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Plenary #5 - Spinal Research Lecture

Tracks
Plenary
Saturday, October 10, 2026
11:15 AM - 12:05 PM
Banquet Hall (Plenary)

Details

Trunk muscle dysfunction is a major contributor to disability after spinal cord injury (SCI), yet effective and accessible rehabilitation options remain limited. This lecture will present research on self-directed exercise to improve trunk function after SCI. Drawing on mechanistic studies, clinical trials, and community implementation programmes for people with neurological conditions, the lecture will demonstrate how a simple and affordable exercise modality can improve trunk control while delivering broader benefits for function and health. The findings highlight the potential of accessible rehabilitation strategies to support long-term health, independence, and participation after SCI.


Presenter (only the submitting author is listed below; co-presenters, where applicable, will be listed in the conference app)

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Dr Shin-Yi (Chloe) Chiou
Associate Professor
University Of Birmingham

Self-Directed Exercise to Improve Trunk Function After Spinal Cord Injury

Biography

Dr Shin-Yi (Chloe) Chiou is an Associate Professor in Rehabilitation and Motor Control at the University of Birmingham, UK. Trained as a physiotherapist, her research focuses on understanding the neural control of trunk muscles and developing innovative rehabilitation interventions to improve function, health, and quality of life for people with neurological conditions, particularly spinal cord injury (SCI). Her work combines neurophysiology, rehabilitation science, wearable sensors, and digital health technologies to investigate the mechanisms underlying trunk motor control and recovery after SCI. Drawing on this mechanistic understanding, she develops and evaluates technology-supported exercise interventions that can be delivered in clinical, home, and community settings to increase access to rehabilitation and support long-term self-management and prevent development of chronic conditions after SCI. Dr Chiou leads a multidisciplinary research programme spanning laboratory-based studies of neuromuscular control and clinical trials. She has pioneered community- and home-based arm-crank exercise programmes for people with SCI and has made significant contributions to research on trunk motor control and rehabilitation. Her research is supported by national funding bodies and charitable organisations and aims to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world rehabilitation practice. Through her research and teaching, Dr Chiou is committed to advancing accessible, evidence-based rehabilitation that enables people with neurological disabilities to live healthier and more independent lives.
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