Advances in robotics for stroke rehabilitation discussed at
Bournemouth
24 July 2009
Bournemouth University’s (BU) pioneering orthosis research and its
use in the rehabilitation of stroke patients, was the key discussion
among the academic and medical professions at the University recently.
A dissemination workshop, entitled ‘Functional rehabilitation of the
motor impaired: robotics and new directions’, was led by BU’s Dr Venky
Dubey. Dr Dubey’s research specialises in the creation of a
gravity-balancing orthosis to help older people regain or enhance the
use of their upper arms during post-stroke rehabilitation.
Dr Dubey's gravity balancing orthosis
The event brought together world-leading experts from the fields of
engineering and medicine and featured speakers from Royal Bournemouth
Hospital, Salisbury District Hospital, University of Reading, University
of Southampton and University of Delaware, USA. The inauguration was
given by BU’s Professor Nick Petford, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research &
Enterprise).
The workshop discussed: robotic exoskeletons for gait assistance and
training of the motor impaired; stroke in younger adults; wearable cable
driven upper arm exoskeleton for assistance and training; neuroscience
and evidence base for technology in neuro-rehabilitation; What can we
learn from human cognitive-motor control to build better robots; and
rehabilitation engineering in the management of stroke.
Over 50 delegates attended the event. In their feedback, they
described the most important thing about the seminar as understanding:
“how robots can be used in rehabilitation”, “the importance of
integrating engineering with psychosocial factors”, and “the immense
contribution of BU research including robotics in stroke
rehabilitation”.
Dr Dubey from BU’s Smart Technology Research Centre in the School of
Design, Engineering & Computing is delighted that his research is making
a vauable contribution. “This was a proud moment for BU to hold such a
high level workshop which attracted delegates from London, Manchester
and Birmingham.
“I am very pleased with the positive feedback that we have received
on the quality of talks and range of speakers. Delegates also remarked
on the changing face of BU. This seminar sets the foundation stone for
further cutting-edge research in rehabilitation robotics between the
engineering and medical professions, led by BU.”
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