Intensive arm rehabilitation is important for people with impaired arm and hand function. At the Sint Maartenskliniek, rehabilitation programmes are provided for everyone from young children to the elderly. At the same time, rehabilitation in a clinic requires a great deal of time and commitment. This thesis therefore investigated whether arm and hand rehabilitation can (partly) take place at home and what role technology can play in this.
First, the preconditions were examined. This revealed that motivation is important and can be stimulated through play-based training. These games were also found to elicit movements similar to those used in arm and hand training. In addition, a test was developed to measure progress in arm function at home.
The researchers then investigated whether people were able to train effectively at home. The results show that home-based rehabilitation is feasible and can contribute to improved arm function. At the same time, the amount of training decreased over time. It also proved difficult at times to find the time, and the technology did not always work optimally.
Arm and hand training at home is therefore possible, but there are still obstacles. For now, a combination of home-based and clinical rehabilitation seems most appropriate. Technology can support this, but personal guidance from a therapist remains essential.
Merle Matijsen studied Human Movement Sciences at the University of Groningen between 2016 and 2019. During her bachelor’s degree, she undertook a placement at the Sint Maartenskliniek, where her interest in neurological rehabilitation was sparked. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she went on to study for a Master’s in Sport Sciences. After graduating in 2021, Merle returned to the Sint Maartenskliniek to undertake her PhD research into home-based arm rehabilitation for people with neurological conditions, with a focus on the use of technology.