Cognitive, behavioral and socio-communication skills as predictors of response to Early Start Denver Model: a prospective study in 32 young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Introduction: The effectiveness of early interventions in young autistic children is well established, but there is great interindividual variability in treatment response. Predictors of response to naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBI), like the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), are needed.

Methods: We conducted an exploratory study to prospectively seek predictors of response in 32 young children treated with ESDM after receiving an ASD diagnosis.

Rehabilitation of Gait and Balance in Cerebral Palsy: A Scoping Review on the Use of Robotics with Biomechanical Implications.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a congenital and permanent neurological disorder due to non-progressive brain damage that affects gross motor functions, such as balance, trunk control and gait. CP gross motor impairments yield more challenging right foot placement during gait phases, as well as the correct direction of the whole-body center of mass with a stability reduction and an increase in falling and tripping. For these reasons, robotic devices, thanks to their biomechanical features, can adapt easily to CP children, allowing better motor recovery and enjoyment.

FARP-1 deletion is associated with lack of response to autism treatment by early start denver model in a multiplex family.

Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display impressive clinical heterogeneity, also involving treatment response. Genetic variants can contribute to explain this large interindividual phenotypic variability.

Methods: Array-CGH (a-CGH) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were performed on a multiplex family with two small children diagnosed with ASD at 17 and 18 months of age.

Is hydrokinesitherapy effective on gait and balance in patients with stroke? A clinical and baropodometric investigation.

Background: Patients with stroke present an asymmetric posture, severe balance dysfunction with delayed and disrupted equilibrium reactions, exaggerated postural sway and abnormal gait with an increased risk of falling. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of hydrokinesytherapy on stance, balance and gait in individuals after stroke.

Methods: In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, patients with stroke were divided into two groups: an experimental one (G1), performing hydrokinesytherapy (3 times/week) in addition to a conventional physical therapy (3 times/week) and a control one (G2), performing only a conventional physical therapy (6 times/week).

Can Baropodometric Analysis be a Useful Tool in the Early Diagnosis of Atypical Parkinsonism? Preliminary Findings.

Objective: The differential diagnosis between atypical parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease is difficult, especially in the early stage. Severe postural instability, falls, and complex gait impairments are usually confined to the later stage of Parkinson's disease, while atypical parkinsonism patients may present a severe postural instability with consequent falls in the earlier stages.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 20 subjects with parkinsonism using clinical and baropodometric tools to give quantitative and objective data on the postural, balance, and gait disturbances.