Neurorehabilitation can be looked at as a strategic research field because of its tight interconnections with topics of great economic and social relevance, such as healthy and active ageing, wellbeing and the social inclusion of people with disabilities.

In our lab, we set up a pipeline covering:

• the neuro-mechanical design and modelling of active (actuated) systems, or passive ones (with spring or bias elements, etc.), to be used in the orthotic treatment of different neuro-musculo-skeletal diseases;
• the characterisation and optimisation of materials and functional components by experimental methods or mathematical modelling;
• the fabrication of prototypes with anatomically-compatible geometries (from bioimages) through 3D printing and/or the assembling of parts;
• the development of wearable sensor networks to complement the functions of the orthotic devices;
• the evaluation of prototypes in technical tests;
• the collaboration with clinical partners during field studies and trials;
• the analysis of data and signals collected during technical and clinical tests.

Fig. 3. Design optimisation by mathematical modelling.

Fig. 4. Development of rehabilitation devices by 3D printing from anatomical images.

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Fig. 5. Wearable sensor systems to complement and monitor the functions of orthotic devices.

Fig. 6. Actuators and orthoses with low electromagnetic emissions for Neuroscience.

Our research produces scientific and technical knowledge and patented inventions, such as pseudoelastic hinges for repositioning orthoses (PCT/EP2011/002184) and amagnetic actuators compatible with diagnostic instrumentation like (f)MRI e MEG (PCT/EP2011/002385).
We enjoy ongoing collaborations with clinical institutions specialised in the treatment of neurologic disorders of the children and adults; research institutes for Exercise Physiology, Neuroscience, Materials Science & Technology, and Rehabilitation Robotics; and private enterprises working in the biomedical field, creating a link with the manufacturing sector.

Fig. 7. Collaborations with clinical centres for device trials.

Fig. 8. Analysis of data and signals collected during technical and clinical testing on our devices.

We also collaborate with the Academia for projects, seminars, and M.Sc. or Ph.D. theses.

Since 2004, we are partners or leaders in a number of research projects in the field of neurorehabilitation technologies, and we are actively engaged in the development of this sector in the Lecco area.

Three Research fellows are currently collaborating in this line of activity: Lorenzo Garavaglia (Biomedical Engineer, Ph.D. candidate), Fabio Lazzari (Electronic Engineer) and Jacopo Romanò (Biomedical Engineer).