Research group Innovation of Movement Care
We focus on optimising the physical self-reliance of people, at home, in the neighbourhood, and during hospitalisation. We are also looking into ways to innovate physiotherapy and kinesiotherapy to meet the needs of patients in the future, for example through the use of technology.
Lines of research within the research group
Having to lie down all the time during hospitalisation is harmful, especially for older patients. The combination of illness, medical treatment and too little exercise leads to a rapid deterioration of the patient's physical condition. As a result, the patient’s recovery period after hospitalisation is lengthened.
We are developing and implementing exercise programmes for the periods before, during and after hospitalisation, so that elderly patients can better optimise their physical condition and self-reliance.
Projects
- PRIOR (PReoperative intervention to Improve outcomes in Oesophageal cancer patients after Resection)
Limited physical functionality poses a threat to the self-reliance of individuals. But how does one chart physical self-reliance, and can it be improved in an easily accessible manner? Physiotherapists and kinesio-therapists play an important role in supporting and stimulating physical self-reliance.
However, it is important that they can cooperate with other professionals in this regard. A precondition for this is that physiotherapists and kinesio-therapists structure and present their expertise properly, thus making what they have to offer more known to the general public and to professionals with whom they are involved.
Movement care can make use of digital applications such as apps, online exercise programmes and pedometers, in the effort to help patients become more self-reliant. We are studying the manner in which this can be done, and which digital applications are best suited for different patient types. We are also developing healthcare treatments that are integrated with digital applications. One example of this is e-Exercise. Another line of our research looks at how digital applications can be better implemented in physiotherapy care.
Projects
- Fysio Future Lab
The Academische Werkplaats eerstelijns Fysiotherapie (Academic Workplace for Primary Physiotherapy) is a collaboration between the Leidsche Rijn Julius Healthcare Centres (LRJG), HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, University Medical Centre Utrecht and Fontys Paramedische Hogeschool. In this collaboration we work together on developing education, conducting research and providing modern, high-quality, neighbourhood-centred healthcare.
IMPALA Implementation of smartphone-apps in physiotherapeutic primary care
. Smartphone-apps integrated in physiotherapeutic primary care have the potential to support patients in self-management and adherence to physical activity- and exercise recommendations.
Digi-On Recommendations for telemedicine in physio and exercise therapy
Digi On Recommendations for telemedicine in physio and exercise therapy
Publications
- A peek behind the study ... with Sander van de Hoef
- Adherence to an injury prevention program in male amateur football players is affected by players’ age, experience and perceptions
- Digital health interventions to improve eating behaviour of people with a lower socioeconomic position: a scoping review of behaviour change techniques
Education
The knowledge we acquire from this work is directly incorporated into the curricula of the bachelor and master's programmes in Physiotherapy and Kinesiotherapy at the HU. Students and lecturers are active participants in the research group’s projects. Within the AWP, students also conduct research or do a work placement at one of the Leidsche Rijn Julius Healthcare Centres (LRJG).
“The focus of the research group fits in seamlessly with the vision of the professional association KNGF: promoting people’s daily functionality.”
Brechtus Engelsma Member of the Koninklijk Nederlands Genootschap voor Fysiotherapie (Royal Dutch Association for Physiotherapy, KNGF)
“The focus of the research group fits in seamlessly with the vision of the professional association KNGF: promoting people’s daily functionality.” Brechtus Engelsma Member of the Koninklijk Nederlands Genootschap voor Fysiotherapie (Royal Dutch Association for Physiotherapy, KNGF)
“The KNGF, as an association, focuses on supporting physiotherapists in their endeavour to ensure that patients are able to function optimally and to encourage people to keep moving. Personal ability, control and responsibility, as far as feasible, are central to this process.
The focus of the Research group Innovation of Movement Care therefore fits in seamlessly with the vision of the KNGF. After all, our research focuses on promoting people’s daily functionality. The research group collaborates with the KNGF Movement Care programme and Intramural programme. We also are also working together on the overarching topic of eHealth”.
Collaboration
Some of our researchers also work within the Research group Physiotherapy Science of the University Medical Centre Utrecht. Within the Academic Workplace for Primary Physiotherapy, we work together with the Leidsche Rijn Julius Health Centres (LRJG), Fontys Paramedische Hogeschool and University Medical Centre Utrecht, a collaboration in which physiotherapists, general practitioners and nurses work together in providing healthcare, education and conducting research.
Our professors and researchers
Would you like to collaborate or do you have any questions?
