Clinical Research Directory

Sensory Mechanisms of Manual Dexterity Recovery After Stroke: a Prospective Cohort Study of Prediction and Cerebral Correlates

In the proposed research, we will assess motor and sensory functions of the hand using clinical tests and a tool designed to measure manual dexterity combined with vibrotactile stimulation. We will also evaluate the integrity of brain structure and function using MRI.

The Impact of Virtual Reality Haptic Simulators and Mobile Apps in Endodontic Clinical Practice

Endodontics presents unique challenges due to the complexity and precision required in procedures such as access cavity preparation, canal instrumentation, and obturation. In this context, access cavity preparation is widely regarded as a critical step in endodontic treatment, as it facilitates the identification of the main root canal anatomy and enables effective chemomechanical debridement of the root canal system. However, the clinical application of this procedure can be particularly challenging for undergraduate students, as patients requiring endodontic care often present with varying degrees of anatomical complexity and clinical difficulty. These variations increase the of procedural complications. This is evident during the fourth year of dental education, when clinical endodontic training typically begins and students are required to perform their first treatments on patients. Initial attempts are often prone to failure due to limited theoretical knowledge, inadequate operative skills, and elevated stress levels. Therefore, ensuring comprehensive and well-structured preclinical training through the use of innovative educational strategies plays a critical role in both facilitating an effective transition to clinical practice and minimizing the risk of potential mishaps.The integration of virtual reality haptic simulators (VRHS) has shown considerable promise in enhancing the quality of endodontic preclinical education. VRHS provides students with an immersive, interactive environment that closely replicates real clinical scenarios, allowing for the development of tactile perception, fine motor control, and procedural accuracy in a risk-free setting. These simulators also encompass the potential drawbacks, such as a lack of standardized feedback and restricted opportunities for repetitive learning of traditional preclinical educational methods. In addition, through the advancements on the internet and mobile technology, mobile applications have become a game-changing tool for dental education. Mobile apps offer a flexible and self-paced learning environment that can be tailored to individual needs, thereby promoting greater engagement and a more interactive, immersive educational experience. As well as the VRHSs, mobile apps also simulate the clinical scenarios and procedures, providing students with the opportunity to develop and refine their skills within a structured and risk-free educational environment. Although the effectiveness of simulators has been investigated in endodontic preclinical settings using artificial teeth, their potential impact on real clinical performance and outcomes remains largely unexplored. Similarly, the role of mobile apps in endodontic education-particularly their effectiveness at the clinical level-has not been adequately studied.

Comparing Brain Cortical Activity in Real and Immersive Virtual Reality Manual Dexterity Tasks

With advances in technology, virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used in various fields, including rehabilitation, motor learning, and neuroscience. Its ability to provide controlled, immersive, and interactive environments makes it a valuable tool for training and assessment. However, despite its growing adoption, limited evidence exists on how cortical activation in VR compares to real-world conditions. Moreover, brain cortical activity during motor tasks, such as manual dexterity tasks, remains underexplored. This study aims to compare brain cortical activity in real and immersive virtual reality settings during a manual dexterity task. Secondary objectives include: * Examining the relationship between brain cortical activity and kinematics in both conditions. * Comparing brain cortical activity between hand-tracking and controller-based interactions.