Giovanni Lazzaro

Dr. Giovanni Lazzaro

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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25 December 2025 in Technologies
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MRMartina Regazzetti
Martina Regazzetti
MZMirko Zitti
Mirko Zitti
GLGiovanni Lazzaro
Giovanni Lazzaro
SVSamuel Vianello
Samuel Vianello
SFSara Federico
Sara Federico
PKPawel Kiper
Pawel Kiper
Background: Recovery following incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) remains challenging, with conventional rehabilitation often emphasizing compensation over functional restoration. As most new spinal cord injury cases preserve some motor or sensory pathways, there is increasing interest in therapies that harness neuroplasticity. Robotic exoskeletons provide a promising means to deliver task-specific, repetitive gait training that may promote adaptive neural reorganization. This feasibility study investigates the feasibility, safety, and short-term effects of exoskeleton-assisted walking in individuals with degenerative iSCI. Methods: Two cooperative male patients (patients A and B) with degenerative iSCI (AIS C, neurological level L1) participated in a four-week intervention consisting of one hour of neuromotor physiotherapy followed by one hour of exoskeleton-assisted gait training, three times per week. Functional performance was assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test, while gait quality was examined through spatiotemporal gait analysis. Vendor-generated surface electromyography (sEMG) plots were available only for qualitative description. Results: Patient A demonstrated a clinically meaningful increase in walking speed (+0.15 m/s). Spatiotemporal parameters showed mixed and non-uniform changes, including longer cycle, stance, and swing times, which reflect a slower stepping pattern rather than improved efficiency or coordination. Patient B showed a stable walking speed (+0.03 m/s) and persistent gait asymmetries. Qualitative sEMG plots are presented descriptively but cannot support interpretations of muscle recruitment patterns or neuromuscular changes. Conclusions: In this exploratory study, exoskeleton-assisted gait training was feasible and well tolerated when combined with conventional physiotherapy. However, observed changes were heterogeneous and do not allow causal or mechanistic interpretation related to neuromuscular control, muscle recruitment, or device-specific effects. These findings highlight substantial inter-individual variability and underscore the need for larger controlled studies to identify predictors of response and optimize rehabilitation protocols.

19 August 2025 in Geriatric Nursing
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
IPIlaria Parrotta
Ilaria Parrotta
PFPanaiotis Finamore
Panaiotis Finamore
EBEnrico Brunetti
Enrico Brunetti
RPRoberto Presta
Roberto Presta
GLGiovanni Lazzaro
Giovanni Lazzaro
CTCaterina Trevisan
Caterina Trevisan