Research 1633 1

Research

Science and Research at Melittaklinik

Since 2007, Villa Melitta (renamed Melittaklinik in 2020) has been actively engaged in scientific research with the aim of translating insights gained from clinical practice into industrial development processes. These experiences have been acquired through close collaboration with patients and internationally renowned researchers. The objective of this work is to develop medical technologies, therapeutic concepts, and care pathways that enhance treatment effectiveness and improve clinical outcomes.

Our scientific partners include the University of Verona, the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences. For specific research projects, we also collaborate with the University of Innsbruck and Harvard University.

The exchange of expertise within these research networks has resulted in numerous scientific contributions published in leading international peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, several innovative technological solutions have emerged from our research activities in recent years, including G-EO, currently recognized as one of the world’s most advanced robotic gait rehabilitation systems.

Our research activities received further momentum through the partnership established in 2021 with the ISAAC Foundation.

Melittaklinik Academy

Since 2012, our institution has been accredited as a provincial provider within Italy’s Continuing Medical Education (ECM) system. Each year, we design and implement a comprehensive programme of professional development and continuing education for our staff.

The lower ground floor of the clinic houses a fully equipped conference centre dedicated to educational events and training activities, both for internal personnel and external participants. Thanks to its advanced technological infrastructure, the facility can accommodate training courses, workshops, and interactive sessions, including those delivered via videoconferencing.

In addition, one of our operating theatres has been specifically configured as a teaching and observation facility. Through a live audio-video connection with the conference centre, participants are able to observe surgical procedures employing innovative techniques in real time, thereby facilitating advanced clinical education and knowledge transfer.

