The seats for Rehab Skills Lab’s upcoming Advanced Bobath course in Cape Town were slurped up before you could say Marc Michielsen.
Marc, who will be in South Africa for the first time since 2020 this March to share his knowledge with therapists, is the chair of the International Bobath Instructors Training Association (Ibita).
During his previous visit he facilitated courses in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Gqeberha, which gave him valuable insight into how rehabilitation services are organised and delivered locally.
He also admits to having been inspired by the enthusiasm of his peers to learn more about the Bobath concept.
“I feel privileged to contribute, even in a small way, to the ongoing development of rehabilitation practices,” the Belgian says.
The theme of the course, which takes place at the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre from March 2 to 6, is “postural control related to reaching and grasping”.
This means applying the Model of Bobath Clinical Practice in the assessment and treatment of these movements.
Marc says rehabilitation of the upper limb with regard to stroke patients is occasionally overlooked.
“It is my aim to inspire course participants with a strong interest and dedication to this important area.”
His personal journey started out in an acute geriatric ward where he learnt the value of multidisciplinary neurological rehab.
As the years passed his appreciation of how structured clinical reasoning supports strong hypothesis development and informed treatment decisions just grew stronger.
The past 18 of those has been as head of paramedics at a neurological rehab facility in his homeland.
There he dedicates his time to developing specialised programmes for upper-limb, gait and cognitive rehab.
“I firmly believe the organisational structure of the rehabilitation unit plays a critical role in determining patient outcomes,” he says.
He became an Ibita-recognised instructor in 2005 and was only the second person from Belgium to hold this qualification back then. Ten years later he qualified as a Basic Bobath instructor.
Curiosity drove him to seek a deeper understanding of the method and he felt teaching it was the best way to learn.
That acquired knowledge shaped both his teaching philosophy and view on how rehab teams should be organised for the best possible patient outcomes.
According to Marc the fundamental goal of developing neurological therapy programmes is delivering appropriate intervention at the optimal time.
Determining the right moment – and patient – relies on stratifying individuals through objective assessments.
“Selecting the most effective therapy involves translating neurophysiological knowledge into clinically-relevant strategies.”
He has also been instrumental in the development of the AHA-Boost programme, which offers intensive upper-limb treatment for subacute patients.
It is based on the understanding of neurophysiology and the search for potential; sequences of reaching from core to hand and back; how the brain perceives the arm as being heavy; and how the hand defines arm movement.
Marc says patients meeting the inclusion criteria enters a specialised upper-limb programme during which they receive 20 additional hours of therapy in just four weeks.
Leading Ibita, which he has done since 2021, has been “an honour”, the eternal student says.
“My primary objective is to bring together a group of experts who support and strengthen one another,” he explains, therefore advocating for an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts.
Achieving consistency amid diversity presents a challenge, he admits. While the material taught should be the same worldwide, it must be adaptable to regional nuances.
During his previous visit to the Mother City, he explored every nook and cranny alongside his wife and another couple, an experience he describes as “remarkable”.
“Each day revealed the country’s impressive natural beauty, welcoming residents and outstanding cuisine.”