Physical behaviour monitoring in chronic conditions

Project summary

For measurement of physical behaviour in people with chronic conditions, available devices don’t measure the physical behaviour components of interest (e.g. wheelchair use), aren’t tested or validated for these groups (e.g. because of their different movement patterns), and/or aren’t feasible for clinical application. Therefore, our research includes development and validation of objective measurement and feedback devices. Examples of this are posture and motion monitors, a wheelchair monitor, and an upper limb use monitor for stroke patients.

It is increasingly recognized – also from own research – that physical behaviour outcomes are relevant in evaluating treatment. This treatment can specifically focus on rehabilitation and physical behaviour (e.g. lifestyle programs), but is also of added value for other medical specialties (e.g. neurology, orthopedics) and types of interventions (e.g. surgery, drugs).

Our research is translational. At the one end of the spectrum it aims at determining the most valid and relevant outcomes of physical behaviour, at studying its determinants, and at understanding the relationships with other domains of functioning. At the other end of the spectrum, research has a strong focus on the application in clinical practice.