Ongoing research

Current Projects

Our active studies combine advanced neuroimaging, motor cognition and clinical translation. We welcome collaborations that extend these questions across methods, populations and disciplines.

01 / Current project

Compensatory Network Reconfiguration for Grasping After Stroke

Ongoing

Scientific representation of post-stroke reconfiguration in brain networks supporting grasping

This project investigates how grasping and action representations reorganise after stroke in acute and chronic patients. By comparing action observation, execution and motor imagery, we aim to identify compensatory network configurations that support preserved function and recovery.

Collaboration: University of Parma and KOS Group — Centro Cardinal Ferrari
Methods: fMRI · action observation · execution · motor imagery

02 / Current project

Cortical, Subcortical and Cerebellar Activity in Essential Tremor After MR-guided Focused Ultrasound

Ongoing

Scientific representation of the cortico-thalamo-cerebellar circuit and a focused-ultrasound thalamic target

This study examines fMRI activity during the observation and imagery of goal-directed actions in patients with Essential Tremor treated with MR-guided Focused Ultrasound. It focuses on the mirror-neuron and cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuitry—particularly thalamic nuclei—to clarify how cortical, subcortical and cerebellar structures contribute to action representation and the control of unwanted movement.

Collaboration: University of Parma and Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta
Methods: fMRI · action observation · motor imagery · MRgFUS
Funding: MNESYS — A multiscale integrated approach to the study of the nervous system in health and disease

Funding & partners

03 / Current project

Decoding the Kinematics of Others’ Actions for Learning New Motor Skills

Neuroimaging studies and early Health Technology Assessment

Ongoing

Scientific comparison of full-vision and point-light grasping actions linked to motor-learning brain networks

The project compares action-observation and imitation training based on full-vision hand actions with point-light displays that isolate kinematic information. Using behavioural measures, movement analysis and 3T and 7T MRI, it studies short- and long-term motor learning in healthy individuals and upper-limb function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. An early Health Technology Assessment examines stakeholder needs, feasibility, acceptability and pathways towards clinical translation.

Collaboration: University of Parma, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies and University of Pisa
Methods: 3T & 7T MRI · kinematics · action observation training · early HTA
Funding: PRIN — Italian Ministry of University and Research

Funding & partners