Ann Sophia Bertelsen

Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark

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About

Ann Sophia Bertelsen is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of geriatric medicine and rehabilitation robotics, dedicated to improving functional outcomes for hospitalized older adults. Her work centers on the critical challenge of preventing functional decline during acute hospitalization, where patients often spend extended periods immobile in bed. Bertelsen’s major contribution lies in rigorously testing the clinical feasibility and efficacy of robot-assisted physical training for this vulnerable population. Her landmark pilot study, "Use of robot technology in passive mobilization of acute hospitalized geriatric medicine patients" (2020, 28 citations), provided essential proof-of-concept data, demonstrating that robotic mobilization is both safe and acceptable in a real-world hospital setting. Building on this foundation, she designed the ROBUST trial (2024), a randomized controlled trial protocol that aims to definitively measure the impact of robot-assisted training on patients’ functional status. By systematically bridging the gap between emerging rehabilitation technologies and evidence-based geriatric care, Bertelsen is shaping a future where robotics can help preserve independence and quality of life for our aging population during critical periods of illness.