Children with unilateral brain damage often use their affected arm and hand less than they are capable of, making everyday two-handed activities more difficult. In this thesis, we investigated whether early home-based training, carried out by parents and supported by video coaching from a therapist, can help them use this arm more effectively. The research shows that children make progress when parents carry out targeted exercises every day for eight weeks. Parents found the video coaching motivating and practical. It taught them how to effectively encourage their child, making the exercises part of their daily routine. In addition, a new treatment was developed in which a wristband that emits sound, light and vibrations is used to increase attention to the affected arm. This approach appears particularly promising for babies who do not yet show any spontaneous movements with the affected arm. The results show that early home-based training with video coaching is feasible and effective in daily practice.
Anke Verhaegh (1981) studied Occupational Therapy at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences (2003) and Human Movement Sciences at Maastricht University (2006). Since 2005, she has been working in paediatric rehabilitation at the Sint Maartenskliniek, where she combines clinical work with research. In 2019, she began her PhD research on early arm and hand interventions for young children with unilateral brain damag
Anke Verhaegh (1981) studied Occupational Therapy at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences (2003) and Human Movement Sciences at Maastricht University (2006). Since 2005, she has been working in paediatric rehabilitation at the Sint Maartenskliniek, where she combines clinical work with research. In 2019, she began her PhD research on early arm and hand interventions for young children with unilateral brain damage.
Her supervisors are Prof. M.W.G. Nijhuis-van der Sanden and Prof. M.A.A.P. Willemsen; her co-supervisors are Dr P.B.M. Aarts and Dr B.E. Winkel-Groen.
The defence can be followed via this live stream.