UHI Perth pioneers rehabilitation education for stroke and neurological conditions

Stroke survivors and individuals living with neurodegenerative conditions now have new hope for recovery, thanks to a pioneering initiative unique in the UK.

Lecturers at UHI Perth, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership, have launched the UK’s first Neurorehabilitation in Sports Therapy module. This innovative programme equips sports therapy students with specialised skills to transform care for patients facing conditions such as strokes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone disease, concussion and Cerebral Palsy.

Starting in January 2025 as part of the fourth year of the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation degree programme, the module represents a bold shift in sports therapy education—traditionally focused on musculoskeletal conditions. By expanding into neurological care, graduates will gain vital tools to improve patients’ quality of life and aid in their recovery.

At the heart of the module is the application of evidence-based exercise principles designed to stimulate neuroplasticity, the brain’s remarkable ability to reorganise and form new neural connections. Research demonstrates that targeted exercise can alleviate symptoms of neurological diseases and support long-term recovery.

Additionally, the module incorporates art-based therapy techniques, an approach shown to enhance neuroplasticity and aid trauma recovery. By combining art and sport, the programme offers a holistic method to support neurological rehabilitation, addressing the unique needs of patients and athletes alike.

Dr Daniel Biggs, the module’s creator and lead lecturer explained:

“This forward-thinking programme has been supported by the Scottish Manual Therapists Organisation. Our vision is to reshape sports therapy by broadening its reach into neurological care, making it a cornerstone of community healthcare and stroke recovery efforts.

“UHI Perth is proud to be part of leading this holistic revolution in sports therapy, offering a lifeline to stroke survivors and others with neurological conditions. By equipping our students who are the world’s future sports therapists with specialised skills, we are charting a new path for care–one that holds the promise of transforming lives and rebuilding hope for countless vulnerable patients.”

Discover how UHI is setting new standards in sports therapy education. Find out more about BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation.