Dignified and Meaningful Life
Our multidisciplinary network aims to deepen understanding of the importance of dignity, meaningful life, hope and participatory factors in rehabilitation processes. We explore how these factors can contribute to the success of rehabilitation and influence long-term outcomes. We will also consider future trends in rehabilitation services, in particular the growing role of tele-rehabilitation and digital technologies.
Overview
Research group description
The goal of the Dignified and Meaningful Life research network is to deepen the understanding of dignity and meaningful life as part of the rehabilitation process. The network aims to stimulate discussion on these themes among researchers, professionals, rehabilitees, and their loved ones. Additionally, the network emphasizes the importance of considering future national and global trends in rehabilitation services, such as the growing role of remote rehabilitation and technology, as well as the significance of self-directed rehabilitation.
The network highlights both national and international research related to dignified and meaningful rehabilitation and recovery. Its purpose is to advance the development of a shared knowledge base for rehabilitation and to foster multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration. The network seeks to produce high-quality research on the relevance and effectiveness of various rehabilitation methods to establish the paradigm of Dignified and Meaningful Rehabilitation.
Our research questions of interest include:
- What is the effectiveness of rehabilitation on individuals' functional capacity in daily life, in the workplace, and in other forms of participation in societal activities?
- How can different academic disciplines and their research knowledge be utilized in rehabilitation to support equality, equity, and overall well-being?
- What is the shared core of rehabilitation in multidisciplinary practices?
- What is the cost-effectiveness of rehabilitation, and how much are people willing to pay for it?
- How can rehabilitation address both national and global future challenges?
Our network broadly utilizes various quantitative and qualitative methods, with a particular emphasis on mixed-methods research. Our aim is to identify the key objectives and content of rehabilitation activities that support the rehabilitees, their families, and rehabilitation professionals in fostering a positive outlook for the future as full members and active participants in society.
Responsible science
Our research group adheres to both national and international principles and requirements for open science and research. Responsible science involves following ethical principles, including good scientific practices, research ethics, responsible data management with data protection and security requirements, as well as responsible science communication and the promotion of an open science culture.
More information: https://vastuullinentiede.fi
Theory and background
"At the heart of Dignified and Meaningful Rehabilitation are individual encounter, enabling autonomy and freedom, participation in ordinary life and maintaining hope and faith in the future."
The theory of Dignified and Meaningful rehabilitation is based on research that examined the effectiveness and meaningfulness of physiotherapy in individuals with cerebrovascular disorders (CVD) or multiple sclerosis (MS).
The study provided new insights into the experiences of rehabilitees related to dignity, physical, psychological, and social functioning, environment, and the content of rehabilitation. The key finding was that respecting the dignity of rehabilitees is at the core of the meaningfulness of rehabilitation. This principle forms the foundation for all other significant experiences within the rehabilitation process.
Maintaining Dignity in Rehabilitation:
- Treat the rehabilitee as a person, not as a diagnosis
- Support the rehabilitee’s independence, personal freedom, and participation in everyday life
- Foster and sustain hope and belief in the future
- Strengthen the rehabilitee’s self-efficacy and self-esteem
Rehabilitees' Wishes for Professionals:
- Comprehensive expertise and specific professional skills
- Equality and fairness
- A holistic approach
- Providing companionship and support in challenges
Considering these aspects in rehabilitation enables the overall well-being of the rehabilitee, respects their dignity, and promotes the achievement of rehabilitation goals.
We invite everyone interested in human dignity and meaningfulness related to rehabilitation to collaborate with us. Join the network by sending us an email. In the e-mail, please indicate the personal information that you want to publish in the "External members" section of the network on the Internet. Anyone interested in cooperation can use this information. In the e-mail, please include the information that you want to publish, at least your first and last name (mandatory information). In addition, you can tell your title, organization, and a link to your personal website or e-mail address. By joining, you give your consent to the publication of your personal data on the Internet. Please read the privacy notice before joining.
You also have the right to withdraw your consent. Withdrawal of consent does not affect the legality of processing carried out on the basis of consent prior to its withdrawal.
Contact us by email: ihmisarvoinen-kuntoutus@jyu.fi.
Follow us on LinkedIn: @Ihmisarvoinen kuntoutus
The responsible researcher for the network is Tuulikki Sjögren, University Lecturer and Associate Professor of Rehabilitation at the University of Jyväskylä: tuulikki.sjogren@jyu.fi
Publications on Dignified and Meaningful Life
In this section, we share publications and other texts by members of the network. If you would like to add your own publications, please send us an email.
Current
Members
Research group
Group leaders
Members
External members
Heidi Leinonen
Mika-Petri Laakkonen
Erika Mäntylä
Minna Muñoz
Ulla Eloniemi-Sulkava
Virpi Hantikainen
Kati Naamanka
Laura Rautiainen
Anssi Kirkonpelto
Kirsi Myller-Pirinen
Sirkku Taskinen
Heli Lahtio
Arja Hälinen
Anu Salonsaari
Ulla Korpi-Tassi
Heikki Penttilä
Christina Lindgren
Liisa Myller
Johanna Vihtakari
Research projects
Research on the use of artificial intelligence to support rehabilitation continues as part of a joint project between the University of Jyväskylä (JYU.Well) and Peurunka Oy
During the “Artificial Intelligence in Rehabilitation” research project (2026–2027), perceptions, experiences, and impacts related to the implementation and adoption of the Diarium patient information system and the AI assistant linked to it will be monitored as part of Peurunka’s broad rehabilitation activities from the perspective of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team.
