Despite the numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies available, many people with Parkinson’s are constantly seeking new solutions to improve their quality of life. One of the emerging therapies in this field is the treatment for Parkinson’s known as Gondola AMPS. In this article, we will explore in detail the therapy, analyzing its benefits, mechanism of action, the devices used for its delivery, and how this therapy can effectively improve the lives of patients.
What is Gondola AMPS therapy?
AMPS (Automated Mechanical Peripheral Stimulation) therapy, also known as Gondola AMPS, is an innovative technology that has proven effective in treating gait and balance symptoms caused by neurological conditions like Parkinson’s. This therapy is based on the mechanical stimulation of two specific points on both feet. But what exactly do we mean by mechanical stimulation?
Mechanical stimulation involves applying a certain pressure on specific points of the feet. To do this, AMPS therapy uses a special device that performs precise and controlled movements on the feet. A clinical study has shown that this stimulation activates areas of the brain involved in movement.
AMPS therapy is non-invasive, meaning it does not require surgery or the use of drugs, making it a safe and easily accessible option for many patients. Additionally, it is complementary to other therapies and should therefore be used in addition to existing treatments prescribed by doctors without discontinuing them.
What are its benefits?
The benefits of Gondola AMPS therapy are numerous and well-documented. Firstly, patients often report a significant improvement in their ability to walk. This translates into safer and more stable steps, reducing the risk of falls and increasing personal safety. Additionally, many patients experience a reduction in muscle stiffness, leading to greater fluidity in movements.
A particularly important aspect of Gondola AMPS therapy is its effect on “freezing of gait,” a common and debilitating symptom of Parkinson’s that causes the sudden inability to start or continue walking. Current therapies have little effect on this symptom, which is considered an “unmet need” as there is no specific treatment. Mechanical stimulation can help improve stride and stability, allowing patients to better manage these episodes. With increased safety and fluidity in walking, patients can more easily overcome the sudden block of movements, reducing the impact of freezing on their daily lives.
The benefits of Gondola AMPS therapy are immediately visible and usually last 2-3 days. Therefore, to maintain the improvements achieved, the therapy should be repeated 2-3 times a week. Studies have observed that generally there is an improvement during the first month of treatment, followed by maintenance of benefits. However, these benefits disappear if the treatment is stopped, underscoring the importance of continuous therapy.
The mechanism of action: how Gondola AMPS works on the brain
The mechanism of action of Gondola AMPS therapy is fascinating and based on well-established neuroscientific principles. The automated mechanical stimulation of the extremities, particularly the feet, sends sensory signals to the brain through the peripheral nervous system. These signals can modulate neuronal activity in the brain areas responsible for motor control.
Studies have shown that AMPS therapy can positively influence brain plasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself and form new neural connections. This neuroplasticity can compensate for the deficits caused by neuronal degeneration typical of Parkinson’s, thus improving motor function. In practice, mechanical stimulation of the feet activates neural circuits that can help better coordinate movements and reduce motor symptoms.
Devices for the automatic delivery of therapy
The delivery of Gondola AMPS therapy uses devices specifically designed to provide precise and controlled mechanical stimulation. These devices are at the heart of the therapy and represent the technological innovation that makes AMPS possible.
The Gondola devices are designed to be used in two distinct contexts: a version for clinical settings (Professional) and a version for home use (Home). They are equipped with sensors and actuators that apply mechanical stimulations to the feet in an automated and programmable way. The precision and repeatability of the stimulation are essential to ensure the therapy’s effectiveness. The devices can be customized based on the specific needs of each patient, allowing a tailored therapeutic approach.
Gondola Professional
Gondola Professional is an advanced tool designed for clinical use, intended to be used by healthcare professionals in specialized Gondola partner centers. This device is not intended for continuous therapy in the clinic but is used to test patients’ response to AMPS treatment.
Gondola Professional has the advantage of being adaptable to a wide variety of foot shapes and sizes, thus allowing the treatment of different patients. The therapist can use Gondola Professional to evaluate how AMPS therapy can improve gait and balance in patients and how long the effects of each session can be expected to last.
It is crucial to perform a very rigorous and precise configuration for each patient treated with Gondola Professional. For this reason, only healthcare professionals trained in one of the Specialized Gondola Centers are authorized to use the device and administer AMPS therapy.
