Francesco Asci

Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo, Sapienza University of Rome

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Francesco Asci is a leading researcher in the biomechanical and neurophysiological characterization of motor signs in Parkinson’s disease (PD). His work focuses on objectively measuring rigidity—a cardinal yet poorly quantified symptom—using innovative instrumental approaches. Asci’s major contributions include demonstrating the velocity-dependent nature of rigidity in PD and uncovering its neural underpinnings through combined biomechanical and neurophysiological assessments. His most-cited paper, “Rigidity in Parkinson’s disease: evidence from biomechanical and neurophysiological measures” (2023, 31 citations), provides foundational evidence for novel methodological approaches to this clinical phenomenon. He has also advanced understanding of levodopa’s objective effects on rigidity (2025, 5 citations) and systematically investigated the poorly understood phenomenon of cogwheel rigidity (2025, 3 citations), clarifying its clinical, biomechanical, and neurophysiological features. Asci’s work bridges a critical gap between subjective clinical rating and objective measurement, offering tools for more precise diagnosis and treatment monitoring in PD. His research is essential for students and clinicians seeking to understand the pathophysiology of parkinsonian rigidity and develop quantitative biomarkers for movement disorders.