Cognitive Training and Executive Functions
The mind at the centre of rehabilitation
Rehabilitation
Introduction
Making rapid decisions, adapting to unpredictable situations, maintaining control under pressure: these are the abilities that determine movement effectiveness. Executive Functions (EF) are at the basis of these processes. When they are compromised, following neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s or head
trauma, developmental disorders such as ADHD or with ageing, they can significantly limit autonomy and quality of life.
Today we know that, thanks to neuronal plasticity, the brain can be trained at any age through targeted stimuli.
The platform BrainHQ, developed with Prof. Michael Merzenich, offers personalised protocols to train attention, working memory, processing speed and cognitive flexibility. By integrating these stimuli with movement, the Witty SEM systems transform cognitive training into an active, engaging and measurable experience. Also Optogait enters this picture thanks to its biofeedback module. By monitoring the spatiotemporal parameters of walking and running it allows assessing how executive functions concretely influence movement quality.
Schematics and insights
Bibliography
[1] Merzenich, M.M., Van Vleet, T.M., Nahum, M. "Brain plasticity-based therapeutics." Front. Hum. Neurosci. 8 (2014). doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00385.
[2] Forte R, Trentin C, Tocci N, Lucia S, Aydin M, Di Russo F. Motor-cognitive exercise with variability of practice and feedback improves functional ability and cognition in older individuals. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2023;35(11):2797-2806. doi:10.1007/s40520-023-02568-8
[3] Lucia S, Forte R, Boccacci L, et al. A Nonpharmacologic Treatment for Anxiety in Older Adults Based on Cognitive-Motor Training With Response-Generated Feedback. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2024;79(2):gbad170. doi:10.1093/geronb/gbad170
Examples of configurations:
flexible and customizable
Training cognitive functions in rehabilitation means acting on neuronal plasticity to recover attention, working memory and decision speed. The goal is to progressively stimulate executive functions, integrating brain training, functional movement and dual task in clinical and neurorehabilitative contexts.
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Configuration 1
Training basic cognitive functions
Adaptive and scientifically validated exercises with BrainHQ, usable on tablet, PC or smartphone, allow stimulating attention, working memory, processing speed and cognitive flexibility in a controlled environment.
Configuration 2
Integrating cognition and movement
With Witty SEM, visual and cognitive stimuli are combined with structured motor responses. This approach is particularly useful in patients with Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis or head trauma outcomes, where
dual tasking represents a daily challenge. The system measures precision and response times, allowing objective progress monitoring.
Configuration 3
Training dual task under functional conditions
The patient performs a motor task, such as walking or light running, while receiving targeted cognitive stimuli. Optogait monitors gait spatiotemporal parameters in real time, highlighting the impact of cognitive load on movement quality. An effective approach to simulate real-life demands and improve autonomy and safety.
Products suited for this field of application
BrainHQ stimulates attention, memory and decision speed with validated adaptive protocols. Witty SEM integrates cognitive exercises with motor responses in dynamic contexts. Optogait monitors movement quality in dual task, providing objective data on the interaction between cognitive load and motor performance.
OUR COMPOSITE SYSTEMS
Rehab Lab
The Microgate portable laboratory offers a comprehensive solution to evaluate and support rehabilitation pathways and adapted motor activity. It integrates GYKO Pro for strength, balance and mobility, Optogait for the analysis of walking, running and functional movements, and WITTy SEM for agility exercises and cognitive stimuli. It enables real-time monitoring and immediate feedback, helping physical therapists and providers identify compensations, asymmetries, and weaknesses, guiding movement reprogramming and planning personalized and safe training programs.
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Real-time movement control
Turn every exercise into immediate and measurable feedback.
With ProMove and Microgate systems, you can monitor motor and biomechanical parameters in real time, analyzing data, asymmetries, and progress in a simple and intuitive way.
Configure personalized sessions for training, functional recovery, and neuromotor rehabilitation directly from your smartphone or tablet.
