What we do
About our project
Background:
A stroke is a common and disabling disorder, that often affects arm activities. After stroke intensive arm therapy is essential for gaining and retaining functional improvements. Because of high costs, shortage of therapists, patient burden and adherence issues, intensive arm
treatment is scarcely applied, and this will become even more challenging in the future. Therefore, there is an urgent need for sustainable, technology-supported and motivating treatment in the home setting, with direct supervision of a therapist only if needed.
Project aim:
The multidisciplinary ArmCoach4Stroke project aims to develop and evaluate a new and interactive therapy aid based on wearable motion sensors to stimulate and optimize the daily use and exercise of the affected arm in the home environment by objective, personalized feedback to the patient and his/her therapist.
Envisioned clinical impact:
The ArmCoach4Stroke will provide the necessary intensive arm therapy that patients lack in current clinical practice, thus improving daily functioning, independence and quality of life and making rehabilitation care more efficient and sustainable for this vulnerable and growing group.
Our research focus
Stroke rehabilitation
Upper extremity impairment
Rehabilitation technology
Home-based rehabilitation
Motivation and compliance
Exercise intensity
User-centred design
Wearable motion sensors (Inertial Measurement Units)
Algorithm development;
Verification and validation
Feasibility
Funds & Grants
Funding
The Dutch Heart Foundation, NWO
ZonMw, the Netherlands, Grant [104021001].
Collaborations
Technical University Delft, Department of Industrial Design, Delft, The Netherlands.
University Twente, Department of Biomedical Signals and Systems, Enschede, The Netherlands.
Amsterdam UMC, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Rijndam Rehabilitation Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Umaco B.V., Groningen, The Netherlands.
2M Engineering, Valkenswaard, The Netherlands.
Our team
Dr. Hans Bussmann, PhD, Project Leader
Dr. Ruben Regterschot, PhD, Project Coordinator and Postdoctoral researcher.
Prof. dr. Gerard Ribbers PhD, HeadDepartment
Prof. dr. Ruud Selles, advisor
Contact us
J.B.J. Bussmann: j.b.j.bussmann@erasmusmc.nl
