Emerging technologies and rehabilitation of the upper

limb: are we ready?

About the lecture:

Rehabilitation of the neurologically impaired upper limb is challenging for both consumers and health

professionals.

Published studies suggest that more than 50% of stroke survivors will leave rehabilitation with a nonfunctional

upper limb. We know that cortical changes are experience-dependant and rely on intensity,

repetition and engagement.

Emerging technologies, such as gaming and robotic assisted devices, provide an engaging platform

for rehabilitation that enable the high numbers of repetition critical for neuroplasticity and functional

improvement. However, clinicians are often reluctant to incorporate such technology in practice.

This presentation will discuss research collected as part of the implementation of a publicly funded,

technology driven, upper-limb rehabilitation clinic – the Hand Hub. The barriers and facilitators for the uptake

of new technology in healthcare settings will be examined in the context of evidence-based practice. This

presentation will also encourage debate with the audience about the place of technology in rehabilitation

settings.

About the Presenter:

Marlena Klaic is the research leader for occupational therapy at Melbourne Health and a senior clinician for

acute neurosciences.

She has more than 15 years experience working in neurosciences across all stages of the continuum. Marlena

was a core member of the multidisciplinary team that established the Hand Hub and recently authored a

paper on the clinical outcomes from the Hand Hub.

Marlena is interested in outcome measures and recently submitted her PhD, Enhancing evidence based

practice with allied health clinicians. She is currently leading two multi-site studies related to technology

and robotics.