We investigate how human neural circuitry controls posture and voluntary movements and how we can develop optimal therapeutic methods for movement disorder patients. We develop and optimize therapeutic methods for patient-specific motor improvement and observe the influence of these therapeutic methods on motor control and the impact on daily life activities.
Research in the Clinical Neurophysiology group lies at the interface of neuroscience, neurophysiology and clinical neurology, with a focus on cerebral ischemia and epilepsy. Alongside improving our understanding of pathophysiology, we develop novel diagnostic tools and treatments. Our research on predicting coma outcomes after cardiac arrest has gained worldwide recognition, using advanced EEG monitoring and analysis, signaling technology and artificial intelligence. This work has resulted in numerous prizes, grants and publications in renowned media.
PROMPT develops a mobile system that measures brain activity and blood flow while patients are on the move. Mobility problems in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington are highly patient-specific and occur during movement. That is why the University of Twente, together with Radboud University and three companies, is developing a mobile system for EEG signals and cerebral blood flow. Based on these measurements, PROMPT enables the development of personalised strategies to help patients cope with movement disorders.
Over a million people in the Netherlands have diabetes, and 90% of them have type 2. Every year, 1,200 more people are diagnosed. To stay healthy, they must constantly ensure their blood sugar levels remain low and stable, follow a low-sugar diet and get enough exercise. ‘Diameter’, a smart, app-based system developed by the UT and ZGT Hospital Group Twente, makes this task easier and, in many cases, even helps patients reduce medication.
Freezing of gait, an absence of forward progression of the feet despite the intention to walk, is a debilitating symptom of Parkinson's disease. Laser shoes that project a line on the floor to the rhythm of the footsteps help trigger the person to walk. The shoes benefit the wearer significantly, according to research by the University of Twente and Radboudumc.
