Associated Professor at Department of Health Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil University of São Paulo
Rehabilitation, Neurology (clinical), Neuroscience, Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
42
Scopus Publications
1382
Scholar Citations
18
Scholar h-index
35
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Intersegmental Modulation of Lower-Limb Corticospinal Excitability and Inhibition Induced by Upper-Limb Isometric Contractions: A Systematic Review Gustavo Henrique de Mello Rosa, Gabrielly Santos Pereira, Fernanda da Silva Boni, Marcelo Lourenço da Silva, João Eduardo de Araújo European Journal of Neuroscience, 2026 Intersegmental neural modulation refers to the influence of voluntary activation of one limb on the excitability and inhibitory balance of remote motor representations. Recent evidence suggests that high‐intensity upper‐limb isometric contractions can transiently enhance corticospinal excitability and modulate intracortical or interhemispheric inhibition of lower‐limb motor areas, yet the consistency of these findings remains unclear. This systematic review synthesized evidence on the effects of upper‐limb isometric contractions on corticospinal excitability and inhibitory mechanisms of lower‐limb motor representations in healthy adults. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Eligible studies included healthy adults (18–65 years) performing upper‐limb isometric contractions quantified as percentage maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC), with outcomes assessing lower‐limb corticospinal excitability or intracortical/interhemispheric inhibition. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Seventeen studies ( n = 351) met inclusion criteria. Most reported increases in lower‐limb motor evoked potential amplitude during upper‐limb contractions, particularly at intensities ≥ 70% MVC. Reductions in short‐interval intracortical inhibition were common, indicating transient disinhibition of lower‐limb primary motor cortex representations. Findings for interhemispheric inhibition were inconsistent, likely attributable to variability in contraction tasks and transcranial magnetic stimulation parameters. Upper‐limb isometric contractions consistently facilitate lower‐limb corticospinal excitability and reduce intracortical inhibition in healthy adults. Although mechanistic patterns converge, methodological heterogeneity limits confidence in the magnitude of effects. Future studies require standardized experimental protocols and adequate sample sizes to clarify intensity–response relationships and underlying neurophysiological mechanisms.
Virtual Reality and Body Weight–Supported Treadmill Training in Gait Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review Gabriella Gonçalves Senno Battaglion, Fernanda da Silva Boni, Kelly Zhang, Gustavo Henrique de Mello Rosa, João Eduardo de Araújo American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2026 Objective: To compare evidence on Virtual Reality (VR) and Body Weight–Supported Treadmill Training (BWSTT) for gait rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease (PD) using a narrative review. Design: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, PEDro, SciELO, Cochrane, and LILACS through March 2024, following PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials of VR or BWSTT in PD were included. Systematic reviews were used solely for context. Methodological quality was assessed with PEDro and AMSTAR-2 tools. Results: Fourteen primary studies (nine VR, five BWSTT) with 416 participants with mild-to-moderate PD met eligibility criteria. VR protocols (5–12 weeks) often improved balance, gait speed, and dual-task performance, but differences in immersion, platform, sensory feedback, and task complexity limited direct comparison. BWSTT interventions (4–8 weeks, 20–40% unloading) showed moderate improvements in step length, walking endurance, and balance. No major adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Both VR and BWSTT improve gait and balance in PD through complementary mechanisms. VR offers sensory–cognitive engagement, while BWSTT provides biomechanical support and repetitive practice. Due to protocol heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and the absence of meta-analysis, findings should be interpreted narratively. Combined approaches may be promising, but current evidence is limited.
