PARTNERS AND TEAM MEMBERS

Erwin started his research career at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, The Netherlands studying Human Movement Science. During his studies, he investigated issues in motor performance and learning, particularly in movement related disorders. After receiving his Masters degree in Human Movement Science in 1995, he worked as a researcher in the Physical Therapy Department of the Vrije Uiversiteit Medical Centre, where he performed studies investigating locomotion in Parkinson and stroke patients. In 1996 he moved to the United States to pursue a masters and doctoral degree at the Department of Exercise Science at the University of Massachusetts. The focus of his dissertation research was axial rigidity in relation to postural instability in Parkinson’s disease. Erwin’s research over the years has focused on movement disorders and the coordination of locomotion and balance, specifically in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and the elderly. In addition to movement disorders, Erwin studied coordination and gait transitions during walking and running in healthy adults.

Erwin has contributed to several SBIR (Small Business and Innovation Research) grants with Nascent BioTechnologies in the US. In 2001 he was principal investigator on a grant focusing on the development of an instrument that will aid therapists in the treatment and evaluation of patients with postural instability (e.g. Vestibular patients, Parkinson patients, older individuals with a tendency for falling etc.).

Erwin’s research interests have since then been directed towards the further development of our understanding of sensory and mechanical contributions to coordination problems in these populations. The research on Parkinson's disease and aging has a special focus on the contribution of reduced perceptual sensitivity to postural instability and gait disorders. A recent focus has become ‘clinimetrics in Parkinson’s Disease’ and the influence of rhythmic cueing on gait and gait related activities in PD. His research has culminated in numerous international conference presentations, invited lectures and presentations, published abstracts, book chapters and scientific papers.

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