Maria Cristina De Cola
Papers
11
Total Citations
1,109
H-Index
11
About
Maria Cristina De Cola is a leading researcher in neurorehabilitation, whose work has fundamentally shaped our understanding of technology-driven recovery strategies for neurological conditions. Based primarily in Sicily, Italy, her research focuses on robotic rehabilitation, cognitive recovery, and outcomes optimization following stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. De Cola's most celebrated contributions are her 2017 systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining robotic rehabilitation in stroke patients — one addressing upper limb recovery (399 citations) and another focusing on gait rehabilitation (241 citations) — which together have become essential references for clinicians and researchers worldwide. Her work extends beyond motor recovery, investigating how computerized cognitive training (110 citations) and virtual reality-enhanced robotic therapy can simultaneously address cognitive and psychological impairments after brain injury. Her research on post-stroke depression and self-efficacy further highlights her holistic approach to rehabilitation outcomes. With over 1,100 citations across her most impactful papers, De Cola has demonstrated that robotic and computer-assisted interventions represent transformative advances across multiple neurological populations. Her 2020 work proposing a hub-and-spoke healthcare model for Sicily also reflects a commitment to making innovative rehabilitation technologies equitably accessible, bridging cutting-edge research with real-world healthcare delivery.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 8Robotic neurorehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke50 citations · 2015
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