Multi-domain Improvements in High-TEchnology Rehabilitation Programs for Post-stroke Patients

"Based on their individualized rehabilitation project, patients will undergo robot-assisted therapy (RAT) and/or virtual reality (VR)-based treatment.~RAT will consist of the use exoskeleton devices intended for the treatment of upper limbs (Armeo-Spring™) or for the lower limbs (Lokomat™) impairments.~VR-based rehabilitation will be conducted non-immersive VR devices: the ProKin 252™ (TechnoBody SRL, Italy), the D-Wall™ (TechnoBody SRL, Italy), and the Walker View™ (TechnoBody SRL, Italy).~Technology-enhanced treatment duration (number of sessions, minutes of use) will strictly depend on patients' rehabilitation needs and individualized rehabilitation program. Overall, part of the duration of the whole treatment will be dedicated to the use of the technological device, resulting in the same amount of rehabilitation for all participants."

Patients will receive traditional treatment consisting of two daily one-hour session (4 weeks, 20 sessions) and including rehabilitation activities like range of motion exercises (passive, active assisted and active), progressive resistive exercises, balance and strength training, and aerobic conditioning. The intervention procedures will follow the routine multidisciplinary clinical practice of the Institute where the study will be carried out. Procedures will be adapted according to patient's medical diagnosis, disability severity, and to the consequent rehabilitation objectives in favor of an individualized rehabilitation project and program. If necessary, patients might therefore undergo parallel rehabilitation activities (ie, occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive stimulation) that will be kept under control throughout data collection and analyses.