvein Gambe) on the quality of life in individuals showing early symptoms possibly related to Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) in one or both lower limbs. The study aims to measure changes in quality of life using the CIVIQ-20 questionnaire after 12 weeks of treatment compared to the baseline. This research focuses on people experiencing symptoms like heaviness, swelling, pain, cramps, itching, or restlessness in the lower limbs that may be prodromal to CVD. Participants will take the dietary supplement containing the combination of diosmin, hesperidin, bromelain, and Ruscus aculeatus. Although the individual components have known activities, this study assesses the combined effect on quality of life when taken as a single product. Treatment is given over a 12-week period, during which participants are monitored for any changes in symptoms and overall well-being. During the study, participants will undergo evaluations at the start and after 12 weeks to assess symptom changes and quality of life using the CIVIQ-20 questionnaire. Researchers will monitor for safety and adherence to the treatment throughout the study duration. The total participation time is 12 weeks, during which participants must comply with study procedures and attend scheduled visits for assessments.

This research focuses on invasive bacterial diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae, which lead to severe health problems and frequent serious complications. The study aims to understand the epidemiology of these infections, including the distribution of bacterial strains, to better plan prevention and treatment strategies. It highlights the importance of monitoring these infections to guide public health actions, detect vaccine failures, and assess the impact of vaccination programs. The study uses molecular diagnostic testing on blood samples to identify the pathogens, even when traditional culture methods fail due to prior antibiotic use or sample handling issues. Molecular diagnosis allows for more accurate detection of these bacteria regardless of their viability in samples. This testing is conducted on patients from hospitals within and outside the Tuscany region as part of ongoing surveillance. Participants include both pediatric and adult patients diagnosed with invasive bacterial diseases caused by these bacteria. Researchers will track the incidence rates of infections caused by each pathogen over about one year. The study involves collecting biological samples for molecular testing and monitoring the presence and types of bacteria. This will help improve understanding of infection trends and support the development of better prevention and treatment approaches.