Adaptive user-centred robotic physiotherapy: New paradigm shift in rehabilitation

Agenda:

09:00-09:10
Welcome

09:10-9.40    
The on-going transformation of the health care system - Why and how? 
Boel Mörck, Chief Digital officer of Sahlgrenska University hospital

9.40-10.10
The challenges within law and regulations regarding the health care system and innovations
Ulf Petrusson, Professor and Christoffer Hermansson, LLM, Bachelor Law. Institute for Innovation and Social Change, School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg

10.10 -10.30      
Presentation of adaptive physiotherapy and an overview of important aspects  in rehabilitation
Dr. Emmanuel Dean, Associate Professor, Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering, Automation
Gunilla Kjellby Wendt, Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Sahlgrenska University hospital and adjunct professor in adaptive physiotherapy at Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering, Automation

10.30-10.45
Coffee break

10.45-11.05
Prosthetics and orthotics: some of the ways forward
David Rusaw, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University

11.05-12.05
Experts in different fields will introduce current challenges encountered in rehabilitation

11.05-11.25
Knee rehabilitation
Jon Karlsson, professor, Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg

11.25-11.45
Foot rehabilitation
Annelie Brorsson PT, PhD, Katarina Nilsson–Helander, Associate professor, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg

11.45-12.05
Hand/ wrist rehabilitation
Annika Dahlgren, Senior OT, PhD Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Sahlgrenska University hospital

12.05-13.05
Lunch

13.05-13.20
Introduction of the group discussion

13.20-15.00
Group discussions including coffee

15.00-15.45
Wrap up and Summary of the group sessions

15.45-16.00
Closure and follow-up activities

Abstract:

The need for rehabilitation worldwide is predicted to increase due to changes in health and population aging. Moreover, rehabilitation services were also severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, many factors affect rehabilitation programs, e.g., the lack of resources (assistive technology, equipment, and trained professionals) and the need for more research and data on rehabilitation.

Musculoskeletal impairments comprise more than 150 different conditions, and hand injuries are a relevant group within these conditions. In general, physiotherapy and rehabilitation are programs that require different stages, including:
a) a diagnosis to identify the nature of the illness,
b) a therapy design to define the correct training program,
c) training sessions in a rehabilitation unit to provide support to the patient by a therapist where the training exercises are explained,
d) frequent visits to the rehabilitation unit depending on the severity of the illness, and
e) home training where patients must follow an explicit program.

The rehabilitation’s progress highly depends on the last two stages. However, these are the most troublesome stages for the patients. Therefore, patient empowerment is essential. The rehabilitation must be individualized and provide feedback that supports and encourages the patient through the rehabilitation process. The rehabilitation can be optimized by providing this continuous feedback and including personal factors.

Comprehensive data regarding rehabilitation progress should be systematically collected and formally analyzed within a broader spectrum, incorporating clinical studies. These findings should then be compared to more conventional rehabilitation programs, thereby facilitating advancements in future rehabilitation methodologies.

Goals:

One of the primary goals of this workshop is to explore the current and future open challenges faced in the physiotherapy field. By examining the existing landscape, we can identify areas that require further attention, improvement, and innovation. Through interactive sessions and presentations, participants can share their experiences and expertise, paving the way for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges at hand.

Furthermore, this workshop aims to facilitate the discovery of common interests and research questions within this realm. By engaging in fruitful discussions and collaborative activities, attendees can identify shared areas of focus and potential research interests. This collective exploration will not only enhance our understanding of the field but also foster a sense of community among participants. The goal is to establish a research network that encourages collaborations and partnerships to address the open challenges in physiotherapy. By connecting researchers, practitioners, and industry professionals, we aim to cultivate an environment promoting knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of innovative solutions. Through this network, participants can forge valuable connections, share resources, and embark on joint initiatives to propel the field of physiotherapy forward.

Join us in this workshop to produce a paradigm shift in physiotherapy, leveraging technology, exploring healthcare dynamics, navigating regulations, and shaping educational practices. Together, let's shape the future of physiotherapy and build a strong network of collaborators dedicated to handling the open challenges in this essential field.