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PolyU partners with Southern Medical University and SMU Shenzhen Hospital to establish International Sports Medical Rehabilitation Centre

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in partnership with Southern Medical University (SMU) and Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University (SMUShenzhen Hospital), have announced the establishment of the International Sports Medical Rehabilitation Centre (the Centre). This collaboration will leverage the academic and research strengthsof the PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and SMU’s School of Rehabilitation Medicine, along with the extensive clinical experience and resources of SMU Shenzhen Hospital. The Centre aims to enhance the quality of sports medicine and rehabilitation services, and represents a significant advancement in the healthcare industry.  Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation),led a PolyU delegation to SMU for academic exchanges and site visits, focusing on cutting-edge sports healthcare and rehabilitation technologies. During the visit, a  Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of the Centre was signed by Prof. Christopher Chao, Prof. LIU Shuwen, Vice President of SMU; and Prof. ZHOU Hongwei, Director of SMU Shenzhen Hospital. Prof. Christopher Chaohighlighted PolyU’s dedication to technological innovation, research translation and talent cultivation. The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences stands as a leading academic unit both in Asia and globally, boasting top scholars and experienced clinical instructors. This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of advanced sports healthcare and rehabilitation technologies, enhancing the competitiveness of the medical industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and elevating the standard of sports medical rehabilitation treatment. The Centre aims to integrate medical care, education and scientific research to provide patients with professional and high-quality sports medicine rehabilitation and clinical services. The services will encompass prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation training for sports injuries. A key focus will be on fostering collaboration through joint academic programmes, international exchanges, and clinical training, with the goal of nurturing a new generation of globallyminded rehabilitation professionals. By leveraging its extensive expertise in sports medical rehabilitation science, PolyU will play a crucial role in offering technical support and research guidance, actively contributing to injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programmes. Meanwhile, the research strengths of SMU and the PolyU Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology will be harnessed to advance sports science, intelligent rehabilitation equipment, and sports monitoring systems. The Centre will prioritise translating research outcomes into practical applications for the benefit of society. PolyU anticipates a continuing collaborative effort with SMU and SMU Shenzhen Hospital to establish the Centre as a globally leading integrated platform for medicine, industry, academia, and research. Through international partnerships, the Centre aims to cultivate professional talents and deliver high-quality medical services of superior standards.

Dr Jack Zhang & Dr Shirley Zhang awarded HMRF Research Fellowship Scheme

We are delighted to announce that Dr Jack Zhang and Dr Shirley Zhang, Research Assistant Professors in our department, have been awarded the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) Research Fellowship Scheme in 2023. Dr Jack Zhang will advance stroke rehabilitation through an innovative brain-computer interface (BCI) protocol that uses neurofeedback to enhance motor recovery. The grant supports overseas neurofeedback training in Germany and a clinical trial in Hong Kong, aiming to set new benchmarks in personalised neurorehabilitation. Dr Shirley Zhang will study apathy in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), focusing on brainstem and subcortical-cortical pathways using advanced imaging techniques. Her work seeks to uncover novel treatment strategies and improve progression predictions for those affected by PD. These achievements highlight our commitment to advancing healthcare innovation.

PolyU Department of Rehabilitation Sciences launches “Better Ageing in Community Campaign”, applying AI technology to assess the fall risk of 2,500 elderly in the community

According to the Department of Health, in Hong Kong approximately one in five community-dwelling elderly individuals aged 65 or above fall every year, posing significant health risks to themselves and placing a potential burden on public health resources. To alleviate the pressure on the public healthcare system, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has partnered with several local community organisations to launch the “Better Ageing in Community Campaign”. The Campaign aims to conduct fall risk screenings for 2,500 elderly individuals to identify those at higher risk of falling, using artificial intelligence (AI) technology developed by the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, and provide them with fall prevention training, translating PolyU research achievements into practical benefits for the community. Mr Fletch CHAN, Commissioner for Rehabilitation of the Labour and Welfare Bureau of the HKSAR Government; Mr Tommy CHEUNG, Executive Council Member and Legislative Council Member; Mr LEE Chun-keung, Legislative Council Member; Dr Roy CHUNG, Honorary Chairman of the PolyU Court; Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) ; and Prof. Marco PANG, Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, together with district officers and representatives from PolyU, jointly officiated the Campaign commencement ceremony. During the event, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the co-organising local community partners to establish a framework for future community work. Mr Fletch Chan said, “To promote the use of technology in the social welfare sector, the Government allocated $1 billion in 2018 to set up the Innovation and Technology Fund for Application in Elderly and Rehabilitation Care to subsidise eligible elderly and rehabilitation service units to introduce technology products such as fall prevention equipment.  So far, about $750 million has been approved.  In 2024-25, the Government injected additional $1 billion into the Fund and will expand its scope to cover gerontechnology products suitable for household use, with a view to benefitting more elderly persons.” Prof. Ben Young stated, “For more than 80 years, PolyU has been committed to innovating and providing quality higher education, bringing positive and powerful impact to the community. We have cultivated generations of students who have made outstanding contributions in the society. We aspire to be a leading university in pioneering knowledge transfer and in providing quality whole-person education, contributing to Hong Kong, the Nation and the world. It is our aspiration to bring meaningful changes to the lives of individuals and communities. This campaign reflects our mission.” The Better Ageing in Community Campaign aims to promote healthier ageing, with a particular emphasis on the importance of fall prevention among the elderly. Utilising AI technology developed by the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and other tools, the experienced research and teaching team will supervise physiotherapy and occupational therapy students who volunteer to conduct comprehensive assessments for 2,500 elderly individuals aged 60 or above. The assessments will focus on fall risk. Based on the results, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences will invite those identified as being at moderate risk to participate in rehabilitation training, while those identified as being at high risk will be referred to District Health Centres for follow-up interventions. During the initial phase of the campaign, eligible elderly individuals will be recruited through the co-organising local community partners, with plans being made to expand the initiative to other districts in Hong Kong. The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences will analyse and compile the collected data, with the aim of assisting the government in optimising primary healthcare policies in Hong Kong.

