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About

Erwin E. H. van Wegen is a leading researcher in neurorehabilitation, with a primary focus on stroke recovery and the application of technology to restore motor function. His work centers on understanding and enhancing upper limb rehabilitation, particularly through robot-assisted therapy and early, intensive intervention. His landmark 2016 systematic review on robot-assisted therapy for the upper limb after stroke, cited over 629 times, has been instrumental in shaping clinical guidelines and demonstrating the efficacy of robotic devices for improving motor outcomes. Dr. van Wegen also investigates the neural underpinnings of recovery, using techniques like cortical activation imaging to understand how the brain responds to robotic manipulation. Notably, he has explored the role of psychological states in rehabilitation, authoring a highly-cited review on achieving a “flow” state—a state of deep engagement—during therapy for neurological diseases. Beyond the upper limb, his work extends to gait analysis, where he has developed innovative, minimal-sensing methods using portable devices. Through his research, Dr. van Wegen bridges engineering, neuroscience, and clinical practice, providing evidence-based pathways to improve functional independence and quality of life for individuals after stroke.