Overview of Research and Development Activities

  • Dassati S, Buechner S, Schweigreiter R, Waldner A. Celecoxib promotes survival and upregulates the expression of neuroprotective marker genes in two different in vitro models of Parkinson’s disease. J. Neuropharm. 2020 Nov 5;108378. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108378, in print.
  • Valè N, Gandolfi M, Mazzoleni S, Battini E, Dimitrova EK, Gajofatto A, Ferraro F, Castelli M, Camin M, Filippetti M, De Paoli C, Picelli A, Corradi J, Chemello E, Waldner A, Saltuari L, Smania N. Characterization of Upper Limb Impairments at Body Function, Activity, and Participation in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis by Behavioral and EMG Assessment: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Neurol. 2020 Feb 14;10:1395.
  • Gandolfi M, Valè N, Dimitrova E, Zanolin ME, Mattiuz N, Battistuzzi E, Beccari M, Geroin C, Picelli A, Waldner A, Smania N. Robot-Assisted Stair Climbing Training on Postural Control and Sensory Integration Processes in Chronic Post-stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Front Neurosci. 2019 Oct 24;13:1143.
  • Picelli A, Brugnera A, Filippetti M, Mattiuz N, Chemello E, Modenese A, Gandolfi M, Waldner A, Saltuari L, Smania N. Effects of two different protocols of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation combined with transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation on robot-assisted gait training in patients with chronic supratentorial stroke: A single blind, randomized controlled trial. Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2019;37(2):97-107.
  • Gandolfi M, Valè N, Dimitrova EK, Mazzoleni S, Battini E, Benedetti MD, Gajofatto A, Ferraro F, Castelli M, Camin M, Filippetti M, De Paoli C, Chemello E, Picelli A, Corradi J, Waldner A, Saltuari L, Smania N. Effects of High-intensity Robot-assisted Hand Training on Upper Limb Recovery and Muscle Activity in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blinded Trial. Front Neurol. 2018 Oct 24;9:905
  • Waldner A, Dassati S, Redl B, Smania N, Gandolfi M. Apolipoprotein D Concentration in Human Plasma during Aging and in Parkinson’s Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study. Parkinsons Dis. 2018 Mar 26;2018:3751516.
  • Gandolfi M, Formaggio E, Geroin C, Storti SF, Boscolo Galazzo I, Bortolami M, Saltuari L, Picelli A, Waldner A, Manganotti P, Smania N. Quantification of Upper Limb Motor Recovery and EEG Power Changes after Robot-Assisted Bilateral Arm Training in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Prospective Pilot Study. Neural Plast. 2018 Mar 26;2018:8105480.
  • Picelli A, Chemello E, Castellazzi P, Filippetti M, Brugnera A, Gandolfi M, Waldner A, Saltuari L, Smania N. Combined effects of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation and transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation on robot-assisted gait training in patients with chronic brain stroke: A pilot, single blind, randomized controlled trial. Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2018; 36(2):161-171.
  • Gandolfi M, Geroin C, Dimitrova E, Boldrini P, Waldner A, Bonadiman S, Picelli A, Regazzo S, Stirbu E, Primon D, Bosello C, Gravina AR, Peron L, Trevisan M, Garcia AC, Menel A, Bloccari L, Valè N, Saltuari L, Tinazzi M, Smania N. Virtual Reality Telerehabilitation for Postural Instability in Parkinson’s Disease: A Multicenter, Single-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Biomed Res Int. 2017 ;2017:7962826.
  • Picelli A, Tamburin S, Berto G, Chemello E, Gandolfi M, Saltuari L, Waldner A, Smania N. Electrodiagnostic and nerve ultrasonographic features in upper limb spasticity: an observational study. Funct Neurol. 2017 Jul/Sep;32(3):119-122.
  • Picelli A, Vallies G, Chemello E, Castellazzi P, Brugnera A, Gandolfi M, Baricich A, Cisari C, Santamato A, Saltuari L, Waldner A, Smania N. Is spasticity always the same? An observational study comparing the features of spastic equinus foot in patients with chronic stroke and multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci. 2017 Sep 15;380:132-136.
  • Picelli A, La Marchina E, Vangelista A, Chemello E, Modenese A, Gandolfi M, Ciceri EFM, Bucci A, Zoccatelli G, Saltuari L, Waldner A, Baricich A, Santamato A, Smania N. Effects of Robot-Assisted Training for the Unaffected Arm in Patients with Hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy: A Proof-of-Concept Pilot Study. Behav Neurol. 2017 ;2017:8349242.
  • Mazzoleni S, Focacci A, Franceschini M, Waldner A, Spagnuolo C, Battini E, Bonaiuti D. Robot-assisted end-effector-based gait training in chronic stroke patients: A multicentric uncontrolled observational retrospective clinical study. NeuroRehabilitation. 2017 ;40(4):483-492.
