WittyChildren - Advanced Technology for Response Time Evaluation in Children Affected by Developmental Disorders

WittyChildren: a Quantitative Evaluation of Motor-cognitive Coordination

The WittyChildren project aims to evaluate the response to visual stimuli in terms of reaction times and movement execution using advanced instruments. The evaluation is aimed at children with motor and cognitive deficits associated with various pathologies such as Down Syndrome, Infantile Cerebral Palsy, Autism. The evaluation protocol involves the execution of specific memory tasks: the child is asked to turn off light targets equipped with proximity sensors by approaching their hand. These visual signals, consisting of colored lights and symbols, are emitted according to pre-established patterns by a dedicated LED system (WittySEM - Microgate) capable of precisely measuring reaction times. During the execution of the task, quantitative and multifactorial analysis of movement and posture is also performed using an optoelectronic system (Smart DX - BTS Bioengineering) in order to obtain a complete analysis obtained from the combination of information regarding the child's motor and cognitive abilities. The analysis is repeated pre- and post-specific rehabilitation treatment, such as ARMEO, CIMT and occupational therapy, with the aim of evaluating the effects with objective and quantitative measurements through cutting-edge instruments, thus overcoming the intrinsic limits of commonly used scales and clinical tests. The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano - Lecco Territorial Campus and the IRCCS Eugenio Medea - Associazione la nostra famiglia. The first will provide the study with the necessary equipment at the "Human Performance Laboratory - E4Sport" of the Lecco Territorial Campus and the biomechanical engineering skills. The second, thanks to its consolidated experience in the treatment, rehabilitation and research of childhood pathologies, will provide the necessary support from a medical/rehabilitative point of view.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pediatric age (< 18 years);
• Diagnosis of hemiplegia or hemiplegic CP;
• Ability to understand and follow given motor instructions;
• Ability to move such that the use of crutches or wheelchairs is not required.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe cognitive impairment.
• Severe visual impairment
• Uncontrolled epilepsy