Motility Disorder

Digestive physiopathology is a branch of gastroenterology aiming to study patients with upper GI symptoms, mainly gastro-esophageal, potentially indicating the presence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)/Barrett Esophagus (BE) or obstructive esophageal motility disorders (achalasia being the most relevant), but including also other primary motility disorders such as Esophgago-Gastric Junction Outflow Obstruction (EGJOO), Hypercontractile Esophagus (HE), Distal Esophageal Spasm (DES) and other minor disorders. Physiopathological testing encompasses High-Resolution Manometry (HRM), 24-H esophageal pH-impedance testing, Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (FLIP) assessment. All these tests are designed to provide a clear phenotyping of esophago-gastric disorders related to reflux or obstructive esophageal symptoms, either in naïve patients, as well as after foregut surgery (particularly anti-reflux surgery, achalasia/primary motility disorders treatment).

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the usefulness of a wearable robotic exoskeleton device (Ekso-GT), to improve learning and memory, and gait therapy in persons with walking disability due to Multiple Sclerosis. The study will evaluate the mobility, learning and memory, and walking abilities of individuals with multiple sclerosis who went through the traditional as compared to others who used the robotic exoskeleton as part of their therapy.