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences Inaugurates Master's Programmes for Academic Year 2024/25

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (RS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) marked the inauguration of the Master in Physiotherapy (MPT) and Master in Occupational Therapy (MOT) programmes for the 2024/25 academic year on 9 January 2025. The ceremony was graced by Ms Leung Yee-lee, Maggie, Assistant Director (Rehabilitation and Medical Social Services) from the Social Welfare Department, highlighting the importance of these programmes in shaping the future of rehabilitation services. Prof. Marco Pang, Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Professor in Rehabilitation Sciences, Chair Professor of Neurorehabilitation, and Head of PolyU RS, delivered an inspiring speech. He highlighted the evolution of the master’s programmes and the growing global recognition of physiotherapists and occupational therapists as primary healthcare providers. His remarks emphasised the essential contributions these professionals make to modern healthcare. A key moment of the ceremony was the Student Pledge Ceremony, led by Prof. Pang. New students took an oath, pledging to uphold the core values and ethical standards of their professions. This ceremony marked the beginning of their journey into the impactful fields of physiotherapy and occupational therapy, celebrating their commitment to serving the community with compassion and integrity. Under the Training Sponsorship Scheme of the Social Welfare Department, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences has been offering the two-year full-time entry-level MPT and MOT programmes in alternate years since 2012, and annually since 2021. Both programmes have been instrumental in training future rehabilitation therapists, contributing to easing shortages in these vital healthcare sectors.

PolyU RS Signs MoU with Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital/Wuxi Mental Health Center. This collaboration aims to establish a framework for cooperation in personnel exchanges and academic research. The signing of the MoU was witnessed by management of PolyU including Dr Lam Tai-fai, Council Chairman; Prof. Teng Jin-guang, President; and Prof. Dong Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement). Representatives from the Wuxi Municipal Government were also present, including Mr Qin Yongxin, Deputy Mayor of Wuxi Municipal Government; Mr Zhao Junming, Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department of the Wuxi Municipal Party Committee and Director of the Municipal Overseas Chinese Affairs Office; and Mr Da Xuerong, Director of Wuxi Municipal Health Commission. The MoU was signed by Prof. Marco Pang, Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund Professor in Rehabilitation Sciences, Chair Professor of Neurorehabilitation and Head, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, DoUBSN of PolyU, and Mr Yin Qitao, Director of Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital. The partnership is set to create invaluable opportunities for students and researchers, providing enhanced training and learning experiences in the field of rehabilitation sciences. By combining the strengths and expertise of both institutions, this MoU seeks to advance academic excellence, drive innovative research, and support professional development in rehabilitation.    

PolyU RS and The University of Queensland Forms New Partnership

The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has entered into a significant partnership with the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences under the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at The University of Queensland, Australia. The two institutions have formalised their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership sets the stage for meaningful cooperation in key areas, including research, teaching and learning opportunities, as well as enriching student exchange programmes. By leveraging their shared expertise and resources, both parties aim to advance the field of physiotherapy and occupational therapy and provide students with enhanced academic experiences and global exposure.    