Gondola Home
To ensure the continuity of therapy even outside the clinical setting, Gondola Home was developed. This device is designed for home use, allowing patients to continue Gondola AMPS therapy comfortably at home.
Gondola Home is easy to use and does not require advanced technical skills. It has a simple and intuitive interface that allows patients to perform stimulation sessions independently or with the assistance of a family member. The portability and ease of use of the Home Device facilitate adherence to therapy, increasing the likelihood of symptom improvement and quality of life.
How Gondola AMPS therapy improves patients’ lives
Gondola AMPS therapy has been shown to have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s. The benefits of the therapy are not limited to motor improvements but extend to various aspects of daily life.
Many patients report increased confidence in their motor abilities, translating into greater independence in daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or even performing household chores. The reduction in muscle stiffness and tremors allows patients to face daily challenges with greater serenity, improving their emotional and psychological well-being.
Moreover, Gondola Home is easy to use, allowing patients to perform the therapy autonomously and comfortably at home. In case of travel or vacations, the device can be easily transported thanks to the included carrying case. The simplicity and portability of Gondola Home ensure therapeutic consistency, which is essential for managing Parkinson’s. This continuity is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the therapy and maintaining results over time, improving the management of Parkinson’s symptoms and contributing to a higher quality of life.
Suitability visits
Before starting Gondola AMPS therapy, a suitability visit is necessary to evaluate if the therapy is appropriate for the patient. During this visit, a healthcare professional assesses the patient’s general condition, specific symptoms, and potential response to the therapy. The evaluation includes a detailed analysis of the patient’s gait, posture, and motor abilities. This visit is crucial for personalizing the treatment and ensuring that the patient can achieve the maximum benefits from Gondola AMPS therapy.
To book the visit, you can call 02 97070 465 to speak with one of our experts who will help determine if the therapy might be useful for the specific patient and if there are conditions for a first visit.
Therapy procedure
The therapy is carried out as follows: after an initial consultation with the therapist, a video is recorded of the patient walking before the stimulation. The therapy is then performed, followed by a rest period of a few minutes. Subsequently, the patient stands up and takes the first two steps, which must be long, and then stops. A post-stimulation video is then recorded to allow the patient to appreciate the results obtained.
Follow-up and decision on device purchase
A couple of days after the first visit, one of our experts contacts the patient to check how the therapy went and to evaluate together whether to schedule a second visit. If good results are obtained in both visits, the patient is eligible for the therapy and can decide to acquire the device for home use.
Gondola AMPS therapy represents a concrete hope for people with Parkinson’s who are looking for effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Through AMPS stimulation, this Parkinson’s treatment can positively influence the central nervous system, improving mobility and reducing motor symptoms.
The Gondola Professional and Gondola Home devices offer a personalized and accessible approach, allowing patients to benefit from continuous and targeted treatment. The improvements obtained not only in motor skills but also in overall quality of life testify to the effectiveness of this emerging therapy.
In conclusion, Gondola AMPS therapy is a promising solution for improving Parkinson’s management and represents a significant step forward in the fight against this debilitating disease. With further research and development, the hope is that more and more people can benefit from this innovative therapy, regaining a better quality of life and greater independence in their daily activities.
Bibliography
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- Pagnussat AS, Kleiner AFR, Rieder CRM, et al. Plantar stimulation in parkinsonians: From biomarkers to mobility – randomized-controlled trial. Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2018;36(2):195-205.
- Pinto C, Pagnussat AS, Rozin Kleiner AF, et al. Automated Mechanical Peripheral Stimulation Improves Gait Parameters in Subjects With Parkinson Disease and Freezing of Gait: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2018;97(6):383-389.
- Kleiner AFR, Souza Pagnussat A, Pinto C, Redivo Marchese R, Salazar AP, Galli M. Automated Mechanical Peripheral Stimulation Effects on Gait Variability in Individuals With Parkinson Disease and Freezing of Gait: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2018;99(12):2420-2429.
- Barbic F, Galli M, Dalla Vecchia L, et al. Effects of mechanical stimulation of the feet on gait and cardiovascular autonomic control in Parkinson’s disease. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2014;116(5):495-503.
- Quattrocchi CC, de Pandis MF, Piervincenzi C, et al. Acute Modulation of Brain Connectivity in Parkinson Disease after Automatic Mechanical Peripheral Stimulation: A Pilot Study. PLoS One. 2015;10(10):e0137977. Published 2015 Oct 15.
