As the population in Singapore faces an alarming rise in stroke and brain injuries, the demand for effective rehabilitation strategies has become increasingly urgent. Stroke remains the leading cause of adult disability worldwide, and is a significant contributor to long-term disabilities. According to the Singapore Stroke Registry, over 9,600 stroke cases were reported in 2021, with the median age of onset at between 67 to 70 years. Alarmingly, the risk of stroke doubles approximately every 10 years after age 55. With Singapore projected to achieve super aged status by 2026, the number of individuals affected is expected to rise sharply.
The Impact of Stroke and Brain Injuries
After experiencing a stroke, many individuals face debilitating symptoms, including weakness on one side of the body, impaired coordination, and balance difficulties. These challenges can significantly hinder daily activities such as feeding, bathing, and dressing. Without proper management and rehabilitation, these effects can drastically impact an individual’s quality of life, highlighting the critical need for effective treatment strategies.
Empowering Healthcare Professionals at St Luke’s Hospital
Since 2004, St Luke’s Hospital (SLH) has been at the forefront of training physical and occupational therapists in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT). NDT is a hands-on, problem-solving approach utilised by therapists and speech-language pathologists to treat patients with neurological disorders, focusing on improving movement and function. This method encourages therapists to analyse and facilitate efficient movement patterns for their patients.
Beyond stroke rehabilitation, rehabilitation care has always been a key focus at SLH, where a dedicated multidisciplinary team helps patients regain functional abilities, supporting them not just in recovery but in improving their overall quality of life.
Yvonne Lau, the Head of St Luke’s Academy and St Luke’s Community Wound Centre, emphasises this commitment: “We are dedicated to equipping healthcare professionals with the tools they need to provide the best care possible. Our courses, which fulfil the requirement by the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association (NDTA™, Inc.), are one way we support the development of expertise in neurological rehabilitation, ensuring better patient outcomes.”
NDTA™ Courses at St Luke’s Academy
St Luke’s Academy offers two comprehensive NDTA™ courses tailored to equip therapists with a thorough understanding of the NDT Clinal Practice Model for treating patients recovering from strokes or brain injuries.
Participants have praised the courses for their interactive format and immediate clinical impact. “The course has enhanced my skills and strengthened my ability to analyse patients’ impairments and strengths through the NDT framework. When managing complex neuro cases, I now feel more confident and aware of different patient-centred intervention approaches,” said Choo Ying, Physiotherapist, SLH.
The courses are anchored in the application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model in assessing clients recovering from stroke or brain injury. Moreover, they tap on the knowledge of both international and local instructors who bring their extensive clinical experience to the courses. Teresa Siebold, an NDTA™ Instructor, shared, “SLH has developed an extremely efficient system to support course participants, instructors, and patient volunteers. It is always a pleasure to teach such an engaged and passionate group of therapists.”
NDTA™ Approved Advanced Handling and Problem-Solving Course
- Duration: 5 Days, Face-to-Face
- Cost: $3500
This course builds upon the three-week “NDTA™ Certificate Course in the Contemporary Practice of NDT for the Management of Adults with Stroke and Brain Injury” to enhance participants’ assessment and handling skills. The practicum includes working with patients affected by central nervous system lesions such as stroke or traumatic brain injury.
Learning outcomes include:
- Analysing the effectiveness of movement strategies during the performance of functional activities.
- Formulating and implementing appropriate treatment strategies for persons with neurological dysfunction.
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NDTA™ Certificate Course in the Contemporary Practice of NDT for the Management of Adults with Stroke and Brain Injury
- Duration: 15 Days, Face-to-Face
- Cost: $8,500
Designed for registered physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or speech-language pathologists with at least one year of post-graduation clinical experience, the roles and expertise of the disciplines within the NDT Clinical Practice Model will be integrated into the course content.
Learning outcomes include:
- Demonstrating and integrating effective NDT clinical reasoning and problem solving, using assessment findings to design sequenced, progressive, and goal-oriented treatment plans.
- Designing, implementing, modelling, and adapting therapeutic handling strategies that address clients’ most significant impairments and sustainable improvements.
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For more training, upskilling, and re-skilling courses under St Luke’s Academy, visit the AIC CCLMS Marketplace. For further inquiries, please contact St Luke’s Academy via email at sla_admin@stluke.org.sg
