We examine movement, physical activity, and strategies in controlled laboratory and clinical settings as well as in real-life environments. Our work bridges various theoretical frameworks and methods—from computational neuro-biomechanical modeling, dynamical systems theory, and data science approaches to behavioral studies and observations of activities in everyday environments.
We aim to gain insights into motor, brain, and cognitive functions in physiological aging and neurodegenerative disorders. We also seek to understand the neuromechanical changes underlying adaptation, particularly in aging and age-related neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. We contribute to understanding the underlying factors of lifestyle-related diseases and physical inactivity, aiming to prevent them. Additionally, we explore ways to optimize the quality of our everyday movements, potentially leading to more healthy years.
Topics of our research program:
Age-related diseases and conditions, which are often lifestyle-related, are increasingly prevalent in society. With our research, we aim to increase the understanding of factors underlying active and healthy aging in populations of different backgrounds. Limited evidence exists regarding strategies supporting maintenance and adoption of (physical) activity and health behaviors. We study the mechanisms, processes and value of such strategies, implemented in real-life settings, such as health care or community settings. These include (lifestyle) interventions and (wearable) technologies and AI based decision support systems which provide real-time feedback or encouragement about health.
Example projects:
Physical activity, movement, behaviour and the living environment are closely intertwined. Adequate physical activity and the fostering of motor skills throughout life form an essential foundation for healthy aging. Everyday environments (i.e. play areas, workplaces, homes, green spaces, neighborhoods) play a crucial role in this process—they can either act as barriers or facilitators to being physically active. How do people adapt their actions to the environment across the timescales of performance, learning and aging? How do people perceive and act upon the possibilities for acting in their living environment? To answer these questions, we conduct field research in real-world settings, investigating -among other things-, the benefits of green exercise for elderly, which jumping stone configurations are most attractive, how the layout of a living environment affects the daily lives of citizens.
Example projects:
Our neuromechanical approach combines neurophysiology and biomechanics to study physiological aging and age-related disease. Concepts and tools from dynamical systems theory are applied to examine the stability and adaptability of movement patterns, particularly gait. Our research spans from healthy aging, to pathological conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, sarcopenia), and from upper limb movements to altered gait and physical activity. These approaches help us understand changes in the neuromusculoskeletal system that underlie altered movement patterns, strength, and performance. This new knowledge serves as evidence for novel treatments that improve people's quality of life or help manage pathological conditions. Supporting technology includes gaming, virtual reality, and wearable devices for monitoring, diagnosis, and intervention.
Example projects:
Physiological ageing and neurodegenerative disorders impact the structure and function of the central nervous system. A good understanding of the role of the central nervous system and the impact of changes therein on motor and cognitive function is crucial. In the Healthy Ageing Research Group, we adopt various imaging techniques (fNIRS, EEG) to study brain activity, connectivity and the interactions between the brain and muscles in the context of motor control, learning, memory and other cognitive functions. For example, we study if and how changes in brain activity and connectivity mediate the effects of physical activity on executive function.
Personalized exercise for dementia
Inactivity in an important risk factor for dementia. Physical activity interventions are offered to reduce the risk of dementia and to enhance cognitive and physical functions. However, adherence and effects are lower in people with dementia compared to their healthy peers. Therefore, a personalized approach is recommended. In this project we develop a fully digitalized tool to give personalized exercise recommendations to people with dementia. We follow a design-thinking approach and incorporate a wide range of factors affecting physical activity behavior of people with dementia classified in accordance with a socio-ecological model. The tool aims on use in both research and broader implementation within the general population.
Project leader: Marieke van Heuvelen
Department of Human Movement Sciences
Internal postcode FA23
PO Box 998
9700 AZ Groningen
The Netherlands
Visiting address
Antonius Deusinglaan 1
9713 AV Groningen
building 3215, 3th floor