High- and Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Orthopedic Pain: A Systematic Review Gabrielly Santos Pereira, Joelington Dias Batista, Jobson Dias Batista, Ludimila Dias Silva, Josie Resende Torres da Silva, et al. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 2025 Introduction: Chronic orthopedic pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, compromising physical function, independence, and quality of life. While pharmacological treatments are widely used, their prolonged use is often limited by side effects and suboptimal efficacy. Among non-pharmacological approaches, photobiomodulation—particularly low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT)—has emerged as a promising strategy due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties. However, evidence regarding its clinical efficacy remains heterogeneous and fragmented. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and based on the PICO framework. Comprehensive searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, LILACS, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese over the past five years, involving adults (≥18 years) with orthopedic pain treated with LLLT or HILT. Outcomes of interest included pain intensity, physical function, and quality of life. Exclusion criteria included non-randomized trials, pediatric populations, and studies that did not isolate the effects of laser therapy. Results: From 59,873 records initially retrieved, eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The studies addressed diverse musculoskeletal conditions such as knee osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, patellofemoral pain syndrome, plantar fasciitis, subacromial impingement, and lateral epicondylalgia. Both LLLT and HILT demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain and enhancing physical function. In several studies, HILT was associated with faster symptomatic improvement. Nevertheless, considerable heterogeneity in laser parameters, treatment protocols, and outcome measures hindered direct comparison and meta-analysis. Conclusion: The current evidence supports the use of both LLLT and HILT as safe and effective adjuncts in the management of orthopedic pain. Future trials should adopt standardized protocols and long-term follow-up to better define clinical guidelines and optimize treatment outcomes.
Evaluating Dielectric Properties for Assessing Water Content at Acupuncture Points: New Methodology Manoela Gallon Pitta, Kelly Zhang, Gustavo Henrique de Mello Rosa, Flávia Belavenuto Rangon, Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira Guirro, et al. Jams Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 2024 Importance Understanding acupuncture point microenvironments is vital for optimizing treatment efficacy. Evaluating changes in water content at these points can provide further insights into the effects of acupuncture on tissues. Objective This study aimed to measure tissue dielectric constant (TDC) and assess changes in water content, specifically at stomach 36 (ST36, Zusanli) and spleen 6 (SP6, Sanyinjiao) acupuncture points. Methods In a controlled, blinded, randomized trial, 113 healthy volunteers were divided into six groups based on TDC sensor diameters (XS, M, and L): three control groups and three acupuncture groups. They were assessed at three time points: T1, baseline; T2, 20 min post-needle withdrawal; and T3, 40 min post-needle withdrawal. Electrical impedance (EI) was also analyzed. Significance level was set at p < 0.001. Results TDC at ST36 and SP6 significantly decreased with the XS probe at T2 and T3 compared with that at T1 (F8, 452: 54.61). TDC did not significantly vary between T2 and T3 with M and L probes. EI data indicated that the current passage increased in the SP (F2, 226: 39.32) and ST (F2, 226: 37.32) groups during T2 and T3 compared with that during T1 within their respective groups and controls. Conclusions and Relevance: This study demonstrated the efficacy of TDC measurements in detecting water content fluctuations at acupuncture points and their responses to needles. TDC measurements, which were validated against EI, provide valuable insights into acupuncture point microenvironments and thus help optimize treatments.
Aerobic Exercise after Left-Sided Stroke Improves Gait Speed and Endurance: A Prospective Cohort Study Ligia Brancalion Catapani, Tamyris Padovani dos Santos, Giovana Cristina Toffano, Hugo Celso Dutra Souza, João Eduardo de Araujo American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2021 Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on individuals who have had a stroke and showed baseline scores lower than the standard scores for the 6-min and 10-meter walk tests. Design Individuals were assigned to groups according to gait performance, defined by the standard values in the 6-min and 10-meter walk tests (standard baseline score and lower baseline score), and brain injury side. Aerobic exercise, 30 mins per day, 2 times a week, for a total of 12 wks. The 6-min and 10-meter walk tests in five assessments: initial, after 4, 8, 12 wks, and 4 wks of follow-up, analyzed by multivariate analysis, with P value of less than 0.05. Results The 6-min walk test data showed an increase in endurance for lower baseline score and left-brain injury, during assessments 4, and follow-up, compared with standard baseline score (F4,84 = 14.64). Lower baseline score showed endurance increase for assessments 2, 3, 4, and follow-up compared with assessment 1 (F4,84 = 7.70). The 10-meter walk test data showed an increase in speed for lower baseline score and left-brain injury, during assessments 3, 4, and follow-up, compared with assessment 1, 4, and follow-up, compared with assessment 2 (F4,84 = 5.33). Conclusions Aerobic exercise increases gait endurance and speed in individuals who have had a stroke, with left-brain injury, and lower baseline score in the 6-min and 10-meter walk tests.
Intersegmental Modulation of Lower‐Limb Corticospinal Excitability and Inhibition Induced by Upper‐Limb Isometric Contractions: A Systematic Review GH de Mello Rosa, GS Pereira, F da Silva Boni, ML da Silva, JE de Araújo European Journal of Neuroscience 63 (7), e70501 , 2026 2026
INFLUÊNCIA DA CONTRAÇÃO ISOMÉTRICA DO DEDO INDICADOR NA FORÇA DE PREENSÃO PALMAR CONTRALATERAL (OVERFLOW): IMPLICAÇÕES DA ESTIMULAÇÃO TRANSCRANIANA POR CORRENTE CONTÍNUA. K Zhang, T De Jesus Chagas, GH De Mello Rosa, JL Hana Frade, ... Revista Movimenta 18 (3) , 2025 2025
OVERFLOW MOTOR INDUZIDO POR CONTRAÇÃO DO DEDO CONTRALATERAL PRESERVA A FORÇA DE FLEXÃO DO OMBRO. T Silvestre Dos Santos, K Zhang, GH De Mello Rosa, JE De Araujo Revista Movimenta 18 (3) , 2025 2025
FORÇA DE PREENSÃO MANUAL EM PACIENTES COM DOENÇA DE PARKINSON: EFEITOS DA TERAPIA DOPAMINÉRGICA E DOSES SUPRALIMINARES DE LEVODOPA. H Vieira Cristino, GH De Mello Rosa, K Zhang, T De Jesus Chagas, ... Revista Movimenta 18 (3) , 2025 2025
MODULAÇÃO DOPAMINÉRGICA DA FORÇA DE PREENSÃO PALMAR EM DUPLA TAREFA NA DOENÇA DE PARKINSON. GH De Mello Rosa, K Zhang, H Vieira Cristino, T De Jesus Chagas, ... Revista Movimenta 18 (3) , 2025 2025
OVERFLOW MOTOR E FATIGABILIDADE EM DOENÇA DE PARKINSON: O PAPEL DA DOPAMINA. GH De Mello Rosa, K Zhang, H Vieira Cristino, T De Jesus Chagas, ... Revista Movimenta 18 (3) , 2025 2025
Virtual Reality and Body Weight–Supported Treadmill Training in Gait Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review GGS Battaglion, F da Silva Boni, K Zhang, GH de Mello Rosa, ... American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 10.1097 , 2025 2025
The evolution of acupuncture in Brazil: History, regulation, and professional education HV Cristino, GH de Mello Rosa, K Zhang, MG Pitta, JE de Araujo Medical Acupuncture 37 (2), 147-154 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Efeitos da estimulação unilateral do ponto E36 na impedância elétrica e na constante dielétrica ao longo do meridiano do estômago: ensaio clínico randomizado controlado em … MG Pitta Universidade de São Paulo , 2025 2025
EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE EXERCISE ON THE INDEPENDENCE OF OLDER ADULTS IN THE PERIOD 2013-2023. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW MVH MINANGO, JE DE ARAUJO, ZMI PIEDRA INTERDISCIPLINARY REHABILITATION Учредители: Salud, Ciencia y Tecnologia 5, 102 , 2025 2025
Effects of physical and cognitive exercise on the independence of older adults in the period 2013-2023. Systematic review VHM Méndez, JE De Araujo, MIP Zuriaga Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, 10 , 2025 2025
Acupuncture in Bruxism Management: A Systematic Review of Clinical Efficacy and Safety GS Pereira, JE de Araújo, ML da Silva 2025
Modulation of handgrip strength by contralateral hip flexor motor overflow: randomized controlled trial GHM Rosa, GH Moretto, K Zhang, TJ Chagas, JE Araujo Acta fisiátrica, 88-94 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
High-and Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Orthopedic Pain: A Systematic Review: High-and low-level laser in orthopedic pain GS Pereira, JD Batista, JD Batista, LD Silva, JRT da Silva, JE de Araújo, ... Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences 16, e45-e45 , 2025 2025