  • Picelli A, Zuccher P, Tomelleri G, Bovi P, Moretto G, Waldner A, Saltuari L, Smania N. Prognostic Importance of Lesion Location on Functional Outcome in Patients with Cerebellar Ischemic Stroke: a Prospective Pilot Study. Cerebellum. 2017 Feb;16(1):257-261.
  • Gandolfi M, Geroin C, Waldner A, Maddalena I, Dimitrova EK, Picelli A, Smania N, Tomelleri C. Feasibility and safety of early lower limb robot-assisted training in sub-acute stroke patients: a pilot study. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2017 Jan 12.
  • Gandolfi M, Geroin C, Ferrari F, LA Marchina E, Varalta V, Fonte C, Picelli A, Dimitrova E, Munari D, Valè N, Waldner A, Smania N. Rehabilitation procedures in the management of postural orientation deficits in patients with poststroke pusher behavior: a pilot study. Minerva Med. 2016 Dec;107(6):353-362.
  • Picelli A, Bacciga M, Melotti C, LA Marchina E, Verzini E, Ferrari F, Pontillo A, Corradi J, Tamburin S, Saltuari L, Corradini C, Waldner A, Smania N. Combined effects of robot-assisted gait training and botulinum toxin type A on spastic equinus foot in patients with chronic stroke: a pilot, single blind, randomized controlled trial. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2016 Dec;52(6):759-766.
  • Gandolfi M, Dimitrova E, Nicolli F, Modenese A, Serina A, Waldner A, Tinazzi M, Squintani G, Smania N, Geroin C. Rehabilitation procedures in the management of gait disorders in the elderly. Minerva Med. 2015 Oct;106(5):287-307.
  • Picelli A, Chemello E, Castellazzi P, Roncari L, Waldner A, Saltuari L, Smania N. Combined effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) on robot-assisted gait training in patients with chronic stroke: A pilot, double blind, randomized controlled trial.Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2015 ;33(3):357-68.
  • Gandolfi M, Munari D, Geroin C, Gajofatto A, Benedetti MD, Midiri A, Carla F, Picelli A, Waldner A, Smania N. Sensory integration balance training in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized, controlled trial. Mult Scler. 2015 Oct;21(11):1453-62.
  • Gandolfi M, Formaggio E, Geroin C, Storti SF, Boscolo Galazzo I, Waldner A, Manganotti P, Smania N. Electroencephalographic Changes of Brain Oscillatory Activity After Upper Limb Somatic Sensation Training in a Patient With Somatosensory Deficit After Stroke Clin EEG Neurosci. 2015 Oct;46(4):347-52.
  • Picelli A, Melotti C, Origano F, Neri R, Verzè E, Gandolfi M, Waldner A, Smania N. Robot-assisted gait training is not superior to balance training for improving postural instability in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease: a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2015 Apr;29(4):339-47.
  • Dassati S, Waldner A, Schweigreiter R. Apolipoprotein D takes center stage in the stress response of the aging and degenerative brain. Neurobiol Aging. 2014 Jul;35(7):1632-42.
  • Gandolfi M, Geroin C, Picelli A, Munari D, Waldner A, Tamburin S, Marchioretto F, Smania N. Robot-assisted vs. sensory integration training in treating gait and balance dysfunctions in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial. Front Hum Neurosci. 2014 May 22;8:318.
  • Picelli A, Tamburin S, Passuello M, Waldner A, Smania N. Robot-assisted arm training in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a pilot study. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2014 Mar 5;11:28.
  • Geroin C, Mazzoleni S, Smania N, Gandolfi M, Bonaiuti D, Gasperini G, Sale P, Munari D, Waldner A, Spidalieri R, Bovolenta F, Picelli A, Posteraro F, Molteni F, Franceschini M, Italian Robotic Neurorehabilitation Research Group. Systematic review of outcome measures of walking training using electromechanical and robotic devices in patients with stroke. J Rehabil Med. 2013 Nov;45(10):987-96.
  • Picelli A, Melotti C, Origano F, Neri R, Waldner A, Smania N. Robot-assisted gait training versus equal intensity treadmill training in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled trial. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2013 Jun;19(6):605-10.
  • Formaggio E, Storti SF, Boscolo Galazzo I, Gandolfi M, Geroin C, Smania N, Spezia L, Waldner A, Fiaschi A, Manganotti P. Modulation of event-related desynchronization in robot-assisted hand performance: brain oscillatory changes in active, passive and imagined movements. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2013 Feb 26;10:24.
  • Hesse S, Tomelleri C, Bardeleben A, Werner C, Waldner A. Robot-assisted practice of gait and stair climbing in nonambulatory stroke patients. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012 ;49(4):613-22
