OUR MISSION
Villa Beretta Research Rehabilitation Innovation Institute is a research and innovation institute dedicated to Rehabilitation medicine. The institute works alongside and in perfect structural and operational synergy with the Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Centre, a facility of Ospedale Valduce of Como.
The research and innovation activity is inscribed and materializes in the scientific framework of the Network and Systems Medicine: medicine of the complexity that, in Rehabilitation Medicine, sees medicine, biology, neuropsychology, psychology, nutritional science, bio-engineering, social and humanistic sciences combined and coordinated in an interdisciplinary manner, in an overall vision of interconnected biological and social systems that determine Human Functioning.
This leads to a precise strategy of a continual search for new technologies capable of interacting with the person to remodulate the connections of the complex systems, in particular the nervous system, on which human functioning depends: the functioning of individuals that translates into their ability to act and interact with the surrounding environment, expressing behaviour that defines their identity in line with their state of health. Recovering and improving human functioning following disabilities caused by injuries to the central nervous system is the ultimate aim of our research, which develops on the basis of an innovative bio-tech approach.
The strategy focuses on the biological principles of neuroplasticity, that is the ability of the nervous system to reorganize itself and form new functional neural connections. In fact, if appropriately stimulated, the nervous system reorganizes itself through an increase in synaptic plasticity and functional connectivity, due also to the increase in activity of the neurotransmitters, considered the fuel for its operation. All these factors, combined together, further stimulate cerebral reorganization, thus supporting and strengthening the recovery of the ability to think, move and relate flexibly with the surrounding environment. Equal importance is given to the biological mechanisms that regulate the gut-brain axis, the two-way communication between the enteric nervous system (the gut) and the central nervous system (the brain): a connection that research is demonstrating to be increasingly important in regulating motor and cognitive functions, as well as metabolism and immune response.
In order to induce neuroplasticity, advanced and innovative technologies are studied and tested in the clinical setting. At the forefront of these technologies is robotics and, in particular, Cobots (short for Collaborative Robot), machines capable of establishing a relationship with the individual, interacting with him/her to the point that they can predict his/her intentions to move. Equally important is the field of neuromodulation: integrated electrical stimulation of muscles during motion, transcutaneous spinal stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, which can be combined with robotic devices to selectively stimulate and modulate specific cerebral or spinal control circuits, thus facilitating new learning methods of motor and cognitive functions. An important role is played by the preparation of new virtual reality, mirror therapy and biofeedback systems. Finally, artificial intelligence is used in the management of the technological devices and processing of clinical and instrumental data.
Due to the marked synergy with the Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Centre, our activity is from bench to patient, from research and the laboratory directly to the patient. Individualized targeted translational care processes supported by the prompt application of new knowledge and rehabilitation instruments tested in the laboratory are put into practice. Interdisciplinary teams ensure that the research and innovation activities integrate with the conventional rehabilitation procedures. The individual’s emotional and relational sphere is also cared for at the same levels as other treatments, to restore his/her dignity, serenity and plans for life. In a unique place: connected to the world.
Siamo il Presidio di Medicina Riabilitativa dell’Ospedale Valduce
Via Nazario Sauro, 17 – 23845 Costa Masnaga (LC)
Tel. 031.8544211
E-mail: costa.ammin@valduce.it
E-mail: segreteria@vbrrii.it
