Structured Physical Activity Protocols Combined with Innovative Technologies to Support Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Special Issue Editors
Interests: structured physical activity; cognitive-motor training; executive functions; motor development; technology-assisted exercise; neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders
Interests: sport training; physical activity and health; technology applied in sport; physical activity for children and elderly
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The lines of research addressed in this Special Issue focus on the application of structured physical activity protocols, either alone or in combination with innovative technologies, as strategies to mitigate the effects of aging in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and dementias. Moreover, this approach extends to the field of neurodevelopmental disorders, as classified in the DSM-5, including intellectual disabilities, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specific learning disorders (SLD), and motor disorders (e.g., developmental coordination disorder, stereotypic movement disorder, and tic disorders such as Tourette’s syndrome).
Physical exercise represents an effective non-pharmacological approach that can be integrated alongside pharmacological interventions, emphasizing complementary and interdisciplinary models of care. The combination of structured physical activity protocols with innovative technologies—such as wearable devices, whole-body electromyostimulation, adaptive e-learning platforms, and eye-tracking systems—offers promising strategies to mitigate the effects of aging in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementias), as well as to support individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders as defined in the DSM-5 (e.g., intellectual disability, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, specific learning disorders, and motor disorders).
By enhancing dialogue and collaboration across medicine, psychology, neuroscience, sociology, education, and public health, this Special Issue aims to provide an integrated and person-centered platform, highlighting innovative and interdisciplinary solutions for both clinical and rehabilitative contexts.
Dr. Giulia Di Martino
Dr. Alessandra Di Cagno
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- structured physical activity
- exercise intervention
- neurorehabilitation
- physical activity and cognition
- executive functions
- innovative technologies
- wearable devices
- adaptive e-learning
- neurodevelopmental disorders
- neurodegenerative diseases
- interdisciplinary approaches
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