Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Italian version of the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire in individuals with peripheral facial palsy.

Background: After peripheral facial palsy, the onset of facial synkinesis results in aesthetic disfigurement and local muscle tension or pain, with possible deterioration of patient's well-being and social participation. The availability of valid instruments to evaluate patient-reported severity of facial synkinesis is important to capture the subjective perception of facial impairment.

Aim: To generate and validate an Italian version of the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire, a patient-reported outcome measure to assess patient-perceived severity of facial synkinesis after peripheral facial palsy.

Facial Disability Index in Adults With Peripheral Facial Palsy: Rasch Analysis and Suggestions for Refinement.

Objective: To investigate the psychometric properties of the validated Italian version of the Facial Disability Index (FDI), a patient-reported outcome measure widely used to assess individuals with peripheral facial palsy.

Design: Methodological research on cross-sectional data from a convenience sample.

Setting: Outpatient university rehabilitation clinic.

Activity limitations and participation restrictions in patients with peripheral facial palsy: a cross-sectional study over a six-year period.

Background: Peripheral facial palsy is a pathological condition caused by a wide range of etiologies. A damage of VII cranial nerve produces facial disfigurement and limitations in daily life activities, such as drinking, eating and speaking. As a consequence, patients may experience psychological distress and social isolation.

Potentiation of muscle strength by focal vibratory stimulation on quadriceps femoris.

Objectives: Several studies have investigated the effects of focal vibration on muscle strength. Non-univocal results have been found. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prolonged focal vibratory stimulation on quadriceps muscle strength at two different frequencies (80 and 300 Hz).

Integrating and monitoring hand burn rehabilitative treatment using Virtual Reality.

Objectives: Hand burn is not a common condition in the clinical practice and needs a long and laboured rehabilitative treatment to restore the lost function.

Methods: This case report illustrates the achievable improvements in mobility and function by using innovative inertial systems for occupational exercise in a Virtual Reality, in addition to a traditional rehabilitative treatment.

Results: Through these instruments, we could promote and concurrently assess the recovery of a functional grasp and the ability in the execution of Activities of Daily Living.