Innovation in care: exoskeletons as a support system
Hanna Brandt is the first physiotherapist to complete a doctorate within the framework of the Verbundkolleg Gesundheit, a cooperation between OTH Regensburg and the University of Regensburg. Her dissertation, which was supervised by Prof Dr Andrea Pfingsten, focused on the question of how exoskeletons can reduce the physical strain on nursing staff. Prof Dr Brandt combined the methods of electromyography and motion capturing with a qualitative study of possible applications and user acceptance.
The mixed-method approach made it possible to record the muscular activity of the lower back, the movement sequence and the subjective experience of carers during the transfer. The aim: to develop practical solutions that improve working conditions in care in the long term, reduce sick days and make the care profession more attractive.
Living interdisciplinary research
Prof Dr Brandt's dissertation demonstrates the potential of interdisciplinary research at OTH Regensburg. Her project combines expertise from the fields of physiotherapy, ergonomics and biomechanics. In addition to supervision, the project was also supported by Prof. Dr Sebastian Dendorfer from the Laboratory for Biomechanics at the Regensburg Center of Health Sciences and Technology.
Prof Dr Brandt's work addresses the current challenges in the healthcare sector using technical approaches. The use of exoskeletons, which have so far mainly been used in industry, shows potential to help relieve the burden on employees in the care sector and thus counteract the shortage of skilled workers.
Looking to the future
Prof Dr Brandt's doctorate marks the end of an important phase in her life - but her enthusiasm for science and interdisciplinary collaboration remains. She has recently been appointed Professor of Physiotherapeutic (Differential) Diagnosis at Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences, where she contributes her expertise to teaching and research.
The staff of the Physiotherapy Laboratory, of which Prof Dr Brandt was formerly a member, are very proud of her and congratulate her warmly on this impressive achievement.
New: Doctoral Centre for Social and Health Science Design of Transformation Processes
Another piece of good news: in future, the East Bavarian Technical University (OTH) Regensburg will be home to a doctoral centre ‘Social and Health Science Design of Transformation Processes (SGT)’. This research training group SGT is pioneering in the field of health. The overarching research objective is to safeguard and improve the bio-psycho-social well-being of people in times of major social transformation.
