Chronic Pain, HSP & PLS — How GOGOA Brings Hope

Gogoa Mobility Robots
16 hours ago
4 min read

Today, 17 October 2025, we mark two deeply meaningful observances: the World Day Against Pain and the first-ever World Day of Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis (HSP) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS).

Two distinct commemorations, yet united by a shared purpose — the pursuit of quality of life for those living with chronic pain or neurological conditions that restrict movement.

This year, patient associations around the world — including AEPEF in Spain — have joined forces to raise awareness, call for stronger research investment, and promote access to advanced therapeutic solutions.

Understanding HSP and PLS

Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis (HSP) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) are rare neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affect motor function.

🧠 HSP (Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis) comprises a group of genetic conditions that cause progressive weakness and stiffness in the legs, often making walking and balance increasingly difficult. In more complex forms, other systems such as vision, coordination, or sensation may also be involved.

🧬 PLS (Primary Lateral Sclerosis) is a slowly progressive upper motor neuron disease, leading to spasticity, rigidity, and gait difficulties, and in later stages, may affect speech or swallowing.

Although its progression tends to be slower than that of other motor neuron diseases, its impact on everyday life can be profound — walking, standing, or maintaining balance become daily challenges.

These disorders not only affect the body — they test one’s independence, confidence, and emotional resilience, both for those who live with the disease and their loved ones.

World Day Against Pain: Relief is a Human Right

The World Day Against Pain, led by the IASP and endorsed by the WHO, reminds us that relieving pain is a fundamental human right.

Chronic pain affects more than 20% of the global population, and within many neurological conditions, it remains one of the most invisible and misunderstood symptoms.

This day calls for breaking stigma, driving research, and ensuring that all people have access to effective and safe pain management therapies.

How GOGOA Helps

At GOGOA, we believe that technology must serve people.Our mission is to develop neurorehabilitation and assistive technologies that blend science, engineering, and empathy to enhance mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Working alongside clinicians, therapists, researchers, and patients, we deliver innovative therapies that integrate neuromodulation, robotics, and personalised clinical programmes.

1️⃣ Non-invasive Neuromodulation with ALPERK

ALPERK is our non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device, designed to boost neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to reorganise and form new connections — and to support both motor and cognitive recovery.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that pairing vagus nerve stimulation with therapeutic exercise can significantly improve motor outcomes after stroke.Our goal with ALPERK is to bring these benefits into non-invasive, safe, and accessible clinical settings.

The vagus nerve also plays a crucial role in pain modulation and inflammatory response regulation, making neuromodulation an emerging ally in managing chronic pain and spasticity.

Benefits for Patients with HSP, PLS or Chronic Pain

Improves muscle tone regulation and reduces fatigue.
Enhances motor therapy outcomes when paired with functional exercise.
Promotes better pain control by influencing the autonomic nervous system.

ALPERK is a non-invasive medical technology, always applied under clinical supervision, and acts as a complementary therapy alongside standard medical and rehabilitation treatments.

2️⃣ Robotic Therapy and Exoskeletons

Robotic-assisted therapy enables patients to relearn movement in a safe, intensive, and motivating way.At GOGOA, we design and manufacture rehabilitation and assistive exoskeletons that help individuals with neurological disorders walk, strengthen muscles, and maintain proper posture — even when their nervous system can no longer fully coordinate movement.

These therapies:

Provide repetitive and precise practice, activating the neural circuits responsible for movement.
Can help reduce spasticity and improve coordination.
Increase motivation and engagement, allowing patients to witness measurable progress.

3️⃣ Personalised Programmes: Technology That Adapts to You

No two people are alike. Our programmes are custom-designed to suit each individual’s diagnosis, abilities, environment, and goals.

A treatment plan may include:

Comprehensive evaluation (gait, strength, pain, fatigue, balance).
A combined plan of ALPERK neuromodulation, robotic or conventional physical therapy, and therapeutic education for self-care and pain management.
Ongoing monitoring and adjustment based on measurable outcomes.

Who We Work With

👩‍🦽 Patients and Families:We help people regain mobility, confidence, and independence through safe, comfortable, and motivating therapy sessions.

👩‍⚕️ Healthcare Professionals:We provide training, clinical support, and data analysis to integrate neuromodulation and robotics into rehabilitation programmes.

🏥 Hospitals and Clinics:We implement certified protocols, ensure data traceability and safety, and offer continuous maintenance and technical support.

A Gesture that Unites

The symbol of the day is the “link” gesture, a chain representing the solidarity of the global HSP and PLS community.Today, we invite you to share your photo making the link gesture on social media to show that no one stands alone.Tag @AEPEF and join the international movement for visibility and research.

At GOGOA, We Believe in Active Hope

The future of neurorehabilitation depends on the collaboration between science, technology, and humanity.Every innovation we develop shares a single goal: that more people can move, live, and enjoy life — free from pain.

📩 Whether you are a patient, healthcare professional, or rehabilitation centre, contact us to learn how to integrate ALPERK and our rehabilitation exoskeletons into your therapeutic programme:👉 www.gogoa.eu