  • Picelli A, Melotti C, Origano F, Waldner A, Gimigliano R, Smania N. Does robotic gait training improve balance in Parkinson’s disease? A randomized controlled trial. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2012 Sep;18(8):990-3.
  • Sale P, Franceschini M, Waldner A, Hesse S. Use of the robot assisted gait therapy in rehabilitation of patients with stroke and spinal cord injury.Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2012 Mar;48(1):111-21.
  • Picelli A, Melotti C, Origano F, Waldner A, Fiaschi A, Santilli V, Smania Robot-assisted gait training in patients with Parkinson disease: a randomized controlled trial. N. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2012 May;26(4):353-61.
  • Tomelleri C, Waldner A and Hesse S. EMG Analysis Methods on Robotic Gait Machines. Applications of EMG in Clinical and Sports Medicine 2012; 19-34. ISBN 978-953-307-798-7.
  • Hesse S, Tomelleri C, Werner C, Bardeleben A, Waldner A. Das repetitive Treppensteigen auf- und abwärts rollstuhlpflichtiger Patienten nach Schlaganfall mit Hilfe eines neu entwickelten Gangroboters. Neurol Rehabil 2011; 17 (4): 197 – 202
  • Hesse S, Waldner A, Mehrholz J, Tomelleri C, Pohl M, Werner C. Combined transcranial direct current stimulation and robot-assisted arm training in subacute stroke patients: an exploratory, randomized multicenter trial. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2011 Nov-Dec;25(9):838-46.
  • Hesse S, Waldner A, Tomelleri C, Werner C. Robotergestütztes Treppensteigen: Eine neue Therapieoption in der Rehabilitation rollstuhlpflichtiger Patienten. pt Zeitschrift für Physiotherapeuten 2011, 11: 58-63.
  • Roncari L, Vignati F, Gandolfi M, Waldner A, Picelli A, De Natale L, Geroin C, Fiaschi A, Smania N. La robotica nella riabilitazione dei disturbi senso-motori dell’arto superiore: studio su pazienti affetti da ictus cerebrale. Volume 25, Suppl. 1 al N. 5, Ottobre 2011, Giornale Italiano di Medicina Riabilitativa.
  • Tomelleri C, Waldner A, Werner C, Hesse S. Adaptive locomotor training on an end-effector gait robot: evaluation of the ground reaction forces in different training conditions.IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot. 2011 ;2011:5975492.
  • Hesse S, Werner C, Melzer I, Waldner A, Bardeleben A. External lid loading for the temporary treatment of paresis of the M. orbicularis oculi: a case report. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2011 Aug;92(8):1333-5.
  • Geroin C, Picelli A, Munari D, Waldner A, Tomelleri C, Smania N. Combined transcranial direct current stimulation and robot-assisted gait training in patients with chronic stroke: a preliminary comparison. Clin Rehabil. 2011 Jun;25(6):537-48.
  • Smania N, Bonetti P, Gandolfi M, Cosentino A, Waldner A, Hesse S, Werner C, Bisoffi G, Geroin C, Munari D. Improved gait after repetitive locomotor training in children with cerebral palsy. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2011 Feb;90(2):137-49.
  • Smania N, Picelli A, Munari D, Geroin C, Ianes P, Waldner A, Gandolfi M. Rehabilitation procedures in the management of spasticity. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2010 Sep;46(3):423-38.
  • Hesse S, Waldner A, Tomelleri C. Innovative gait robot for the repetitive practice of floor walking and stair climbing up and down in stroke patients. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2010 Jun 28;7:30.
  • Buschfort R, Brocke J, Hess A, Werner C, Waldner A, Hesse S. Arm studio to intensify the upper limb rehabilitation after stroke: concept, acceptance, utilization and preliminary clinical results. J Rehabil Med. 2010 Apr;42(4):310-4.
  • Waldner A, Tomelleri C, Hesse S. Transfer of scientific concepts to clinical practice: recent robot-assisted training studies. Funct Neurol. 2009 Oct-Dec;24(4):173-7.
  • Hesse S, Welz A, Assmann E, Quentin B, Waldner A. Pedestrians in Berlin after stroke. Recommendations for street and subway transit Nervenarzt. 2009 Aug;80(8):953-8.
  • Waldner A, Corradini C, Hesse S. Telerehaslide: un progetto pilota di teleriabilitazione per pazienti con SM. Eur Med Phys 2009; 44 (Suppl. 1 to Nr. 3).
  • Waldner A, Werner C, Hesse S. Terapia robotica su scale: una nuova frontiera in neuro riabilitazione. Eur Med Phys 2009; 45 (Suppl. 1 to Nr. 3).
  • Waldner A, Werner C, Hesse S. Robot assisted therapy in Neurorehabilitation. Eur Med Phys 2008; 44 (Suppl. 1 to Nr. 3).
  • Waldner A, Werner C, Hesse S. Robot-assisted arm training and transcranial direct current stimulation in subacute stroke patients with a severely affected upper extremity. Eur Med Phys 2007; 43 (Suppl. 1 to Nr. 3).