“A Corpo Libero”: Movement, Prevention, and Awareness for Osteoarticular Health

At some point, you realize that something has changed. A hill that feels harder to climb, a daily task that requires more effort, or stiffness that appears out of nowhere. These signs are often overlooked, but they can be the first warning signs of osteoarthritis.

A chronic, degenerative condition that affects the joints, causing their progressive deterioration, and which currently affects over 4 million people in Italy and approximately 240 million worldwide. These numbers are set to rise in the coming years, driven by an aging population, a sedentary lifestyle, and, in some cases, physical activity that is too intense or improperly managed. Despite the significant impact on quality of life, symptoms are still often overlooked, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

"A Corpo Libero": the biggest event organized by “iO Donna”

Promoting greater awareness of osteoarticular conditions therefore means fostering a culture of prevention and physical activity, helping people recognize the importance of listening to their bodies and taking care of them every day. It is in this context that IBSA Italy participated in the fourth edition of “A Corpo Libero” the major event organized by iO Donna dedicated to movement, body care, and physical and mental well-being, which took place on May 16 and 17 at the Indro Montanelli Gardens in Milan.

For two days, the park was transformed into an immersive space open to the public, featuring over 50 outdoor sessions dedicated to various disciplines, including yoga, Pilates, full-body training, and mobility workouts, designed to promote an active and mindful lifestyle.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Personalized Rehabilitation

At the event, IBSA Italy participated with activities focused on muscle recovery, prevention, and raising awareness about osteoarticular health. 

Among these was the talk “Artificial Intelligence and Rehabilitation: New Models of Personalized Exercise” featuring Dr. Fabrizio Gervasoni, a physiatrist and Director of District 2 at ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, and Nicolò Famiglietti, a trainer with a degree in Kinesiology. The session explored the role of Artificial Intelligence in personalizing rehabilitative and preventive exercise, with a specific focus on adapted physical activity and osteoarthritis.

 “Today, exercise is no longer merely a therapeutic tool, but has become a fundamental instrument of active prevention. We need to move beyond the idea of worrying about our health when it is too late; instead, we must adopt a proactive approach: investing in our health while we’re able to do so, by establishing structured and sustainable physical activity programs.” explained Dr. Fabrizio Gervasoni, physiatrist and Director of District 2 at ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco.

OsteoMove: The Recovery Lab Dedicated to Movement

In addition to the educational component, there was also an opportunity for hands-on experience with “OsteoMove”, a Recovery Lab dedicated to muscle recovery and osteoarticular well-being.

Led by Virgin Active personal trainers alongside Nicolò Famiglietti, participants took part in sessions focused on mobility, myofascial release, and muscle relaxation through targeted exercises and the use of small equipment.

“Joint health isn’t a destination, but a journey built over time through small daily actions. In my classes, prevention guides every movement: the goal isn’t just physical fitness, but complete freedom of movement” said Nicolò Famiglietti, a trainer with a degree in Kinesiology.

Prevention and Awareness Through High-Tech Movement Screenings

During the event, participants also had the opportunity to participate in a free high-tech movement screening, coordinated by Dr. Fabrizio Gervasoni and his team of experts. Using a small sensor attached over the person’s clothes, the system analyzed parameters related to balance, gait, and body symmetry, providing participants with an immediate assessment of their movement health.

Supporting initiatives that raise public awareness of joint health and prevention is a key component of IBSA’s dual commitment in the osteoarticular field, which involves both public awareness campaigns and the research and development of innovative therapeutic solutions for osteoarthritis, with the goal of making a tangible contribution to improving patients’ quality of life.