Laura G. Giordani

Dr. Laura G. Giordani

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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8 April 2025 in Advances in Rehabilitation
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NMNicola Manocchio
Nicola Manocchio
CLConcetta Ljoka
Concetta Ljoka
LBLara Buttarelli
Lara Buttarelli
LGLaura G. Giordani
Laura G. Giordani
ASAndrea Sorbino
Andrea Sorbino
CFCalogero Foti
Calogero Foti
Introduction: Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection often experience physical, functional, and psychological impairments, necessitating a tailored Individual Rehabilitation Project (IRP). Early motor and respiratory re-education can prevent hypomobility-related damage, restore lost functions, and ease the transition home post-hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of early IRP implementation on strength, dyspnoea, and patients’ dependence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) during the acute phase of COVID-19. Material and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from March 2020 to July 2022. Patients underwent an initial PRM assessment (T0), a re-educational intervention (I), and a PRM reevaluation (T1) at discharge. The interventions included motor and respiratory re-education. The outcome measures comprised MBI, MRC and BDI and SpO 2 values. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests were performed to compare variables at T0 and T1; Mann-Whitney independent-samples U test was conducted for subgroups analysis. Results: Of the 52 included patients (24 male; mean age 74.9 ± 12.4 years) 32 (62%) received both motor and respiratory re-education. MRC (p < 0.001, r = 0.57); significant improvements in MBI (p < 0.001, r = 0.76), and BDI (p < 0.001, r = 0.70) were noted, but not SpO 2 (p = 0.065, r = 0.26). No significant differences were found in the subgroup analysis. Conclusions: An early, individualized rehabilitation approach combining motor and respiratory re-education significantly enhanced muscle strength, reduced dyspnea, and promoted independence in ADL in acutely hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our findings confirm that early rehabilitation can play an important role in mitigating the functional decline associated with COVID-19.

14 May 2025 in Surgeries
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NMNicola Manocchio
Nicola Manocchio
GVGiulia Vita
Giulia Vita
LGLaura G. Giordani
Laura G. Giordani
CLConcetta Ljoka
Concetta Ljoka
CMCristiano Monello
Cristiano Monello
CFCalogero Foti
Calogero Foti
Sexual dysfunction following abdominal or pelvic surgery is a significant concern that impacts the quality of life (QoL) for both men and women. This paper explores the multifaceted challenges and re-educational strategies associated with post-surgical sexual dysfunction. It highlights the physical and psychological repercussions of surgeries such as hysterectomies, pelvic organ prolapse repairs, radical prostatectomies, and rectal cancer resections. These procedures often lead to complications like dyspareunia, erectile dysfunction, and altered body image, necessitating comprehensive re-educational approaches. The review emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions, including pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), biofeedback, manual therapy, and advanced techniques like botulinum toxin injections and sacral neuromodulation. For men, strategies such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), vacuum erection devices (VEDs), intracavernosal injections, and penile prostheses are explored for their efficacy in restoring erectile function. Psychological support, including cognitive–behavioral therapy and couples counseling, is underscored as essential to addressing emotional and relational aspects of recovery. A multidisciplinary approach involving physiatrists, urologists, gynecologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and sexual health counselors is advocated for to optimize outcomes. Integrating physical therapy modalities, as well as psychological and relational therapies, into individual rehabilitation projects is crucial for improving sexual function and overall QoL post-surgery. Future research should focus on refining these established strategies and investigating the potential of innovative therapeutic modalities.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NMNicola Manocchio
Nicola Manocchio
RMRoberta Marini
Roberta Marini
CLConcetta Ljoka
Concetta Ljoka
LGLaura G. Giordani
Laura G. Giordani
IIIsabella Iovene
Isabella Iovene
CFCalogero Foti
Calogero Foti
Background/Objectives: Morphological spinal alterations in adolescents, including idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and postural scoliotic attitudes (paramorphisms), may be associated with leg length discrepancy (LLD) and breast asymmetry (BA). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of LLD and BA in adolescents with spinal paramorphisms and dysmorphisms (IS), and to explore associations between these asymmetries and spinal curve features. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Adolescents aged 10–18 years were included. LLD was measured clinically via direct tape measurement and, when necessary, ultrasound. BA was assessed via visual inspection. Spinal deformities were characterized via clinical and radiological examination. Results: Among the 44 participants, 26 (60%) had IS and 18 (40%) had postural scoliotic attitudes. LLD was present in 79.5% (mean 0.7 ± 0.6 cm; all mild). BA was observed in 14% of the sample. LLD was more frequent in IS (87%) than in postural scoliotic attitudes (72%). In lumbar postural curves, the shorter limb was consistently ipsilateral to the curve convexity. In IS, no consistent association was found between LLD and curve characteristics. BA was slightly more prevalent in IS (19%) than postural scoliotic attitudes (17%), with no consistent pattern relative to curve convexity. Conclusions: Mild LLD is common in adolescents with spinal asymmetries and reflects general population norms. While LLD may influence compensatory postural curves, it does not appear to affect IS curve patterns or severity. BA is more frequent in IS, but shows variable association with curve features. Considering LLD and BA prevalence in adolescents with spinal asymmetries routine assessment is warranted, though their impact on IS progression is limited.

18 August 2024 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NMNicola Manocchio
Nicola Manocchio
MGMarco Gaudenzi
Marco Gaudenzi
Marco TofaniMarco Tofani
Marco Tofani
CLConcetta Ljoka
Concetta Ljoka
AIAnila Imeshtari
Anila Imeshtari
CFCalogero Foti
Calogero Foti
This study investigated the impact of early prosthetic intervention on children with upper limb agenesis or amputation. The aim was to assess both how early prosthetics improve a child’s movement and coordination skills, as well as how satisfied both the child and their parents are with the prosthesis. Twenty-nine children were evaluated using the Unilateral Below Elbow Test (UBET) and Child Amputee Prosthetics Project—Prothesis Satisfaction Inventory (CAPP-PSI). Results suggest that while children performed tasks faster and more fluidly without a prosthesis, they were satisfied with the prostheses and the service provided. This may be due to ongoing adaptation to the new device. The single child re-evaluated at 12 months showed improvement in prosthesis use, highlighting the potential benefits of early intervention coupled with motor re-education. Further research is needed to optimize prosthetic features and address initial challenges associated with prosthesis use.