University of Genoa | Italy
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Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Martina Putzolu began her academic journey at the University of Genoa, Italy, where she pursued studies in Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Neuroscience. Her strong foundation in these disciplines laid the groundwork for a research career dedicated to understanding the neurophysiology of movement and exploring innovative approaches to neurorehabilitation, particularly in Parkinson’s disease. Her academic rigor and multidisciplinary training prepared her to bridge the gap between theory, clinical application, and translational research.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Putzolu’s career trajectory reflects a steady progression through prestigious academic and clinical institutions. Starting with a scholarship at the University of Genoa’s Department of Neuroscience, she went on to complete her PhD in Neuroscience (2017–2021). She then gained fellowships at both the University of Genoa and the IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, where she honed her expertise in neurology and experimental medicine. Currently, she holds a fixed-term researcher position at the University of Genoa’s Department of Experimental Medicine, reflecting her growing prominence as an independent researcher.
Contributions and Research Focus
Her research has been pioneering in the field of gait analysis and neurorehabilitation, with a focus on Parkinson’s disease and freezing of gait. Employing innovative tools such as motor imagery, action observation, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and electroencephalography (EEG), she has contributed new insights into motor performance and learning mechanisms. Her studies have verified the neurophysiological basis of complex gait patterns, while also developing rehabilitation strategies that integrate advanced neuromodulation with clinical interventions.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Putzolu’s contributions are widely recognized in the scientific community. She has authored 30 peer-reviewed publications with an H-index of 8 and 296 citations (Scopus), underscoring her influence in the domains of neurorehabilitation and movement neuroscience. Her recognition includes multiple awards, such as the Best Poster Award (2019) and the Second Best Oral Communication Award (2024) at national neuroscience congresses, reflecting both the scientific quality and clinical significance of her work.
Academic Citations
Her work has been cited extensively by peers, particularly in the areas of neuromodulation techniques and Parkinson’s rehabilitation strategies. Key publications, such as her studies on the use of anodal tDCS for dual-task walking and EEG analysis of motor imagery in Parkinson’s patients, have established her as a researcher advancing the frontier of therapeutic neuroscience.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Putzolu’s legacy is shaping in her ability to integrate neuroscience with clinical rehabilitation, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Her collaborations with international experts, including those at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, have expanded the global reach of her work. Looking ahead, she is poised to make transformative contributions in translational neuroscience, advancing novel interventions that combine neuroimaging, neuromodulation, and rehabilitation science. Her career trajectory suggests a lasting influence on both academic research and clinical practice.
Conclusion
In summary, Dr. Martina Putzolu’s career reflects a balance of academic excellence, innovative research, and clinical application. Her commitment to understanding and improving motor performance in Parkinson’s disease patients through cutting-edge approaches highlights her as a researcher of exceptional promise and impact. With her proven record of scholarly contributions, international collaborations, and dedication to patient-centered research, she stands as a highly deserving candidate for recognition such as the Best Researcher Award.
Notable Publications
"Recent advances of transcranial electrical stimulation in healthy aging and Parkinson’s disease: Effects on dual tasking"
- Author: Martina Putzolu; Alessandro Botta; Carola Cosentino; Susanna Mezzarobba; Gaia Bonassi; Elisa Ravizzotti; Sara Terranova; Giovanna Lagravinese; Elisa Pelosin; Laura Avanzino
- Journal: Journal of Parkinson’s Disease
- Year: 2025
"Brain Networks Modulation during Simple and Complex Gait: A “Mobile Brain/Body Imaging” Study"
- Author: Gaia Bonassi; Mingqi Zhao; Jessica Samogin; Dante Mantini; Roberta Marchese; Luciano Contrino; Paola Tognetti; Martina Putzolu; Alessandro Botta; Elisa Pelosin et al.
- Journal: Sensors
- Year: 2024
"Sensorimotor Network Segregation Predicts Long-Term Learning of Writing Skills in Parkinson’s Disease"
- Author: Nicholas D’Cruz; Joni De Vleeschhauwer; Martina Putzolu; Evelien Nackaerts; Moran Gilat; Alice Nieuwboer
- Journal: Brain Sciences
- Year: 2024
"Classification and Quantification of Physical Therapy Interventions across Multiple Neurological Disorders: An Italian Multicenter Network"
- Author: Thomas Bowman; Fabiola Giovanna Mestanza Mattos; Silvia Salvalaggio; Francesca Marazzini; Cristina Allera Longo; Serena Bocini; Michele Gennuso; Francesco Giuseppe Materazzi; Elisa Pelosin; Martina Putzolu et al.
- Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Year: 2023
"How Music Moves Us: Music-induced Emotion Influences Motor Learning"
- Author: Gaia Bonassi; Giovanna Lagravinese; Marco Bove; Ambra Bisio; Alessandro Botta; Martina Putzolu; Carola Cosentino; Susanna Mezzarobba; Elisa Pelosin; Laura Avanzino
- Journal: Neuroscience
- Year: 2023