Plymouth-based academics lined up to share their expertise with Neuro Convention delegates in July

Four physiotherapists from the University of Plymouth’s school of health professions will be among the impressive line-up of rehabilitation experts speaking at this year’s Neuro Convention, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from 6 to 7 July.

Jonathon Marsden is professor and chair of rehabilitation at the university, where he holds a brief to lead and develop research capacity in rehabilitation. Professor Marsden, who graduated in physiotherapy in 1991 and gained a PhD in clinical medicine in 2000, is scheduled to speak twice at the prestigious event.

The title of Professor Marsden’s first workshop, which will be delivered on the morning of 6 July, is titled Hereditary spastic paraparesis: pathophysiology and rehabilitation. That afternoon, Professor Marsden will give a second presentation, titled Cerebellar ataxia: pathophysiology and rehabilitation.

Let's dance

Presenting at noon on 6 July is Sophia Hulbert, who is a clinical academic advance practice physiotherapist and lecturer at the south Devon university. Dr Hulbert’s presentation is titled Dance for Parkinson’s and attendees can experience ‘a journey through dance for Parkinson’s research using the Parkinson’s dance science approach’.

Later that afternoon, Dr Hulbert will speak at an workshop titled moving forward with Parkinson’s. She will present findings from a scoping exercise and a two-year service evaluation of a new NHS therapy service for people with Parkinson’s.

CPD Café

Delegates are also being offered opportunities to attend a lunchtime CPD Café on 6 and 7 July, where Danielle Munford will talk about professional development opportunities at postgraduate level. Ms Munford, a lecturer in physiotherapy and pathway lead for advanced professional practice in neurological physiotherapy at the University of Plymouth, will offer delegates a chance to discuss their individual needs.

Lisa Bunn, a physiotherapist who is head of school for postgraduate study, will speak on the morning of 7 July. Her presentation is titled PD project. In the afternoon, Dr Bunn presents a session on ataxia.

James Cracknell

Other speakers lined up to speak at the event include James Cracknell. The former Olympic medal winner and journalist will give a presentation titled My personal neurological recovery, the good, the bad, and the outcomes. Mr Cracknell experienced a major head injury while filming a documentary in the USA.

Neuro Convention aims to display the latest technology and innovations in the neurological sector with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes. It focuses on four key areas of neurology: rehabilitation, mental health, diagnostics and brain and spine injury.

To find out more about the two-day event and to register for free, visit: https://www.neuroconvention.com/welcome