Technology-based cognitive-motor rehabilitation for frail older adults
Official title: An Integrated and Multi-perspective Approach to Cognitive-motor Technology Rehabilitation and Telemedicine in Frail Individuals
Run by Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · NCT07292428 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a combination of outpatient robotic therapy and asynchronous home telerehabilitation can help frail older adults with sensorimotor or cognitive problems do motor-and-thinking tasks better and reduce related risks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Rome, Italy and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 2, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07292428 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 65–90 years old with chronic sensorimotor and/or cognitive impairments who can follow simple instructions (Token Test ≥ 26.5), walk independently or with minimal assistance, and can give informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients unlikely to benefit include those with cardiac, neurological, systemic, oncological, major orthopedic or postural conditions that make walking risky, active foot amputations or ulcers, or those unable to provide informed consent or follow simple commands due to severe cognitive impairment.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The project compares a technology-enhanced rehabilitation program—using a robotic platform in outpatient sessions plus asynchronous telerehabilitation at home with visual, auditory, and tactile feedback—to conventional rehabilitation in older adults with chronic sensorimotor and/or cognitive deficits. Participants are aged 65–90, able to follow simple commands and to walk independently or with minimal assistance, and will receive personalized protocols adapted to their clinical status. Outcomes focus on dual-task (motor + cognitive) performance, functional mobility, and quality-of-life measures, with remote monitoring to support adherence in the home setting. The approach emphasizes scalability by using asynchronous telerehabilitation to extend access to patients who face travel or geographic barriers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve patients' ability to perform combined motor and cognitive tasks, lower fall risk, and expand access to tailored rehabilitation at home.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows dual-task training and telerehabilitation can improve attention and function in older adults, but combining outpatient robotics with asynchronous home telerehabilitation is relatively novel and evidence remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 65 and 90 years; * Presence of chronic sensorimotor and/or cognitive disabilities; * Cognitive abilities that allow the patient to carry out simple orders and understand the physiotherapist's instructions \[assessed using the Token Test (score ≥ 26.5)\]; * Ability to walk independently or with minimal assistance; * Ability to understand and sign the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of systemic, neurological, or cardiac conditions that make walking risky or cause motor deficits; * Oncological conditions, orthopedic or postural problems, presence of plantar ulcers; * Partial or total amputation of segments of the foot. * Inability to provide informed consent.
Where it's running
-
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS
Rome, Italy, Italy Recruiting -
Poliambulatorio Moderata Durant
Vibo Valentia, Vv, Italy Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Silvia Giovannini, PhD — Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
- Study coordinator: Silvia Giovannini, MD, PhD
- Email: silvia.giovannini@policlinicogemelli.it
- Phone: +390630154382
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Vibrating watch reminder to help hospitalized older adults stay active
This project will try a vibrating watch to remind frail inpatients aged 50 and older to walk or do strengthening exercises during their hospital stay.
-
Boosting resilience with an electronic frailty index guided care plan
This program sees if using an electronic frailty index to guide tailored supportive care and weekly symptom check-ins helps people 65 and older stay resilient while receiving chemotherapy.
-
Picture-based frailty screening for adults admitted to the ICU
This project tests a picture-based frailty questionnaire (Pictorial Fit-Frail Scale) to see if it identifies frailty and predicts outcomes in adults aged 60 and older admitted to the ICU.
-
Investigating dizziness and muscle weakness in older colorectal cancer patients during chemotherapy
This study is testing whether a special exercise program and health check-ups can help older colorectal cancer patients feel less dizzy and improve their balance during chemotherapy.
-
Research on biomarkers related to aging
This study is trying to see how certain biological markers related to aging can help us understand how to improve quality of life for adults as they get older.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.