Motor behavior improvement in naive gerbils by cholinergic receptor activation and acupuncture K Zhang, MG Pitta, GH de Mello Rosa, LH Espírito Santo, JRT Silva, ... Acupuncture in Medicine 42 (5), 298-300 , 2024 2024
Impact of Muscle Contraction and Acupuncture on the Electrical Impedance of the Heart Meridian Points in Healthy Young Adults K Zhang, GH de Mello Rosa, IMPN d’Àvila, MG Pitta, JE de Araujo Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine Society 41, 184-190 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Influencia do OFF dopaminergico na geracao do fenomeno de overflow: Relato de Caso. GH de Mello Rosa, K Zhang, HV Cristino, MG Pitta, JE de Araujo Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior 18 (2S), 122-123 , 2024 2024
Modificacao da forca de preensao palmar em um protocolo de fatigabilidade induzido por Overflow de musculos nao homologos. T Silvestre, GH de Mello Rosa, K Zhang, JE de Araujo Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior 18 (2S), 148-149 , 2024 2024
Evaluating dielectric properties for assessing water content at acupuncture points: new methodology MG Pitta, K Zhang, GH de Mello Rosa, FB Rangon, EC de Oliveira Guirro, ... Innovations in Acupuncture and Medicine 17 (3), 86-93 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Effects of cholinergic receptor activation and magnetic fields on motor behavior in ischemic gerbils M Gallon Pitta, K Zhang, GH de Mello Rosa, LH do Espírito Santo, ... SAP Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine , 2024 2024
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Neurochemical mechanisms of the defensive behavior in the dorsal midbrain ML Brandão, VZ Anseloni, JE Pandossio, JE De Araújo, VM Castilho Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 23 (6), 863-875 , 1999 1999 Citations: 312
Prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain in Brazil: a national internet-based survey study RC Carvalho, CB Maglioni, GB Machado, JE Araújo, JRT Silva, ML Silva BrJP 1 (4), 331-338 , 2018 2018 Citations: 90
Anxiogenic effects of substance P and its 7–11 C terminal, but not the 1–7 N terminal, injected into the dorsal periaqueductal gray☆ JE De Araújo, RCB Silva, JP Huston, ML Brandão Peptides 20 (12), 1437-1443 , 1999 1999 Citations: 72
Modified constraint-induced movement therapy and modified forced-use therapy for stroke patients are both effective to promote balance and gait improvements. AC Fuzaro, CT Guerreiro, FC Galetti, RB Jucá, JE Araujo Revista brasileira de fisioterapia (Sao Carlos (Sao Paulo, Brazil)) , 2012 2012 Citations: 64
Nitric oxide synthesis blockade reduced the baroreflex sensitivity in trained rats HCD Souza, JE De Araújo, MC Martins-Pinge, IC Cozza, DP Martins-Dias Autonomic Neuroscience 150 (1-2), 38-44 , 2009 2009 Citations: 60
Laser photobiomodulation (830 and 660 nm) in mast cells, VEGF, FGF, and CD34 of the musculocutaneous flap in rats submitted to nicotine LMS das Neves, GPMF Leite, AM Marcolino, CE Pinfildi, SB Garcia, ... Lasers in medical science 32 (2), 335-341 , 2017 2017 Citations: 58
Opposite effects of substance P fragments C (anxiogenic) and N (anxiolytic) injected into dorsal periaqueductal gray JE De Araújo, JP Huston, ML Brandão European journal of pharmacology 432 (1), 43-51 , 2001 2001 Citations: 57
