Clinical Movement Sciences

Whether it’s a lower limb prosthesis to walk on, an arm prosthesis to grasp with, or a wheelchair to roll around, all these forms of assistive technology help to enhance the mobility of people in need of it. The efficacy of these devices depends not only on the capacity of the device, but also on the capacity of the user and especially the interaction between user and device. As Human movement scientists our group is well suited to bridge the gap between biomedical and engineering perspectives by developing new knowledge from different theoretical backgrounds and perspectives in order enhance assistive technology and training.

Example projects:

• Human-in-the-Loop Optimization of assistive technology
  Despite impressive advances in assistive technology, restoring movement function remains challenging due to the need for user-specific tuning. Individuals vary greatly in musculoskeletal anatomy and movement adaptation, making man-machine interaction complex. Our research uses “Human-in-the-Loop Optimization” to address this challenge, incorporating the user’s real-time response into the optimization process. We identify key device parameters, define user-centered goals, measure performance, and apply AI algorithms to find optimal device settings efficiently. This approach is applied to devices from orthopedic shoes to prosthetic limbs. Through our analysis of human device co-adaption we aim to enhance effectiveness of assistive technology for mobility.
  
  Funding sources: HTRiC, LPDP Indonesia
  Researchers: Han Houdijk, Christian Greve
  Collaboration: Rehabilitation Medicine UMCG, Faculty of Science and Engineering RUG
• Upper limb prosthesis
  
  Researchers: Raoul Bongers, Samantha Rozevink

This research unit focuses on neuro-musculoskeletal modeling of the human body to prevent injury and improve performance. By studying how the neuro-musculoskeletal system generates movement and interacts with the environment, we investigate the impact of deficits in joint coordination, muscle strength, and other motor impairments on movement. Our goal is to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuro-musculoskeletal diseases such as knee joint injuries, clubfoot deformity or stroke.

Example projects:

• Modeling neural control impairments to improve walking in people with central lesions
  Patients with central neurological lesions struggle with muscle control due to spasticity and impaired neural motor control, leading to unstable gait and reduced quality of life. The unclear mechanisms of these deficits hinder diagnosis and treatment. This project uses experimental research and physics-based computer simulations to develop new models neural control impairments, aiming to improve diagnostics, therapeutic interventions, and assistive devices.
  
  Funding sources: FWO, Stichting Beatrixoord Noord-Nederland
  Researchers: Tom Buurke
  In collaboration with: KU Leuven, dept rehabilitation Radboud UMC, dept of Neurology UMCG
• Advancing Clinical Gait Analysis for Personalized Rehabilitation
  Our research group integrates advanced motion capture, muscle assessments, and musculoskeletal modelling into clinical gait rehabilitation. We bridge clinical care and science—clinical challenges drive research, and findings enhance treatment. Using 3D gait analysis, we identify neuromechanical causes of walking impairments and evaluate therapies like surgery, orthotics, and physiotherapy. Our interdisciplinary team develops computer models to understand complex gait disorders such as crouch gait and clubfoot. By providing objective data and using individualized models, we support personalized rehabilitation tailored to each patient. Our goal is to embed evidence-based gait analysis into routine care and advance precision medicine in rehabilitation.
  
  Researchers: Christian Greve
  In collaboration with: dept of Rehabilitation Medicine, Orthopaedics, 3D lab UMCG

A primary goal of clinical movement sciences is to restore functional ability of those suffering from a movement disorder or movement impairment. Daily life functions that could be performed before the occurrence of the impairment, must be performed with an impaired movement system. Hence, restoration of function requires learning to perform goal-directed movements with an impaired movement system. Note that impairments occurring at a young age might affect motor developmental processes. Therefore, in our research program we exploit and develop knowledge on motor control, motor learning and motor development to develop a fundamental basis to develop training protocols that can be used in rehabilitation.

Example projects:

• Repairs: RE-learning Perception-Action In Rehabilitation from a Systems perspective
  REPAIRS aims to improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation that is concerned with the restoration and enhancement of functional ability and quality of life of people with a movement disorder or disability related to perception and action. To this end REPAIRS combines insights from fundamental research on how individuals re-learn perception and action with cutting-edge rehabilitation practice using a systems perspective. Covering a broad range of disciplines, our 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) will work together towards the goal of improving rehabilitation and ultimately quality of life.
  
  Funding sources: EU Horizon 2020, Marie Sklodowska-Curie No. 956003
  Researchers: Raoul Bongers, Joanne Smith, Frank Zaal
  
  Project page – REPAIRS

Physical exercise is important for everyone, also for persons with chronic impairments or diseases. From hospital stay, rehabilitation, daily living up to the level of Paralympics, physical exercise is an important way to enhance health and functioning. Our research unit focuses on exercise testing and training to monitor fitness and improve physical capacity. By combining knowledge of exercise physiology and movement analysis we aim to understand the underlying mechanisms of exercise limitation and develop testing and training tools that effectively address these limitations. With this we aim to enhance health and functioning and promote and facilitate an active lifestyle.

Example projects:

• Dimatio: Accelerating Medical Innovations through Smart Technology
  The Dimatio project develops innovative equipment to assess exercise capacity in individuals with mobility impairments. We're creating a modular building block for two systems: an arm-leg ergometer for those with limited leg function and a wheelchair ergometer. Alpha prototypes have been tested and with input from experts and patients, we aim to refine beta prototypes for user-friendliness and accuracy. Thanks to the modular approach of this project, the medical certification of these systems will be facilitated, providing fast access for health care applications.
  
  Funding sources: SNN-EFRO-0059
  
  Researchers: Han Houdijk, Riemer Vegter, Rowie Terpstra-Janssen, Cassandra Kraaijenbrink
  Collaboration with: Lode BV, dept of Rehabilitation Medicine UMCG
• WheelPower
  The WheelPower consortium, including Paralympic wheelchair sport federations, scientific, commercial and rehabilitation partners, collaborates to boost wheelchair athletes' power output for improved competitive performance. It merges field-based power data from training and competition with standardized lab measurements of strength and power using inertial units and a wheelchair ergometer. By integrating these results, WheelPower optimizes training programs, enhances wheelchair design, and provides instant athlete feedback via the Sport Data Valley platform. In this way, athletes gain more insights into their performance and can better prepare for their next competition.
  
  Funding sources: ZonMw
  Researchers: Riemer Vegter, Rowie Terpstra-Janssen