The collaboration between experts from the University of Jyväskylä’s JYU.Well, researchers from the “Artificial Intelligence in Physiotherapy” research project, and Peurunka Oy represents significant regional and national research, development, education, and innovation (RDI) work, as well as societal impact.
Based on the previous research and development projects of the project principal investigator, Adjunct Professor of Rehabilitation Tuulikki Sjögren, there has not yet been sufficient research on technology, digitalization, or artificial intelligence in rehabilitation.
The research will help assess the impact and relevance of emerging and smart technologies as part of everyday rehabilitation work, as well as the mechanisms, phenomena, and processes underlying their successful application.
This research project expands and complements the ongoing research project by Sjögren’s research group titled “Artificial intelligence and future opportunities in physiotherapy –from research-based knowledge to national recommendations and proposal for measures.”.
Principal investigator
Tuulikki Sjögren
Title of Docent/ Adjunct professor (Rehabilitation) and University Lecturer (PhD, Physiotherapy; M.Sc, Sport and exercise psychology; M.Sc, Adult Education)
Research Group
Ville Heilala
Sanna Laine
Hilkka Korpi
Specialists
Päivi Fadjukoff (JYU.Well)
Eeva Harjula (JYU.Well)
Satu Ylitalo (Peurunka Oy)
Artificial intelligence and future opportunities in physiotherapy - from research-based knowledge to national recommendations and proposal for measures (AI in Physiotherapy) -research (1.3.2025-1.9.2026).
Artificial intelligence as a tool is radically transforming the traditional work, expertise, and professional culture of physiotherapists, including leadership and work organization. Our research generates practice-oriented knowledge alongside national recommendations and proposal on measures on how artificial intelligence can be effectively integrated into physiotherapy work. This includes the development of AI-related expertise and professional culture, with particular attention to leadership and work organization across different career stages of physiotherapists.
Principal Investigator
Tuulikki Sjögren
Title of Docent/ Adjunct professor (Rehabilitation) and University Lecturer (PhD, Physiotherapy; M.Sc, Sport and exercise psychology; M.Sc, Adult Education)
Research Group
Ville Heilala
Sanna Laine
Hilkka Korpi
Antti Korpi, Lunalex Oy
Master Thesis
Master’s thesis conducted as part of the Artificial Intelligence in Physiotherapy research project
The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that enable or constrain the use of artificial intelligence in physiotherapy, as well as the experiences and meanings physiotherapists attach to using AI as part of their work. The study is based on qualitative thematic interview data and approaches the phenomenon through sociotechnical theory, taking into account technological, human, and organizational dimensions. The findings provide user‑centred insights to support the ethically sustainable and practice‑oriented implementation of AI in physiotherapy.
Research Team
Johanna Lindegren, Master’s student (Physiotherapist, Master of Health Care), University of Eastern Finland, Department of Health and Social Management, Health and Human Services Informatics
Virpi Jylhä (PhD), Postdoctoral Researcher and Senior Lecturer, University of Eastern Finland, Department of Health and Social Management, Health and Human Services Informatics
Heli Kumpulainen (M.Sc), University Teacher and Doctoral Researcher, University of Eastern Finland, Department of Health and Social Management, Health and Human Services Informatics
Hilkka Korpi (PhD ), Project Researcher, Artificial Intelligence in Physiotherapy research project; Principal Lecturer, Oulu University of Applied Sciences
Tuulikki Sjögren (Adjunct Professor of Rehabilitation, PhD), University Lecturer, University of Jyväskylä, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences; Principal Investigator and Research Director, Artificial Intelligence in Physiotherapy research project
"Users’ Experiences of the Acceptability, Usefulness, and Meaningfulness of Self-Rehabilitation" (Self-Rehabilitation) – A Multidisciplinary Research Project (1.3.2025 – 31.12.2026)
The aim of this study is to examine the factors that influence how individuals experience the meaningfulness of independently conducted self-rehabilitation, as well as their commitment to exercises and rehabilitative activities. The research also seeks to identify which types of technology are perceived as useful by rehabilitation participants and how such technologies could be optimally integrated into the rehabilitation process.
Research Team
Saara Wahlroos, Master’s student in Information Technology at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Licensed occupational therapist
Tuomo Kujala, Principal investigator of the Cognitive Science Research Group, Faculty of Information Technology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Ville Heilala, Ph.D., Senior Researcher, School of Wellbeing (JYU.Well), University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Tuulikki Sjögren, Principal Investigator and Research Director of the “Dignified and Meaningful Life” Research Group (IH-ME), University of Jyväskylä, Finland