Rehabilomics Study in Stroke Patients After Robotic Rehabilitation

In the researchers' words

Stroke is associated with disability and impaired quality of life. Persistent motor impairment is common with incomplete recovery of motor function after rehabilitation, mainly in the upper limbs (UL). Robot-mediated therapy (RMT) has been proposed as a viable approach for the rehabilitation of the UL, but more rigorous studies are needed to tailor rehabilitation and to better address the treatment. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) have been shown to play an important role in post-stroke recovery. After ischemic stroke, disruption and subsequent reorganization of functional brain connections occur both locally and far from the lesion, with the latter possibly contributing to function recovery. This project aims to assess whether epigenetic and genetic variations of BDNF and SLC6A4 can occur in stroke patients after robotic rehabilitation treatment. This study will allow to identify potential genetic and epigenetic biomarkers in post-stroke rehabilitation that could be used to predict the response to a specific rehabilitation treatment and to choose the optimal treatment for the patient (Rehabilomics).