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Artificial Intelligence in Health Robotics and Vivaldi AI for ALS assessment

and efficacy of using robotic devices for administering the Funding
ALSFRS-R questionnaire and tracking disease progression
over time. In addition, it can be assumed that high levels This research received no specific grant from any funding
(not clinically significant) of anxiety were initially due agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
to the novelty and curiosity of the first experience that Conflict of interest
triggered a momentary state of activation and tension but
decreased subsequently because they became familiar with The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
the experience. Specifically, before the robot-administered
questionnaire, 60.71% of ALS patients exhibited no Author contributions
clinical state anxiety, while 39.29% reported mildly Conceptualization: J.L. Casiraghi, A. Lizio, F. Cerri
elevated anxiety levels. In post-robotic administration, Investigation: S. Bolognini, A. Lizio, J.L. Casiraghi, D.
17.86% experienced a reduction in anxiety levels below Tessaro, M. Xia, G. Sommavilla, M. Cestari, E. Carraro,
the clinical threshold. Furthermore, in the longitudinal F. Gerardi, V.A. Sansone, F. Cerri
study involving 16 patients who underwent psychological Methodology: J.L. Casiraghi, A. Lizio
evaluations at both baseline and follow-up, no significant Formal analysis: S. Bolognini, A. Lizio, F. Cerri, R. Pugliese
differences in state anxiety were observed before and after Writing–original draft: J. Casiraghi, F. Cerri, S. Bolognini,
robotic administration at either time point. However, there A. Lizio, V.A. Sansone, R. Pugliese
was a more pronounced trend of anxiety reduction during Writing–review & editing: R. Pugliese, S. Regondi, F. Cerri
the initial evaluation (effect size = 0.42) compared to the
final assessment (effect size = 0.36). Ethics approval and consent to participate
However, further research is needed to validate these Before participation, all patients provided informed
findings and explore the long-term impact of robotic consent, which was approved by the Local Ethics
technology on patient outcomes in ALS management; using Committee (Protocol Number: 404-092019).
a larger sample size would provide greater statistical power
and enhance the generalizability of the findings. Despite Consent for publication
this, ongoing advancements in robotics and AI technology All patients provided written informed consent, which
present exciting opportunities for further innovation in was approved by the Local Ethics Committee (Protocol
ALS care. Research efforts should focus on refining robotic Number: 404-092019).
systems to address specific needs and challenges faced
by ALS patients, such as respiratory support, mobility Availability of data
assistance, and communication aids. Collaborative Data are available from the corresponding author on
efforts between clinicians, engineers, and patients are reasonable request.
essential to develop tailored solutions that maximize
the benefits of robotic technology while addressing the References
unique requirements of individuals living with ALS. In 1. Hardiman O, Al-Chalabi A, Chio A, et al. Amyotrophic
addition, longitudinal studies tracking the real-world lateral sclerosis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017;3:17071.
implementation of robotic AI-enabled systems in ALS
and neuromuscular diseases in general will be crucial to doi: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.71
evaluate their long-term efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and 2. Kiernan MC, Vucic S, Cheah BC, et al. Amyotrophic lateral
impact on patient outcomes. sclerosis. Lancet. 2011;377(9769):942-955.

Finally, the assistive and collaborative robots have the doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61156-7
potential to take on a larger role in various tasks in the 3. Brown RH, Al-Chalabi A. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
future. We believe that our research can contribute to N Engl J Med. 2017;377(2):162-172.
this by exploring how humans and robots can effectively doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1603471
collaborate in a clinical setting. The goal is not necessarily
a complete replacement, but rather a complementary 4. Chio A, Calvo A, Moglia C, Mazzini L, Mora G, PARALS
approach where robots handle repetitive or hazardous Study Group. Phenotypic heterogeneity of amyotrophic
tasks, freeing humans for more strategic endeavors. lateral sclerosis: A population based study. J Neurol
Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2011;82(7):740-746.
Acknowledgments doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2010.235952
None. 5. Franchignoni F, Mora G, Giordano A, Volanti P, Chio A.

Volume 1 Issue 4 (2024) 82 doi: 10.36922/aih.3732