Deborah Severijns

Papers

Total Citations

145

H-Index

About

Deborah Severijns is a leading researcher in neurorehabilitation, with a primary focus on improving upper limb function and managing fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Her most influential work, a 2016 systematic review on upper limb rehabilitation strategies in MS (120 citations), provides a comprehensive overview of the field, highlighting the increasing research interest and the need for targeted interventions. This review has become a key reference for clinicians and scientists developing evidence-based rehabilitation protocols. In a complementary study (2015, 25 citations), Severijns investigated fatigability during repetitive robot-mediated arm training, addressing a critical barrier to effective rehabilitation: the challenge of sustaining high movement volumes despite MS-related fatigue. Her work demonstrates that while people with MS experience increased fatigue, robot-mediated training can be a viable method to achieve the necessary repetitions for optimal recovery. By bridging the gap between the need for intensive training and the reality of fatigue, Severijns’ research directly informs the design of more effective, patient-centered rehabilitation programs, making a tangible impact on clinical practice and quality of life for individuals with MS.