Polycystic ovary syndrome associated with increased adiposity interferes with serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 differently from leptin and adiponectin NS Cardoso, VB Ribeiro, SGV Dutra, RA Ferriani, AC Gastaldi, JE Araújo, ... Archives of endocrinology and metabolism 64, 4-10 , 2020 2020 Citations: 56
Aversive effects of the C-fragment of substance P in the dorsal periaqueductal gray matter JE de Araújo, JP Huston, ML Brandao Experimental brain research 123 (1), 84-89 , 1998 1998 Citations: 45
The immediate effects of local and adjacent acupuncture on the tibialis anterior muscle: a human study LA Costa, JE de Araujo Chinese Medicine 3 (1), 17 , 2008 2008 Citations: 41
Polycystic ovary syndrome presents higher sympathetic cardiac autonomic modulation that is not altered by strength training VB Ribeiro, GS Kogure, RM Reis, AC Gastaldi, JE DE ARAÚJO, ... International Journal of Exercise Science 9 (5), 554 , 2016 2016 Citations: 29
Macroscopic and histological effects of magnetic field exposition in the process of tissue reparation in Wistar rats G Bertolino, A de Freitas Braga, K de Oliveira Lima do Couto Rosa, ... Archives of dermatological research 298 (3), 121-126 , 2006 2006 Citations: 29
Place aversion induced by microinjections of C-fragment of substance P into the dorsal periaqueductal gray of rats is mediated by tachykinin NK1 receptors JE De Araújo, JP Huston, ML Brandão Peptides 22 (9), 1447-1452 , 2001 2001 Citations: 29
Chronic cholinergic stimulation promotes changes in cardiovascular autonomic control in spontaneously hypertensive rats JHD Blanco, AC Gastaldi, CB Gardim, JE Araujo, MV Simoes, ... Autonomic Neuroscience 193, 97-103 , 2015 2015 Citations: 28
Neuropathology and behavioral impairments after bilateral global ischemia surgery and exposure to static magnetic field: Evidence in the motor cortex, the hippocampal CA1 … G Bertolino, FLB De Araujo, HCD Souza, NC Coimbra, JE De Araujo International journal of radiation biology 89 (8), 595-601 , 2013 2013 Citations: 23
Analgesic effects elicited by neuroactive mediators injected into the ST 36 acupuncture point on inflammatory and neuropathic pain in mice JS Vieira, JA Toreti, RC de Carvalho, JE de Araújo, ML Silva, JRT Silva Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies 11 (5), 280-289 , 2018 2018 Citations: 22
Influence of treadmill training on motor performance and organization of exploratory behavior in Meriones unguiculatus with unilateral ischemic stroke: histological correlates … FLB de Araujo, G Bertolino, CAR Funayama, NC Coimbra, JE de Araujo Neuroscience letters 431 (2), 179-183 , 2008 2008 Citations: 21
Anxiogenic effects of activation of NK-1 receptors of the dorsal periaqueductal gray as assessed by the elevated plus-maze, ultrasound vocalizations and tail-flick tests GS Bassi, MJ Nobre, JE de Araújo, ML Brandão Neuropeptides 41 (6), 365-374 , 2007 2007 Citations: 19
Single or multiple electroacupuncture sessions in nonspecific low back pain: are we low-responders to electroacupuncture? RC de Carvalho, JR Parisi, WA Prado, JE de Araújo, AM Silva, JRT Silva, ... Journal of acupuncture and meridian studies 11 (2), 54-61 , 2018 2018 Citations: 18
Ipsilateral proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation patterns improve overflow and reduce foot drop in patients with demyelinating polyneuropathy CS Nakada, PC Meningroni, ACS Ferreira, L Hata, AC Fuzaro, WM Júnior, ... Journal of exercise rehabilitation 14 (3), 503 , 2018 2018 Citations: 17