Upcoming Course: Task-specific Training of Reach-to-Grasp Following Stroke

This course aims to equip Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists with the background knowledge and systematic methods needed to effectively analyse and implement task-specific training for upper limb movement (primarily reach-to-grasp) in people with stroke.

Key themes are using a systematic model to analyse biomechanics of reach-to-grasp and identify main problems to train, how to implement the high numbers of repetitions need for neuroplasticity, introduction to a task-specific training manual for upper limb movements and using both ordinary objects and gaming devices to achieve repetitions.

Research findings, processes used in a recent research trial on task-specific training, and clinical experience are drawn upon to deliver this learning experience.
Learning methods include lectures, group problem-solving and practical sessions with patients.

Paulette van Vliet

Professor Paulette van Vliet is a distinguished neurological physiotherapist renowned for her significant contributions to stroke rehabilitation and motor control research. She began her career in Australia, where she trained as a physiotherapist and dedicated a decade to neurological rehabilitation. Following her postgraduate studies, Professor van Vliet embarked on a research career in the United Kingdom. She advanced from research fellow to associate professor at the Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham. In 2011, she returned to Australia as a professor, joining the University of Newcastle under an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship. There, she became part of a leading national stroke research group.
Professor van Vliet’s research primarily focuses on improving upper limb function in individuals who have experienced a stroke, aiming to promote neuroplasticity and develop more effective treatments. Her work has garnered over 4,000 citations, reflecting her influence in the fields of stroke rehabilitation, motor learning, and motor control.

In addition to her research, she is the founder of Central Coast Neuro Rehab in New South Wales, Australia. This facility provides specialized rehabilitation services for individuals with neurological conditions, emphasizing neuroplasticity and evidence-based treatments. Professor van Vliet continues to contribute to academia as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra, where she collaborates with an engineer on robotic devices for stroke rehabilitation.
Professor van Vliet’s dedication to advancing neurological physiotherapy has profoundly impacted both clinical practice and research, offering hope and improved outcomes for individuals affected by neurological impairments.

Sarah Daniel

Sarah Daniel is a Neurological Physiotherapist and the founder of MOTIONrehab, a leading provider of intensive neurological rehabilitation services in the UK. She earned her physiotherapy qualification from St George’s Hospital Medical School 2001 and later completed a Master’s degree in Neurological Physiotherapy at Coventry University in 2006. Her passion for innovation in rehabilitation led her to establish MOTIONrehab, which has since become a leader in intensive neurorehabilitation.
In 2018, Sarah launched the UK’s first Intensive Outpatient and Residential Neurological Rehabilitation Facility in Leeds, incorporating advanced robotics and virtual reality technology. The unique and award winning innovation has challenged the perception of ‘traditional’ rehabilitation within the UK with the implementation of technology and an evidence-based approach to intensive and high repetition training. Her forward thinking, industry disruption and innovation has resulted in global invitations to speak at industry conferences including the World Congress of Neurorehabilitation. Sarah consults on neurological rehabilitation clinic development worldwide.

MOTIONrehab has been recognized as an International Reference Centre for treatment, teaching, and research. Sarah has contributed to research projects looking at advanced rehabilitation technologies at the University of Leeds and ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Science. Sarah is a guest lecturer on under-graduate and pre-registration Master degree courses at universities across the North of England.
Sarah rem