Research overview
4HealthLab investigates the autonomic nervous system's role in chronic disease, aging, and resilience to environmental stress. Our translational work spans from animal models to clinical trials, with a focus on non-invasive neuromodulation and biomarkers in the precision health field.
Our research lines
Each line is self-contained yet deeply interconnected: clinical findings inform basic research and vice versa.
Non-pharmacological clinical trials in real-life contexts
We evaluate the efficacy of non-drug interventions, including respiratory muscle training, exercise programs, and nutritional supplementation, in patients with chronic conditions. Our trials are conducted in real-world settings to ensure practical, translatable results that can be directly integrated into clinical care.
Biomedical instrumentation e biological signal processing
We develop wearable sensors, neurostimulation devices, and advanced signal processing algorithms to monitor physiological data in real time. We create tools for continuous health monitoring and personalized, data-driven clinical decision-making.
Non-invasive Neuromodulation: Pathophysiology and Clinical Application
We investigate the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of non-invasive neuromodulation, particularly vagus nerve stimulation. From animal models to patient trials, we explore its effects on autonomic function, inflammation, and neuroplasticity, aiming to establish safe and effective treatments for chronic diseases.
Key techniques e tools
Our toolkit spans physiology, engineering, and data science
Heart rate variability (HRV)
Non-invasive assessment of autonomic balance through heart rate time-series analysis in resting and stress conditions.
Vagus nerve stimulation
Transcutaneous and implantable neuromodulation protocols for autonomic and anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects.
Respiratory muscle training
Inspiratory and expiratory muscle training protocols in controlled, real-world clinical trials.
Wearable biosensors
Custom wearable devices for continuous ambulatory physiological monitoring in free-living conditions.
Biosignal processing e AI
Machine learning pipelines for classification, prediction, and phenotyping from physiological time-series data.
Animal Models'
Rodent models of autonomic dysfunction to elucidate neuromodulation mechanisms before clinical translation.