Despite the many drug and non-drug therapies available, many people with Parkinson's disease are constantly seeking new ways to improve their quality of life.
One of the emerging therapies in this field is the Parkinson's treatment known as Gondola AMPS. In this article, we will explore the therapy in detail, analyzing its benefits, mechanism of action, devices that deliver it, and how this therapy can actually improve patients' lives.
What is AMPS Gondola therapy?
Automated Mechanical Peripheral Stimulation (AMPS) therapy, also known as Gondola AMPS, is an innovative technology that has proven effective in treating gait and balance symptoms caused by neurological disorders such as Parkinson's. This therapy is based on mechanical stimulation of two specific points on both feet. But what exactly do we mean by mechanical stimulation?
Mechanical stimulation involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet. To do this, a special device that makes precise, controlled movements on the feet is used in AMPS therapy. A clinical study showed that this stimulation activates areas of the brain involved in movement.
AMPS therapy is noninvasive, meaning it does not require surgery or the use of drugs, making it a safe and easily accessible option for many patients. In addition, it is complementary to other therapies, so it should be used in addition to existing treatments prescribed by physicians without interrupting them.
What are its benefits?
The benefits of Gondola AMPS therapy are numerous and well documented. First, patients often report significant improvement in their ability to walk. This results in safer and more stable steps, reducing the risk of falls and increasing personal safety. In addition, many patients experience a reduction in muscle stiffness, leading to greater fluidity of movement.
A particularly important aspect of Gondola AMPS therapy is its effect on “freezing walking,” a common and debilitating Parkinson's symptom that causes the sudden inability to start or continue walking. Current therapies have little effect on this symptom, which is considered an “unmet need” because there is no specific treatment. Mechanical stimulation can help improve gait and stability, allowing patients to better manage these episodes. With increased confidence and fluidity in walking, patients are able to overcome sudden freezing of movement more easily, 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 improvement is generally seen during the course of the first month of treatment, followed by maintenance of benefits. However, these benefits disappear if treatment is discontinued, underscoring the importance of continuous therapy.
The mechanism of action: how the AMPS Gondola acts on the brain
The mechanism of action of Gondola AMPS therapy is fascinating and based on well-established neuroscientific principles. Automatic 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 areas of the brain responsible for motor control.
Studies have shown that AMPS therapy can positively influence brain plasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neuronal connections. This neuroplasticity can compensate for deficits caused by neuronal degeneration typical of Parkinson's, thereby 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 automatic therapy delivery
Devices specifically designed to provide precise and controlled mechanical stimulation are used to deliver Gondola AMPS therapy. These devices are the heart of the therapy and represent the technological innovation that makes AMPS possible.
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 stimulation to the feet in an automated and programmable manner. The precision and repeatability of stimulation are essential to ensure the effectiveness of therapy. The devices can be customized to each patient's specific needs, allowing for a tailored therapeutic approach.
Gondola Professional
Gondola Professional is an advanced instrument intended for clinical use, designed for use by health professionals in Gondola's specialized 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, allowing treatment of different patients. Therapists can use Gondola Professional to assess the extent to which AMPS therapy can improve walking and balance in patients and how long they can expect to maintain the effects of each session.
It is essential to perform a very strict and precise setup for each patient treated with Gondola Professional. For this reason, only healthcare professionals trained at one of the Gondola Specialized Centers are authorized to use the device and administer AMPS therapy.
Gondola Home
To ensure continuity of therapy outside the clinical setting, Gondola Home was developed. This device is designed for home use, allowing patients to continue Gondola AMPS therapy from the comfort of their own homes.
Gondola Home is easy to use and does not require advanced technical skills. It features 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 chances of improvement in symptoms 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 Parkinson's patients. The benefits of the therapy are not only limited to motor improvements, but also extend to various aspects of daily life.
Many patients report increased confidence in their motor skills, resulting in greater independence in daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or even performing household tasks. The reduction in muscle stiffness and tremors allows patients to face daily challenges with greater serenity, improving their emotional and psychological well-being.
In addition, Gondola Home is easy to use, allowing patients to perform therapy independently and in the comfort of their own homes. When traveling or on vacation, it is possible to take the device with you, thanks to its easy portability in the included carrying case. Gondola Home's ease of use and portability ensure therapeutic constancy that is essential for the management of Parkinson's disease. This continuity is essential to maximize the benefits of therapy and to maintain results over time, improving the management of Parkinson's symptoms and contributing to a higher quality of life.
Fitness visits
Before starting Gondola AMPS therapy, a fitness examination is required to assess whether the therapy may be suitable for the patient. During this visit, a health professional assesses the patient's general condition, specific symptoms, and potential response to therapy. The assessment includes a detailed analysis of the patient's gait, posture, and motor skills. This visit is critical to personalize treatment and ensure that the patient can get maximum benefit 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 whether the therapy might be useful in the patient's specific case and thus whether there are grounds to make an initial visit.
Mode of conducting therapy
Therapy is carried out as follows: after an initial discussion with the therapist, a video is taken in which the patient walks before stimulation. After that, therapy is performed, followed by a rest period of a couple of minutes. Next, the patient stands up and takes the first two steps, which must be long, and stops. A post-stimulation video is then taken 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 find out how the therapy went and to evaluate together whether to schedule a second visit. If good results were obtained at both visits, the patient is eligible for therapy and can decide to get the device to continue it in the comfort of home.
Gondola AMPS therapy represents real hope for people with Parkinson's disease who seek effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Through AMPS stimulation, this Parkinson's treatment can positively affect the central nervous system, improving mobility and reducing motor symptoms.
Gondola Professional and Gondola Home devices offer a personalized and affordable approach, allowing patients to benefit from continuous and targeted treatment. The improvements achieved 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 to improve the management of Parkinson's disease 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 will benefit from this innovative therapy, regaining a better quality of life and greater independence in their daily activities.
Bibliography
- Galli M, Vicidomini C, Rozin Kleiner AF, et al. Peripheral neurostimulation breaks the shuffling steps patterns in Parkinsonian gait: a double blind randomized longitudinal study with automated mechanical peripheral stimulation. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2018;54(6):860-865.
- 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.
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