Event Abstract Back to Event Using shock waves to reduce the neuromuscular stiffness on hemiplegic patients performing motor imagery, virtual reality supported. Andrea Meneghini1*, M. Pigatto1, 2, I. Pozzato2, G. Greggio2, A. Gaggioli3, 4 and G. Riva3, 4 1 Rehabilitation Unit, Padua Teaching Hospital, Italy 2 University of Padua, Italy 3 AT NP-Lab, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Italy 4 Catholic University of Milan, Italy Rehabilitation of patients affected by stroke has two fundamental obstacles capable of determining a loss of efficacy. The first one is connected to the cognitive process, because of the evident patient incapacity of concentration that hinders the ideation and execution of voluntary movement. The second obstacle refers to the stiffness that specifically limits the upper limb, any hand movement up to complete hand closure. Our study (in progress) considers a restricted group of patients to whom we have taught to perform motor imagery, thanks to a preparatory training in concentration mediated by amplified reality, and that has found in neuromuscular stiffness an insuperable obstacle to movement execution. This obstacle might be overcome through the application of innovative technology that uses high energy shock waves. This energy seems, in fact, to reduce stiffness in a quick and durable way with effects that can be compared to those of botulinum toxin. This methodological combination could intervene effectively in stroke rehabilitation in an absolutely natural way, without pharmaceutical supports and reducing therapy costs. During the meeting we will present the results of our six month experience. Conference: Annual CyberTherapy and CyberPsychology 2009 conference, Villa Caramora, Italy, 21 Jun - 23 Jun, 2009. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Abstracts Citation: Meneghini A, Pigatto M, Pozzato I, Greggio G, Gaggioli A and Riva G (2009). Using shock waves to reduce the neuromuscular stiffness on hemiplegic patients performing motor imagery, virtual reality supported.. Front. Neuroeng. Conference Abstract: Annual CyberTherapy and CyberPsychology 2009 conference. doi: 10.3389/conf.neuro.14.2009.06.064 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 20 Mar 2009; Published Online: 20 Mar 2009. * Correspondence: Andrea Meneghini, Rehabilitation Unit, Padua Teaching Hospital, Padua, Italy, dott.andreameneghini@gmail.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Andrea Meneghini M. Pigatto I. Pozzato G. Greggio A. Gaggioli G. Riva Google Andrea Meneghini M. Pigatto I. Pozzato G. Greggio A. Gaggioli G. Riva Google Scholar Andrea Meneghini M. Pigatto I. Pozzato G. Greggio A. Gaggioli G. Riva PubMed Andrea Meneghini M. Pigatto I. Pozzato G. Greggio A. Gaggioli G. Riva Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.