"Rehabilitation technology" Cluster

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Cluster outline

Aim
To conduct research or assist others to conduct research that will develop a greater evidence base to the use of assistive and rehabilitation technologies. 


Main contact(s)


Potential research ideas

  • Marker tracking using a single camera system for gait analysis of stroke patients.  (Algorithm (software) developments)
  • Development of Musculoskeletal models which DO properly characterise spasticity?
  • Mechanical Behaviour of MSK Structures
  • Mechanical Characterization of Rehabilitation equipment and materials
  • A Correlation of wheelchair users with musculo-skeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Determining benefits of powered assistive technology to promote independence (e.g. reduce care worker input – cost saving)
  • What are the long term effects of devices used for rehabilitation – either good or bad
  • Demonstrate physiological benefits of correct body positioning in seating (or otherwise)
  • The use of virtual reality in Brain Injury Rehabilitation
  • Developing improved control devices (User interfaces) for those unable to use correct routine technology (e.g. wheelchair joystick)
  • How is equipment issued – used in community
  • How seating affects comfort
  • Head Position on Function in Supportive Seating
  • How positioning affects respiration/physiology
  • Safety of equipment used in transportation when non standard configuration
  • Effectiveness of verbal instructions for correct use of prescribed equipment
  • Evidence supporting 24hour postural management
  • “Tuning” Wheelchairs Stability v Effort
  • What are patient’s experience of the Prosthetic/Orthotic care they receive?
  • Does the use of CAD/CAM Technology improve outcomes for patients in image capture/manufacture of rehabilitation devices
  • Technology feedback to promote “Good” positioning during day
  • How to measure pressure properties of seating
  • Design of Rehabilitation Equipment
  • Development of Bio feedback tools to improve speech and feed back to SLT about performance
  • Can “simple” methods of assessing CP Gait be used as a surrogate for “high” level methods
  • Does assessment of CP gait by “simple” methods alter surgical planning and patient outcomes
  • Can clinical gait service efficiency be improved with Telehealth
  • Can we design a truly affordable and portable force apparatus for use in the field.
  • What role can school and community sport play in post surgery rehabilitation in CP
  • Can we develop simple biofeedback systems to communicate muscular activity during walking “in the field”
  • Can we develop e-learning tools and e-decision making assistants for clinicians working with CP patients
  • F.E.S. in acute stroke
  • Simple and cheap Movement Analysis for wide spread use in the community
  • Visualisation of Biomechanical data for Therapeutic Intervention.
  • Walking-Related fatigue in people with MS: The Role of Assistive Technology and exercise
  • Use of AFO’s and casts in early Stroke Intervention
  • Can Prosthetic Prescription be made more standardised?
  • What are patient’s experience of the Prosthetic/Orthotic care they receive?
  • Optimising AFO prescription for Children with Cerebral Palsy