Spinal Life expo showcases the latest in innovative assistive technology
Representing The Hopkins Centre, Professor Elizabeth Kendall recently presented at our affiliate partner Spinal Life Australia's 'Assistive Solutions' Expo on 12 May 2018 in Brisbane.
The event was a huge success, with over 450 people attending and hearing all about the latest in innovative equipment, aids and technology to help people of all different lifestyles, level of ability and stages of their life journey. The expo featured displays and innovative assistive equipment on show from nearly two dozen exhibitors, as well as guest speakers and information sessions on the NDIS, My Aged Care and more.
Professor Kendall presented during the noon session on technology in rehabilitation, providing an introduction to assistive and restorative technology, with a focus on future proofing rehabilitation. She introduced several guest speakers representing The Hopkins Centre and Menzies Health Institute Queensland:
Dr Ali Lakhani spoke about using virtual reality for spinal cord injury rehabilitation. He provided video examples on how this would work with the use of simulations via hardware and software to provide users with the opportunity to engage with real life events and really help people with spinal injuries.
Dr Mike Todorovic presented on the ground breaking nerve regrowth techniques he is working on with Associate Professor James St John as part of the Spinal Injury Project at the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research. He spoke about the seven components for an effective therapy, cell transplantation therapy needs for long term activity based therapy and highlighted the need for specialised repair therapy to be long-term sustained functional therapy.
Professor David Lloyd wowed the audience with video demonstrations and information on brain-computer interfaces for thought-controlled FES neurorestoration and rehabilitation exoskeletons.
Click here to review the presentation and Professor David Lloyd's presentation.
Dr Dinesh Palipana, a member of our Hopkins Ambassador Council, also presented at the event, speaking about his own spinal cord injury experience, becoming Queensland’s first medical graduate and doctor with quadriplegia, as well as a topic he feels very strongly about - advocacy for spinal cord research and accessibility in the medical community.
Thank you to everyone who attending and supported The Hopkins Centre at the event, as well as Spinal Life Australia for hosting this successful event.
Photos from the event coming soon....
