Rachel Young

Rachel Young is a Senior Research Fellow at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, part of the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences at Sheffield Hallam University. She holds a PhD in Power Assisted Exercise for Stroke Rehabilitation (2023), an MSc in Neurological Physiotherapy (2002), and a BSc (hons). Her research focuses on developing accessible rehabilitation technologies and exercise solutions for neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, with a particular emphasis on stroke recovery and chronic disease management. She collaborates with commercial and healthcare sectors to innovate solutions enabling physical activity access for complex health cases.

Her teaching career includes roles as Senior Lecturer (2003–2017) where she led practice-based learning, postgraduate program development, and team leadership. She transitioned to a PhD-focused associate role (2017–2020) before becoming a Senior Research Fellow in 2020. Notable projects include the Innovate UK-funded AGE4A project (gamified exercise solutions) and the SBRI-funded Golf in Society initiative.

• Education:
  • PhD: Advancing Power Assisted Exercise for People with Stroke (2023)
  • MSc: Neurological Physiotherapy (2002)
  • BSc (hons) in Physiotherapy

Her research interests span neurological rehabilitation, exercise prescription, and co-design methodologies for assistive technologies. Recent work includes humanoid robotics integration in stroke rehab and global health initiatives in Cameroon targeting cardiovascular disease prevention through physiotherapist-led programs.

Grants and projects highlight her success in securing funding: AGE4A (Innovate UK), Golf in Society (SBRI), and a feasibility study on accessible isokinetic equipment. She has supervised doctoral research, including E. Ngeh’s work on physiotherapy-led health promotion in Cameroon.

Lab affiliations include the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre and Health Research Institute, where she drives interdisciplinary research to bridge clinical practice and technological innovation.