510663 - NEUROCOGNITIVE REHABILITATION

courses

ID:

510663

Duration (hours):

36

CFU:

SSD:

PSICOBIOLOGIA E PSICOLOGIA FISIOLOGICA

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (22/09/2025 - 09/01/2026)

Course Objectives

Training Objectives. The course has the primary objective of providing students with theoretical-applicative knowledge on the main neurocognitive rehabilitation methodologies based on neuroimaging evidence and the use of advanced technologies, always inspired by the main theoretical models on the functioning of the brain in the control of cognitive functions. Specifically, the operating principles of each technique, the theoretical models and underlying neural correlates, the experimental designs, and data analysis procedures on which the evidence of their effectiveness and their clinical implementation is based will be explored. Special emphasis will be placed on patients with brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. The course has the secondary objective of providing transversal skills such as learning English scientific terminology, the ability to read scientific literature in detail, including systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses, the ability to construct an appropriate scientific discourse, as well as the ethical and deontological principles underlying neuropsychology and clinical studies in general. Expected learning outcomes. At the end of the course, students: a) will have acquired autonomy in the design of rehabilitation interventions involving the main techniques covered in the course; b) will be able to design a research study based on the fundamentals of scientific methodology from the most advanced and recent literature.

Course Prerequisites

Knowledge of the main theoretical models and methods of Cognitive Rehabilitation in clinical neuropsychology is required. This basic knowledge is preparatory to learning more advanced neurocognitive rehabilitation techniques, the subject of this course.

Teaching Methods

In accordance with the most recent University Guidelines on the Method of Teaching Delivery, the course is conducted through lectures that can be attended in person at scheduled dates and times and includes the possibility of consulting slides or other teaching materials from the KIRO university platform. For each CFU (25 hours) there are: - 4 hours of didactics in delivery mode-DE. During lectures, in particular, the critical elaboration of neuroscientific articles and the discussion of clinical cases of neuropsychological practice will be developed, through the presentation of content by means of slides, scientific papers, and videos. - 2 hours of interactive teaching-DI. Particular emphasis will be placed on cooperative learning activities, also remotely. Blended teaching activities will be developed with the students through tools on the KIRO moodle platform, such as the creation (both individual and in group) of a glossary with the main concepts of neuropsychological rehabilitation and neuroscience to be updated weekly. Finally, there will be the possibility of a brief talk by an external speaker on one of the topics of interest. - 19 hours of self-study on texts from the course bibliography, provided slides, assigned scientific articles and provided clinical cases. In order to facilitate inclusive teaching, the lecturer provides up to 2 hours per week of reception, by appointment.

Assessment Methods

Written examination with multiple-choice questions, followed by optional oral examination. In the written examination, only one of those given for each question is the correct answer, for which 1 point is awarded. Wrong answers are awarded 0 points. The mark is the sum of the points obtained for each question. In the oral examination, comprehensiveness, relevance and clarity of exposition are assessed, as well as the ability to adequately express critical reasoning. It is not advisable to withhold marks more than once. While it is possible to waive a positive assessment awarded, it is not recommended to refuse a mark more than once. In the case of refusal of a positive assessment and a subsequent assessment, the last assessment achieved must be taken into account.

Texts

Lecture slides, handouts, and further scientific articles will be uploaded on the KIRO moodle platform and/or distributed in class during the course. Literature - Bonanno, M., De Luca, R., De Nunzio, A. M., Quartarone, A., & Calabrò, R. S. (2022). Innovative Technologies in the Neurorehabilitation of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review. Brain Sciences, 12(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12121678 - Crosson, B., Hampstead, B. M., Krishnamurthy, L. C., Krishnamurthy, V., McGregor, K. M., Nocera, J. R., Roberts, S., Rodriguez, A. D., & Tran, S. M. (2017). Advances in Neurocognitive Rehabilitation Research from 1992 to 2017: The Ascension of Neural Plasticity. Neuropsychology, 31(8), 900. https://doi.org/10.1037/NEU0000396 - Fichman, H. C., Uehara, E., & Dos Santos, C. F. (2014). New technologies in assessment and neuropsychological rehabilitation. Trends in Psychology, 22(3), 539–553. https://doi.org/10.9788/TP2014.3-01 - Liu, Y., Tan, W., Chen, C., Liu, C., Yang, J., & Zhang, Y. (2019). A Review of the Application of Virtual Reality Technology in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cognitive Impairment. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 11(10), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00280 - Manivannan, S., Al-Amri, M., Postans, M., Westacott, L. J., Gray, W., & Zaben, M. (2019). The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Interventions for Improvement of Neurocognitive Performance after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 34(2), E52–E65. https://doi.org/10.1097/HTR.0000000000000412 - Pournajaf, S., Morone, G., Goffredo, M., Bonaiuti, D., & Franceschini, M. (2021). Realtà virtuale applicata alla riabilitazione: evidenze cliniche e prospettive future. Giornale Italiano Di Medicina Ribilitativa, 36(3), 30–42. - Riva G., Gaggioli A., Keshner E.A., Weiss P.L. (2009) Advanced Technologies in Rehabilitation. Empowering Cognitive, Physical, Social and Communicative Skills through Virtual Reality, Robots, Wearable Systems and Brain-Computer Interfaces. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics. Volume 145. ISBN online 978-1-60750-438-2. - Sokolov, A. A., Collignon, A., & Bieler-Aeschlimann, M. (2020). Serious video games and virtual reality for prevention and neurorehabilitation of cognitive decline because of aging and neurodegeneration. Current Opinion in Neurology, 33(2), 239–248. https://doi.org/10.1097/WCO.0000000000000791 - For the review of preparatory concepts: Vallar G., Papagno C. (2018) Manuale di neuropsicologia: clinica ed elementi di riabilitazione. 3a ed. Bologna: Il Mulino. ISBN: 9788815278708. - For reviewing fundamental concepts: 1. Berti A., Bottini G., Neppi-Mòdona M. (2014). 3° ed. Roma: Carocci Editore – Studi Superiori. ISBN: 9788843041552. 2. Ward J. The Student's Guide to Cognitive Neuroscience (2025). 5th Ed. Routledge; ISBN: 9781032548326. - For part of the programme: Bolognini N., Vallar G. (2015) Stimolare il cervello. Manuale di stimolazione cerebrale non invasiva. Bologna: Il Mulino. ISBN: 9788815259035.

The course programme includes the following contents: - Introduction and in-depth study of the topics of brain damage and plasticity in neuropsychology and neurocognitive rehabilitation, in light of the main neurocognitive pathologies - Virtual reality (immersive and non-immersive) and augmented reality - Robotics and brain-computer interfaces (BCI) - Biofeedback and neurofeedback - Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) - Serious games and Exergames - Vestibular Caloric Stimulation (CVS) and Vestibular Galvanic Stimulation (GVS) - Principles of neuromodulation and non-invasive neurostimulation - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) - Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) - Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and neuroimaging as verification of treatment success - Telemedicine, telerehabilitation and digital rehabilitation in the post- COVID era with increased availability of digital tools. The contents of the course will be addressed with consideration of ethical-deontological principles, which, depending on the specific topic, will be described in detail by the lecturer, both from a theoretical point of view and with direct connection to practical activity (e.g. through the discussion of case examples).

Course Language

Italian

More information

Within the framework of the University's Innovative Didactics activities and in order to promote inclusion, the lecturer guarantees up to 2 hours of reception per week, to be agreed with the lecturer, which may take place either in person or remotely, based on the needs of both attending and non-attending students.