Abstract: Introduction to the workshop.

Bio: Link to biography

Abstract: An increasing number of rehabilitation technology in general, and robotics in specific, are being developed and available on the commercial market in order to facilitate rehabilitation of the arm.
So far, mainly in stroke, benefits have been clearly demonstrated on motor function level, but only limited at activity level. However, studies were often performed in small samples and without specific classification of included patients regarding severity of arm dysfunction, type of motor (muscle weakness, hypertonia, incoordination) or other (sensory, visual, cognitive) impairments. It is hypothesized that the effects and thus usefulness of specific rehabilitation technology is different depending on patients characteristics. As such, one may be careful to generalize effects of training with a specific device in one patient sample to an overall population.
In this workshop, we will identify different impairments from clinical point of view, and try to relate those to existing or optimal to-be-developed products.

Abstract: Cost-effective neuro-rehabilitation is essential given the financial constraints on healthcare resources. Technologies, such as rehabilitation robots have the potential to contribute, but without strong clinical evidence are unlikely to be widely reimbursed. Research evidence for robot therapy over the last three years has shown that it is not superior to intensively matched existing therapies - is this the most appropriate paradigm? Is the Randomized controlled trial the best way to test rehabilitation technologies? Have users' needs been addressed? What are the real barriers to translation into clinical practice? What are the most critical questions that need to be answered? This talk will attempt to answer these questions.

Bio: Link to biography

Abstract: In this workshop, characteristics are discussed that can be used for the design of rehabilitation technology that aims to offer task-oriented training in neurological patients. The choice of characteristics is based on reviewing clinical trial evidence and literature in the domains of rehabilitation and motor learning. A method for implementation of task-oriented training for neurological patients in rehabilitation technologies (T-TOAT) is presented, as well as technology examples where the method has been successfully implemented. Clinical trial evidence on the effects of the T-TOAT training will be discussed and future research plans are outlined.

Bio: Annick A.A. Timmermans holds a MSc in physiotherapy from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (BE) and a MSc in musculoskeletal physiotherapy from University College London (UK). She was a lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences at PHL University College in Hasselt (BE) for 13 years. In September 2010, she finished her PhD on 'Technology-supported training of Arm-Hand Skills in Stroke' at Eindhoven University of Technology (NL). Most of her PhD research was funded by Philips Research Europe and conducted at Adelante (Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology).
Annick works since September 2010 as a senior research scientist at Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology. Since January 2011, she is also affiliated with Maastricht University (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine). Her research interests focus on task-oriented training and assessment, rehabilitation technology, and motor learning in neurological patients.

Abstract: Active, self-initiated training is an essential element to improve arm function after stroke. However, independent, selective control of arm movement is restricted in many stroke patients. Insight in such underlying mechanisms provides information on how to reduce these movement restrictions and enable patients to train actively. This workshop will discuss some of those underlying mechanisms and potential ways to apply technology to improve arm function. An example of this is a fairly simple manner to facilitate active training in stroke patients by using arm support, without any further assistance.

Bio: Dr. Gerdienke Prange is a Human Movement Scientist working at Roessingh Research & Development (in Enschede, the Netherlands), the largest Dutch scientific research centre in rehabilitation technology. She got her PhD at the University of Twente (in Enschede, the Netherlands) on her research into the application of robotic devices for rehabilitation of the arm after stroke. Currently she is involved in several national and international research projects concerning stimulation of motor relearning in neurological disorders using rehabilitation technology (including robotics and virtual reality), mainly for the upper extremity. Her research interests lie with neuromuscular, biomechanical and clinical evaluation of the application of rehabilitation technology.

Abstract: Legislation, economic costs and a drive to maximize intensity of movement practice are driving home-based rehabilitation. However, designing technology which is 'fit for purpose' and which engages and maintains motivation of patients and carers is difficult. This workshop seeks to inform the audience of lessons learnt from both direct experience of designing and using technologies for home based rehabilitation, as well as qualitative work giving an insight into what patients and therapists believe to be important factors in technologies for home use.

Bio: Ann-Marie Hughes is a physiotherapist with clinical and research experience in neurorehabilitation. Her research focuses on the application of novel technologies including ILC, rehabilitation robotics, and combining Electrical Stimulation with robot therapy for patients, as well as assessing users' and carers' perceptions of these technologies.

Abstract: Interactive discussion.