Staff:         
Elisa Pelosin, Associate Professor       
Marco Testa , Associate Professor   (at the Savona University Campus)
 
Gaia Bonassi, Fixed-term Researcher

Research topics:       
The main lines of research are limited to the field of rehabilitation techniques, in particular neuro-rehabilitation/aging and musculoskeletal/rheumatology. The sector deals with the development and use of new technologies for the study of mechanisms, the effectiveness of physiotherapy protocols, and innovation in telemedicine.

The research group in the field of neuro-rehabilitation and aging is headed by Prof. Elisa Pelosin and its primary lines of research are:

- the study of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying motor learning in patients with movement disorders (in particular Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism) and in elderly subjects;

- the study of the effectiveness of physiotherapy protocols aimed at improving motor performance (walking and balance) and preventing falls in individuals with Parkinson's disease and the elderly;

- the development of motor-cognitive and physiotherapy assessment apps for neurological disorders and to promote healthy aging;

- the development of action observation and motor imagery in physiotherapy;

- the study of sensorimotor-cognitive-emotional interaction on motor performance.

The musculoskeletal and rheumatology research group is headed by Prof. Marco Testa, based at the Savona Campus, and its primary lines of research are:

- movement analysis using IMU, force sensors, and surface electromyography;

- modulation of contextual factors in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders;

- development of immersive virtual reality applications for the study and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and eating disorders;

- study of kinetic parameters and motor control of the strength of the masticatory muscles, the hand, and the pelvic floor.

- evaluation of the experience of care processes using qualitative methodologies;

- epidemiological studies based on registries and web surveys to explore the prevalence and risk factors of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in people most at risk;

- quantitative and qualitative studies on cancer rehabilitation and associated issues;

- evaluation of the effectiveness of teaching in rehabilitation and implementation of cutting-edge technological teaching tools;

- innovative and digital strategies to support active aging and improve quality of life.    
 

Laboratories

Movement Analysis and Applied Neurophysiology (in collaboration with DIMES, Prof. Laura Avanzino)
Equipment
The following technologies and instruments are used for study and research activities:
- Virtual Reality
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electrical Stimulation (TCS)
- Neuronavigator
- HD-EEG 
- Upper limb motion tracking system

Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory 
(REHELab – Palazzina Oliva, Savona Campus)
The Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory (REHELab) was established as a spin-off of the Master’s program in Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Disorders, with the aim of developing low-cost, high-precision portable technologies and cutting-edge tools that are accessible and usable by rehabilitation professionals.
Scientific research is carried out by a multidisciplinary team that integrates clinical expertise with knowledge and methodologies from engineering, psychology, and movement sciences. REHELab is located in the Smart Energy Building (Palazzina Oliva) within the Savona Campus (University of Genoa).
Equipment:
The following technologies and instruments are used for study and research activities:
- HTC VIVE® Pro immersive virtual reality system 
- AWINDA XSENS® inertial measurement system 
- Clarius wireless ultrasound system with convex probe 
- KISTLER® force platform 
- 64-channel electromyograph 
- Microsoft KINECT® RGB-D cameras
- Prototypes under development for force or inertial signal acquisition