May 6, 2025 – In the past few days, Dr. Franco Molteni served as an invited speaker at the Robotics and Technology in Rehabilitation Symposium held at the Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation, an institution that emphasizes the importance of training and collaborative discussions to generate new perspectives in patient care.
In a dialogue that strongly embraces innovation, our Scientific Director delivered a presentation on the significance of thoroughly understanding the patient experience during robotic rehabilitation activities through instrumental evaluation. How? By utilizing three key tools.
- Electromyography (EMG): a technique used to detect muscle activity in terms of both intensity and timing to provide a snapshot of human-machine interaction, allowing for the fine-tuning of robotic parameters and helping to define the patient’s level of active participation in rehabilitation exercises.
- Electroencephalography (EEG): it measures the electrical signals generated by neurons in the brain. This technique allows us to analyze brain states during various activities, helping to determine whether the brain is at rest or active. In instances of activation, EEG can pinpoint which specific areas of the brain are engaged and how connectivity among these areas changes.
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV) assessment: by monitoring this parameter, we can assess the activity of the autonomic nervous system, which acts as the underlying conductor of bodily functions. Analyzing the strength of the signal at both high and low frequencies, along with the activation levels of the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems, allows us to determine whether an individual is in a state of rest or experiencing mental and physical activation based on the specific task at hand. This assessment is essential for analyzing relearning processes, rather than simply indicating muscular overload.
