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Dr. Stefano Tassin, neuro-rehabilitator and Head of Research at Gondola Medical Technologies, shared the latest advancements in the use of innovative devices designed to enhance the quality of life for patients affected by neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease. Gondola AMPS, a cutting-edge therapy, uses stimulation of specific points on the feet to reactivate key motor areas of the brain, offering new treatment possibilities for debilitating motor symptoms.
The Challenge of Freezing and the Role of Gondola AMPS
In treating Parkinson’s disease, one of the main pharmacological therapies is the administration of dopamine or dopaminergic drugs, which act on brain receptors to improve motor signal transmission and alleviate the symptoms of the disease.
Beyond medications, over the last 40-45 years, various devices have been developed in the U.S., including deep brain stimulation (DBS), a technique involving the implantation of electrodes in the brain to treat motor symptoms. This therapy has proven effective for some patients with advanced Parkinson’s, though it doesn’t always completely resolve all motor issues.
Despite the positive outcomes of pharmacological therapy and DBS, these approaches don’t always fully address motor challenges. This is where Gondola AMPS comes in as a complement to these therapies, offering an additional tool to tackle specific symptoms:
“Gondola was created primarily to address freezing episodes, which refer to the sudden inability to move the feet, as well as balance and walking difficulties,” says Dr. Stefano Tassin.
It’s important to note that Gondola does not replace traditional therapies but integrates with them, and patients should continue following their medical prescriptions regarding medication and DBS.
Innovation in Peripheral Stimulation
The concept behind Gondola AMPS is revolutionary: if the brain struggles to transmit motor information effectively, it is possible to reverse the communication flow by stimulating specific areas of the feet.
“At a certain stage of the disease… the brain tends to send fewer signals to the spinal cord, and even fewer from the spinal cord to our feet,” explains Dr. Tassin.
This technique allows for a “reboot” of the motor process, significantly improving walking quality and reducing freezing episodes.
The therapy is simple and quick:
“The therapy is extremely fast, just 96 seconds.”
Gondola AMPS has shown to reactivate three key brain areas: the sensorimotor cortex, the striatum, and the cerebellum. These areas, which play a crucial role in motor functions, are stimulated to improve movement quality in patients with Parkinson’s.
Expanding Treatment to Other Neurological Conditions
Beyond Parkinson’s, benefits have also been observed in other conditions, such as sensory-motor neuropathy caused by chemotherapy, and motor consequences following ischemic events, like stroke.
“We have seen significant improvements in stroke cases… when the patient is five, six, seven months, or even a year after the ischemic event,” says Dr. Tassin.
Assessing Suitability for Gondola AMPS Therapy
Before acquiring the Gondola Home device, it is essential to undergo an eligibility assessment, which helps determine the individual’s response to the therapy.
The response can vary from patient to patient, and the assessment allows for evaluating if the treatment can indeed provide benefits. During the assessment, the patient undergoes motor tests before and after the stimulation, to observe potential improvements in walking, balance, and step cadence.
“If there are significant improvements after two stimulations, it means that the patient is suitable to use this device,” explains Dr. Tassin.
This process is crucial to ensure that the therapy is tailored to the patient’s specific needs, enabling them to decide if they should acquire the device to continue the treatment comfortably at home, thanks to the simplicity and practicality of Gondola Home.
Consulting with your neurologist and visiting a Gondola center is the best way to find out if this therapy can enhance your quality of life. Gondola’s experts are ready to guide you on this path to greater independence and well-being, providing all necessary details, assessing your condition, and helping you understand if this innovative therapy could be right for you.