Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders that causes postural instability and gait alterations, such as reduced walking speed, shorter step length, and gait asymmetry, exposing patients to a higher risk of falling. Recently, virtual reality (VR) was added to a treadmill, in order to promote motor functional recovery and neuroplastic processes. Twenty PD patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG). In particular, patients in the EG were trained with the C-Mill, an innovative type of treadmill, which is equipped with semi-immersive VR, whereas the CG performed conventional physiotherapy. Patients in both groups were evaluated through a specific motor assessment battery at baseline (T0) and after the training (T1). Comparing pre-(T0) and post-(T1) treatment scores, in the EG, we found statistical significances in the following outcome measures: 6 Minutes Walking Test (6MWT) (p < 0.0005), Timed up and go (TUG right) (p < 0.03), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (p < 0.006), Tinetti Scale (TS) (p < 0.002), Falls Efficacy Scale- International (FES-I), (p < 0.03) Unified PD Rating Scale-III (UPDRS) (p < 0.002), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) (p < 0.004). Also, the CG showed statistical significances after the training. Between-group (EG and CG) analysis showed significative statistical differences in 6MWT (p < 0.006), BBS (p < 0.006), TS (p < 0.008), FES-I (p < 0.01), and FIM (p < 0.009). From our results it emerges that both groups (EG and CG) achieved better outcome scores after the treatment, suggesting that both physiotherapy interventions were effective. However, the EG training using VR seemed to have induced more improvements, especially in gait and balance skills. Then, C-Mill could be a valid adjunctive treatment in the context of gait and balance disturbances, which are very common in the PD population.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized as a neurodegenerative condition possibly triggered by autoimmune mechanisms, impacting the entire central nervous system. In this context, neurorehabilitation plays a crucial role in every phase of the disease, aiming to restore and preserve motor functions in MS patients. In particular, robotic gait training (RGT) allows intensive, repetitive, and task-oriented training, which is pivotal in boosting neuroplastic processes. Thus, the primary aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of innovative robotic gait training, using the G-EO system, on gait, functional abilities, and quality of life (QoL) in patients affected by MS. Secondly, we evaluated the effect of the robotic rehabilitation on lower-limb motor functioning, balance, sensation, and joint functioning. Methods: The study involved twenty MS patients, divided into two groups with comparable medical characteristics and rehabilitation training duration. The experimental group (EG) underwent robotic gait training with the G-EO system (n. 10), while the control group (CG) received traditional rehabilitation training (n. 10). Results: Both groups exhibited improvements in disability level (Functional Independence Measure), 10 m walking distance (10MWT), gait, and balance performance (Functional Ambulation Classification, Tinetti Scale). However, the EG demonstrated a more significant improvement. The G-EO system notably reduced spasticity in the lower limbs (Modified Ashworth Scale) exclusively in the EG. Discussion: This study suggests that the G-EO system could be a valuable tool for enhancing gait functions, including lower-limb movements, functional abilities, and QoL in individuals with MS.

Background/Objective: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by motor and cognitive impairments that significantly affect quality of life. Robotic-assisted therapies, such as the AMADEO^® system, have shown potential in rehabilitating upper limb function but are underexplored in PD. This study aimed to assess the effects of Robotic-Assisted Therapy (RAT) compared to Conventional Physical Therapy (CPT) on cognitive, motor, and functional outcomes in PD patients. Methods: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with PD patients allocated to RAT or CPT. Participants were assessed at baseline (T0) and post-intervention (T1) using measures including MoCA, FAB, UPDRS-III, 9-Hole Peg Test, FMA-UE, FIM, and PDQ-39. Statistical analyses included ANCOVA and regression models. Results: RAT led to significant improvements in global cognition (MoCA, p < 0.001) and executive functioning (FAB, p = 0.0002) compared to CPT. Motor function improved, particularly in wrist and hand control (FMA-UE), whereas changes in fine motor dexterity (9-Hole Peg Test) were less consistent and did not reach robust significance. No significant improvements were observed in broader quality of life domains, depressive symptoms, or memory-related cognitive measures. However, quality of life improved significantly in the stigma subdomain of the PDQ-39 (p = 0.0075). Regression analyses showed that baseline motor impairment predicted cognitive outcomes. Conclusions: RAT demonstrated superior cognitive and motor benefits in PD patients compared to CPT. These results support the integration of robotic rehabilitation into PD management. Further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed to validate these findings and assess their sustainability.

Background/Objectives: Individuals with chronic stroke often experience various impairments, including poor balance, reduced mobility, limited physical activity, and difficulty performing daily tasks. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, telerehabilitation (TR) can overcome the barriers of geographical and physical distancing, time, costs, and travel, as well as the anxiety about contracting COVID-19. In this retrospective case-control study, we aim to evaluate the motor and cognitive effects of balance TR training carried out with a sensor-based non-immersive virtual reality system compared to conventional rehabilitation in chronic stroke patients. Methods: Twenty chronic post-stroke patients underwent evaluation for inclusion in the analysis through an electronic recovery data system. The patients included in the study were divided into two groups with similar medical characteristics and duration of rehabilitation training. However, the groups differed in the type of rehabilitation approach used. The experimental group (EG) received TR with a sensor-based VR device, called VRRS—HomeKit (n. 10). In contrast, the control group (CG) underwent conventional home-based rehabilitation (n. 10). Results: At the end of the training, we observed significant improvements in the EG in the 10-m walking test (10MWT) (p = 0.01), Timed-Up-Go Left (TUG L) (p = 0.01), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (p = 0.005). Conclusions: In our study, we highlighted the potential role of sensor-based virtual reality TR in chronic stroke patients for improving lower limb function, suggesting that this approach is feasible and not inferior to conventional home-based rehabilitation.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor alterations. Typical motor symptoms include resting tremors, bradykinesia (hypokinesia or akinesia), muscular stiffness, gait alterations, and postural instability. In this context, neurorehabilitation may have a pivotal role in slowing the progression of PD, using both conventional and innovative rehabilitation approaches. Thirty patients (15 males and 15 females) affected by PD were enrolled in our study. We randomly divided the patients into two groups, an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). In particular, the EG performed gait and balance training using the Rysen system, which is an innovative body weight support (BWS) system, whilst the CG received conventional physiotherapy. Both groups underwent 20 sessions, five times weekly, with each session lasting about 40 min. At the end of the training sessions (T1), we found that both groups (EG and CG) achieved clinical improvements, although the EG showed better scores for post-treatment regarding global motor functioning and postural stability compared to the CG. In conclusion, our results suggest that the Rysen system, which is an innovative BWS tool, could be considered a valid device for improving postural control and global motor functions, when compared to conventional gait training, in patients affected by PD.