Reference theories and future perspectives on robot-assisted rehabilitation in people with neurological conditions: A scoping review and recommendations from the Italian Consensus Conference on Robotics in Neurorehabilitation (CICERONE).

BACKGROUND: Robot-based treatments are developing in neurorehabilitation settings. Recently, the Italian National Health Systems recognized robot-based rehabilitation as a refundable service. Thus, the Italian neurorehabilitation community promoted a national consensus on this topic. OBJECTIVE: To conceptualize undisclosed perspectives for research and applications of robotics for neurorehabilitation, based on a qualitative synthesis of reference theoretical models. METHODS: A scoping review was carried out based on a specific question from the consensus Jury. A foreground search strategy was developed on theoretical models (context) of robot-based rehabilitation (exposure), in neurological patients (population). PubMed and EMBASE® databases were searched and studies on theoretical models of motor control, neurobiology of recovery, human-robot interaction and economic sustainability were included, while experimental studies not aimed to investigate theoretical frameworks, or considering prosthetics, were excluded. RESULTS: Overall, 3699 records were screened and finally 9 papers included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to the population investigated, structured information on theoretical models and indications for future research was summarized in a synoptic table. CONCLUSION: The main indication from the Italian consensus on robotics in neurorehabilitation is the priority to design research studies aimed to investigate the role of robotic and electromechanical devices in promoting neuroplasticity.

Reliability and validity of the Italian version of Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology 2.0 (QUEST-IT 2.0) with users of mobility assistive device.

OBJECTS: The aim of the study is the translation, culturally adaptation and validation of the Italian version of Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology 2.0 (QUEST-IT 2.0) in an Italian population with users of mobility assistive device, through a cross sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate internal consistency and test-retest reliability, Cronbach's? and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were respectively calculated. The WheelCon-M is administered together, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated for validity. RESULTS: The scale was submitted to 130. The mean QUEST-IT 2.0 score in this study was 37.39 ± 9.35. Cronbach's? was 0.740 (p < 0.01) and ICC was 0.853 and >0.994 in each domain. The correlation with WheelCon-M short form a was 0.30 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: the QUEST-IT 2.0 showed out good consistent results for reliability and validity. This scale will be very useful for doctors, researchers and occupational therapist in the valuation and management of mobility assistive device.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe Italian version of the QUEST 2.0 (QUEST-IT 2.0) in now available and health professionals can use it with more confidence.The QUEST-IT 2.0 is a valid and reliable assessment tool when used with a sample of assistive mobility device users.

Evaluation of pelvis postural systems in spinal cord injury patients: Outcome research.

OBJECTIVES: Compare three commercially available postural systems to determine the best for treatment of patients suffering from spinal cord injury lesion below the cervical spine. DESIGN: Outcome Research. SETTING: Ambulatory. PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen patients were recruited for this study between March 2016 and July 2016 from the Occupational Therapy clinic of "Policlinico Umberto I" hospital in Rome and Occupational Therapy of "CPO" hospital in Ostia. The patient samples consisted of eleven men (84.6%) and two women (15.4%). All the patient are suffering by SCI with a lesion below the cervical spine. INTERVENTION: We evaluate postural systems customized by three different companies. Patients tried each pelvis device for a duration of one week, after which they have been asked to fill in questionnaire concerning static stability, temperature, movement adaptability, transfers and dynamical stability during the activities of every-day life. The impact on the health status has been evaluated by means of a further questionnaire (Health Status Scale SF-12) submitted to the patients. OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality of life and daily life activities. RESULTS: The analysis of the data from the questionnaire, along with those of objective nature associated with the mapping of the pressure due to weight distribution, has allowed the selection of the most appropriate clinical solution. CONCLUSION: This study has allowed two significant conclusions: the central role of the interplay between the patient and occupational therapist in the decision role and the clear evidence that patients with spinal cord injury felt definite differences between cushion stability and were able to indicate a specific typology providing the best satisfaction.

A Psychometric Properties Evaluation of the Italian Version of the Geriatric Depression Scale.

OBJECTIVE: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is an evaluation tool to diagnose older adult's depression. This questionnaire was defined by Yesavage and Brink in 1982; it was designed expressly for the older person and defines his/her degree of satisfaction, quality of life, and feelings. The objective of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian translation of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-IT). METHODS: The Italian version of the Geriatric Depression Scale was administered to 119 people (79 people with a depression diagnosis and 40 healthy ones). We examined the following psychometric characteristics: internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and construct validity (factor structure). RESULTS: Cronbach's Alpha for the GDS-IT administered to the depressed sample was 0.84. Test-retest reliability was 0.91 and the concurrent validity was 0.83. The factorial analysis showed a structure of 5 factors, and the scale cut-off is between 10 and 11. CONCLUSION: The GDS-IT proved to be a reliable and valid questionnaire for the evaluation of depression in an Italian population. In the present study, the GDS-IT showed good psychometric properties. Health professionals now have an assessment tool for the evaluation of depression symptoms in the Italian population.

Exploring Validity, Reliability, and Factor Analysis of the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology in an Italian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study explores validity, reliability, and factor analysis of the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (IT-QUEST) for users of assistive technology devices in an Italian population. It was administered to 75 people to determine which of the 24 original items were relevant to the Italian context using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFAs and CFAs) were conducted with internal consistency and test-retest reproducibility also evaluated. The EFA and CFA showed that the 24-item survey may have limited relevance to the Italian context. We individuated 12 significative items, divided into two subscales, as well as the original validation. The test-retest showed high values of the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) (0.7-0.9), with a 0.812 ICC for the total scale providing support and evidence for Italian professionals to evaluate user satisfaction with assistive technology devices. This research also lays the foundation for developing a validation study of the IT-QUEST 2.0 that is relevant to the Italian culture. Further research may investigate psychometric properties involving more participants and different users of assistive technology devices.