Cervical dystonia (CD) is characterized by cranial muscle overactivity leading to abnormal intermittent or continuous posturing of the head. Nowadays, the treatment of patients suffering from this condition focuses principally on the motor component of the disorder, certainly the invaliding part; however, it leaves out the non-motor one that has a similarly invalidated effect on the quality of the subject’s life. This review was conducted on studies investigating the impact of non-motor symptoms on levels of quality of life. We searched on the PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases and screening references of included studies and review articles for additional citations. From an initial 150 publications, we included only five studies that met the search criteria. The results showed that anxiety, depression, pain and sleep quality have a great influence on patients’ health and on the outcome of the disease. Future studies should focus more on investigating the non-motor components of CD as an integral part of the clinical management of dystonic patients in order to improve their well-being.

Exergames are emerging tools for cognitive-motor neurorehabilitation, but their effects in adults with neurological conditions remain insufficiently explored. This systematic review examined studies from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, assessing the impact of exergames on motor and cognitive outcomes. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and experimental designs. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420250655053) and followed PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines. Eleven studies (8 RCTs, 2 feasibility studies, 1 secondary analysis) reported improvements in balance, gait, executive function, and memory, with high adherence (85–100%) and minimal adverse effects. While the overall risk of bias was low, heterogeneity in interventions, populations, and outcome measures limited comparability and generalizability. Additionally, the absence of long-term follow-up hindered conclusions on sustained benefits. Exergames appear promising for cognitive-motor rehabilitation in neurological conditions. Future studies should adopt standardized protocols, include long-term follow-up, and explore neurophysiological mechanisms to support clinical implementation.

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) are heterogeneous conditions that may indicate early dementia. Virtual Reality (VR) is emerging as a promising non-pharmacological tool for cognitive training. However, its effectiveness in these populations remains unclear. This systematic review examines the impact of VR-based cognitive interventions in individuals with SCD and MCI.Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies published between 2019 and 2025 investigating VR-based cognitive interventions in individuals diagnosed with SCD or MCI were identified through searches in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), experimental studies, and usability studies.Results: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria, including 14 RCTs, 2 usability studies, and 3 experimental studies. The majority of studies reported significant improvements in various cognitive domains, particularly memory, attention, and executive function, following VR-based interventions. Several studies also highlighted the positive impact of VR on user engagement and motivation, with high adherence and low dropout rates. However, there was considerable variability in intervention protocols, cognitive outcome measures, and participant characteristics. Most studies focused on individuals with MCI, while research on SCD populations remains limited and preliminary. Methodological quality varied, with some studies lacking adequate sample sizes or long-term follow-up.Conclusion: VR-based cognitive interventions appear to be a feasible and potentially effective approach for enhancing cognitive function in individuals with MCI, with emerging evidence also supporting their use in SCD. Despite encouraging results, further high-quality, large-scale trials are needed to validate these findings, standardize intervention protocols, and explore long-term benefits.Systematic review registration: CRD42025644894.

Background: Healthy cognitive functioning is a primary component of well-being, independence, and successful aging. Cognitive deficits can arise from various conditions, such as brain injury, mental illness, and neurological disorders. Rehabilitation is a highly specialized service limited to patients who have access to institutional settings. In response to this unmet need, telehealth solutions are ideal for triggering the migration of care from clinics to patients’ homes. Objectives: The aim of EARLY-COGN^3 will be threefold: (1) to test the efficacy of a digital health at-home intervention (tele@cognitive protocol) as compared to an unstructured cognitive at-home rehabilitation in a cohort of patients with Chronic Neurological Diseases (CNDs); (2) to investigate its effects on the biomolecular and neurophysiological marker hypothesizing that people with CNDs enrolled in this telerehabilitation program will develop changes in biological markers and cortical and subcortical patterns of connectivity; (3) to analyze potential cognitive, neurobiological, and neurophysiological predictors of response to the tele@cognitive treatment. Method: In this single-blind, randomized, and controlled pilot study, we will assess the short- and long-term efficacy of cognitive telerehabilitation protocol (tele@cognitive) as compared to an unstructured cognitive at-home rehabilitation (Active Control Group—ACG) in a cohort of 60 people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Subjective Cognitive Complaints (SCCs), or Parkinson’s Disease (PD). All participants will undergo a clinical, functional, neurocognitive, and quality of life assessment at the baseline (T0), post-treatment (5 weeks, T1), and at the 3-month (T2) follow-up. Neurophysiological markers and biomolecular data will be collected at T0 and T1. Conclusions: EARLY-COGN^3 project could lead to a complete paradigm shift from the traditional therapeutic approach, forcing a reassessment on how CNDs could take advantage of a digital solution. (clinicaltrials.gov database, ID: NCT06657274)

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Scoping Review of Functional Outcomes and Neuroplasticity-Related Evidence

Background: Informal caregivers of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) experience high levels of psychological and physical stress, with limited access to supportive interventions and time constraints. Virtual Reality (VR) technologies may provide brief and accessible opportunities to support caregiver well-being, particularly during waiting periods in clinical settings. This pilot study aimed to explore the potential of a semi-immersive VR intervention to enhance psychological well-being in informal caregivers. Methods: This non-randomized pilot study investigated the effects of a semi-immersive VR-based physical training program (K-HERO^®) on psychological well-being and coping strategies in informal caregivers. Participants were recruited from January to May 2025 at the IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo” (Messina, Italy), and the intervention was delivered individually in a dedicated room within the rehabilitation facility, while caregivers accompanied their relatives to treatment sessions. Ten caregivers completed six sessions (30–40 min each). The study was conducted in accordance with TREND reporting guidelines. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), COPE Inventory, Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Visual Analog Scales and instrumental data from the VR system were used to monitor physical performance and user experience. Non-parametric statistics were applied. Results: Significant reductions were observed in avoidance (p = 0.033) and social support-based (p = 0.023) coping strategies. Differences emerged based on caregiver-patient relationships: parental caregivers showed increased anxiety, while offspring caregivers showed improvements. The intervention was well tolerated, with high usability and no adverse events reported. Conclusions: A short, structured, VR-based intervention delivered during clinical waiting periods may effectively reduce maladaptive coping strategies and support emotional well-being in informal caregivers. These findings highlight the potential of brief digital interventions in real-world care contexts. Larger randomized studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings and personalize interventions to different caregiver profiles.