Inaugural Conference on Teaching and Learning Innovations Explores Advancements in Rehabilitation Sciences Education

The First Annual Conference on Teaching and Learning Innovations in Rehabilitation Sciences took place on 9–10 December 2024. Organised by the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in collaboration with the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development, this 1.5-day conference brought together about 500 participants, including renowned scholars, educators, researchers, and students ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate level, to explore and share advancements in rehabilitation sciences education. Highlighting Collaborative Visions Under the theme "Collaborative Visions: Enhancing Rehabilitation through Education and Research", this inaugural conference served as a platform to foster dialogue and creativity. It showcased new approaches in education and research that aim to drive critical advancements in rehabilitation sciences. This event not only underscored the importance of collaboration but also highlighted the Department’s educational philosophy, which values "student-staff partnerships". This partnership approach is pivotal in creating an enriching learning environment, encouraging students to take ownership of their educational journeys, and equipping them with the critical, analytical skills required to face future challenges in clinical practice. Keynote Addresses On Day 1, the conference commenced an opening ceremony, followed by an inspiring keynote speech by Prof. Richard Windle, Faculty Deputy Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) and Digital Learning Director from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham. Prof. Windle delivered an insightful presentation titled “Healthy Scepticism: How Health Sciences Education Taught Higher Education to be Digital.” His keynote delved into the approaches used to develop digital learning solutions tailored to evolving pedagogical needs, from creating accessible multimedia resources to designing AI-supported simulated digital placements. On Day 2, Prof. Hu Xiangen, Director of the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development (IHERD), Director of the Educational Research Centre (ERC), and Chair Professor of Learning Sciences and Technologies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, presented the second keynote address. Titled “Empowering Rehabilitation Sciences Education with Generative AI: Unlocking Conceptual Understanding through Natural Language”, Prof. Hu's presentation captivated the audience by illustrating how generative AI can enhance conceptual understanding and elevate the pedagogical approach in rehabilitation sciences. Engaging Parallel Sessions The conference featured vibrant parallel sessions that allowed attendees to immerse themselves in educational research, innovative solutions, and clinical applications. Academic staff Contributions: Faculty members of the Department showcased cutting-edge educational research demonstrating their adoption of evidence-based teaching methodologies that are shaping the future of rehabilitation education. Student Contributions: Undergraduate and postgraduate students presented their final year research projects which provides practical solutions to solve clinical questions which contributes to the evidence-based clinical practices. In addition, the research postgraduate students presented their innovative pioneering research projects which generates new knowledge contributing to life sciences. The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences extends its deepest gratitude to all keynote speakers, presenters, participants, students, and organising committee members for their contributions in making this inaugural conference an overwhelming success. With such a strong start, this event promises to continue as a pivotal forum for collaboration and growth in the years to come.    

Year One Student Pledge Ceremony Marks Beginning of Professional Journeys

On 19 November 2024, the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University proudly hosted the Year One Student Pledge Ceremony, marking the beginning of our physiotherapy and occupational therapy students' professional journeys. The ceremony was kicked off by an inspiring welcome speech by Prof. Marco Pang, Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, featured addresses from Mr Alexander Woo, President of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association, and Ms Stella Cheng, Immediate Past Chairperson of the Hong Kong Occupational Therapy Association, who introduced the incoming cohort to their chosen professions. A key highlight of the event was the oath-taking and signing ceremony, led by Prof. Marco Pang. Together, the students pledged their commitment to uphold the values and principles of their future professions. We warmly welcome our new students as they take their first steps into the impactful world of physiotherapy and occupational therapy. This ceremony signifies not just a new chapter for them but also their dedication to serving public with compassion and integrity. 

PolyU and UHRS Sign MOU

We are delighted to announce a significant collaboration between Shandong Province and Hong Kong, marking a new chapter in education and research exchange. On 5 November 2024, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (UHRS) in Qingdao, signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement was formalised at the "University Talent Exchange between Shandong and Hong Kong cum Shandong University Talent Recruitment Fair." The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences will spearhead this initiative on behalf of PolyU, establishing a robust framework for cooperation. This partnership aims to enhance professional development, facilitate teacher-student exchanges, advance translational research, and support the establishment of an affiliated hospital. Through these efforts, we aspire to foster the growth of rehabilitation sciences in both regions, benefiting communities in China. We look forward to the exciting opportunities this collaboration will bring and the positive impact it will have on the field of rehabilitation.

Exceptional Achievements at the HKPA Conference 2024

At the recent HKPA Conference 2024, hosted by the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association, we are thrilled to announce the exceptional achievements of our faculty members and students who have garnered top honours across various categories: Oral Presentation Award Gold Award: Dr Billy SO Silver Award: Ms LI Xun Rapid-5 Presentation Award - Gold Award: Dr Janet LEE Poster Presentation Award Gold Award: Mr LIANG Guoshi, Sam Silver Award: Dr Tiev MILLER Bronze Award: Dr Janet LEE Congratulations to all the awardees for their remarkable achievements. Their success not only reflects their personal dedication and hard work but also highlights the excellence of our institution in the field of physiotherapy.