Research interests
The main areas of my work can be categorised into the following subjects:
- Movement assessment
- The development, application and evaluation of novel rehabilitation technologies
- The ethical, legal and societal implications of novel rehabilitation technologies
Current PhDs
“Hand function in Palestinian people with Rheumatoid Arthritis”
Hisham Arab Alkabeya
Supervisors: Dr J Adams, Dr A Hughes
Funder: Palestinian Government
“Trunk training exercises using video games for people with chronic stroke”
Norah Alhwoaimel
Supervisors: Dr A Hughes, Dr Ruth Turk
Funder: Saudi Government
“Development of LifeCIT for patients following Traumatic Brain Injury: An interactive web-based programme to support independent rehabilitation”
Hannah Marshall
Supervisors: Prof J Burridge, Dr A Hughes
Funder: Ministry of Defence
“Sensors for stroke rehabilitation“
Claire Meagher
Supervisors: Dr A Hughes, Prof J Burridge
Research project(s)
SMARTmove
SMARTmove is a project which brings together a multidisciplinary team with expertise in functional materials, direct printing fabrication, control algorithms, wireless electronics, sensors, and end user engagement to address stroke rehabilitation. Working together with the advisory board members from six institutions, we will deliver a personalised wearable device for home-based stroke upper limb rehabilitation.
Development and validation of a reliable instrumented version of Trunk Impairment Scale
Research into improving the assessment of how well someone can move their trunk after a stroke, with the use of wearable sensors.
Feasibility of trunk training post stroke using video games
Development and pilot evaluation of a web-supported programme of Constraint Induced Therapy following stroke (LifeCIT)
The study developed a web-based therapy programme (‘LifeCIT’) to support patients carrying out Constraint Induced Therapy at home (with their carer where possible) with online therapist support.
Shimmer Sensors for activity monitoring in post stroke upper limb rehabilitation
Combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with robotic hand training for the severely impaired hand after stroke
The aim of this study is to examine the effect of combining transcranial direct current stimulation with robotic hand and arm training for the impaired hand and arm after stroke.
Using functional electrical stimulation mediated by iterative learning control and robotics to improve arm movement for people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS)
When you repeatedly practice a skill or movement, such as lifting your arm, you become better at it due to new nerve connections being made within your brain. When a person affected by MS develops upper limb weakness this is due to some of the nerves that connect their arm muscles to their brain becoming damaged so that they may have limited arm movement or none at all. Consequently they cannot practice lifting their arm to reach and so their arm muscles get weaker. In this research we are using a model previously used in stroke patients where nerves within the arm are electrically stimulating so that the person can practice arm movement. They will do this by resting their arm in a robot and having their two main muscles around the shoulder electrically stimulated so that they can practice reaching movements. The robot removes the weight of the arm and the functional electrical stimulation (FES) makes the arm muscles work. What is particularly good is that the amount of electrical stimulation is adjusted so that just the right amount of stimulation can be delivered according to the person's need. This stimulation level is based on the person's previous reaching movement and includes the correction of any errors made. This process is called Iterative Learning Control (ILC) which is widely used in industry e.g. putting lids on bottles. It has also been used to help stroke patients recover their movement with good results. In this research project engineers, therapists and psychologists will work together to apply the system and test it on people with MS.
Development of an integrated service model incorporating innovative technology for the rehabilitation of the upper limb following stroke, (Assistive Technologies in Rehabilitation Following Stroke (ATRAS)
This programme of research sought to significantly improve rehabilitation of the hand and arm following a stroke by investigating the use of assistive technologies to maximise recovery of function.
Motivating Mobility: Interactive Systems to promote Physical Activity and Leisure for people with limited mobility - Dormant
This multi-centre interdisciplinary project seeks to explore how best to use novel arrangements of interactive and communication technologies for recovery of upper limb function post-stroke.
Instrumented Stump Sock for Measuring Pressure at the Stump/Sock Interface
This project was funded by the Ministry of Defense and the aim was to investigate the pressure at the sock/stump interface. In addition to interface pressure, we also measured 3D motion, EMG and a number of standardised functional outcome measurements for the lower limb. A major outcome of this project was a systematic review of the factors associated with prosthetic prescription in transtibial and transfemoral amputees.
Research group
Active Living for Health
Research theme
Active Living
Research project(s)
Dr Ann-Marie HughesSchool of Health Sciences, Faculty of Environmental & Life Sciences (FELS), Highfield Campus, Southampton. SO17 1BJ
Room Number: 67/4003
Room Number : 67/4003
