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About

Maria Petracca is a leading researcher in movement disorders, with a particular focus on the clinical characterization and biomechanics of ataxic gait. Her work bridges neurology and motor control, aiming to refine diagnostic criteria and therapeutic targets for patients with cerebellar ataxia. Her most influential contribution is the "Consensus Paper: Ataxic Gait" (2022), a landmark collaborative effort that synthesizes expert opinion on the defining features, assessment tools, and underlying pathophysiology of gait impairment in ataxia. This paper, with 45 citations, has become a foundational reference for clinicians and researchers working to standardize gait evaluation in clinical trials and rehabilitation. Dr. Petracca’s research has advanced the understanding of how cerebellar dysfunction disrupts coordinated locomotion, providing a framework for developing more sensitive outcome measures. Her work is widely recognized for its rigor and translational impact, shaping how ataxic gait is studied and treated. Through her consensus-building and detailed clinical insights, she continues to influence the field of movement disorders.