High-tech Rehabilitation Impact on Muscle MRI

Launched by IRCCS EUGENIO MEDEA · Mar 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This is an observational study aiming to learn how high-tech rehabilitation for the legs affects muscle tissue. About 30 people aged 8 and older who are starting lower-limb rehab with devices like the GRAIL or Lokomat will be followed. The researchers will use MRI scans before and after roughly 2–3 weeks of rehab to measure muscle size (volume), fat inside the muscles, and a movement test called GMFM. A secondary MRI measurement will look at the quality of muscle fibers. The goal is to identify MRI markers that reflect changes from the rehabilitation.

Eligibility is for people 8+ who are undergoing this type of rehab and can lie still for an MRI (about 30 minutes) and follow instructions. Exclusions include any MRI safety issues or metal near the thighs. The study is being conducted at IRCCS Eugenio Medea in Bosisio Parini, Italy, and is currently enrolling by invitation with about 30 participants planned. Results are not yet available, and this is not a drug or device trial; participation would involve MRI sessions and movement tests around the rehab period to help understand who benefits most from high-tech rehabilitation.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • patients undergoing high-tech rehabilitation treatment of the lower limb
• • able to remain in a supine position for 30 minutes without moving
• • able to follow instructions and communicate effectively with operators (e.g communicating fear and/or pain)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • any contraindication to MRI examination
• • presence of metal nails/protheses or objects near the thighs which will disrupt and/or induce distortion on the MR images