Eva Swinnen profile picture

Eva Swinnen

Professor of Neurological Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Technology

Vrije Universiteit Brussel
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Belgium

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Positions (2)

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Eva Swinnen

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Vrije Universiteit Brussel

PhD in Co-Creation of Exosuits for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Motion Capture-Based Evaluation of Movement and Fatigue

PhD opportunity at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in an interdisciplinary European project (EXOAIM) focused on the co-creation of exosuits for children with cerebral palsy and motion capture-based evaluation of movement and fatigue . The position is hosted across the Studies in Media, Innovation and Technology (SMIT) and Rehabilitation Research Group (RERE) at VUB, with collaboration across the BruBotics Rehabilitation Research Center and related partners. The project combines rehabilitation science , movement analysis , human-centred co-creation , biomechanics , and wearable exosuit development . Research focus: developing and evaluating next-generation exosuits for children and young people with cerebral palsy, using motion capture and multimodal measurements to assess movement, fatigue, usability, and real-world impact. The work includes user engagement with children, caregivers, clinicians, and other stakeholders, plus laboratory and pilot testing. Eligibility highlights: applicants should have a Master’s degree in Human Movement Sciences, Physiotherapy, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field; strong interest in biomechanics, movement analysis, fatigue, exosuits, motor learning, or balance control; and the ability to work with motion capture systems such as VICON. Strong communication skills in Dutch and English are required, and French is an advantage. Experience with Python, MATLAB, or R, and with EMG, IMUs, or eye-tracking, is considered an asset. Funding: the post is described as a fully funded 1-year PhD position, with the possibility of extension up to four years. The selected candidate will be supported in preparing an FWO PhD fellowship application during the first year. Deadline: 7 June 2026. Start: September 2026. Location: Brussels, Belgium. How to apply: send a CV, motivation letter (max. 1 page), academic transcripts, and contact details of two referees to Eva Swinnen. Interested candidates may also contact Eva Swinnen, David Beckwée, or An Jacobs for more information.

4 months ago

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Eva Swinnen

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Vrije Universiteit Brussel

PhD and Postdoctoral Vacancies in Rehabilitation Research, Exosuits, Exergames, and Movement Variability at Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Vrije Universiteit Brussel’s Rehabilitation Research Group (RERE) is advertising multiple openings in rehabilitation research, human movement sciences, and related clinical/technical areas. The opportunities include a PhD position on co-creation of exosuits for children with cerebral palsy (CP) with motion capture-based evaluation , a postdoctoral researcher role in exergames, personalised lifestyle interventions, and healthy ageing , a researcher vacancy in clinical biomechanical analyses in subacute stroke , and a paid 2-month visiting research stay on movement variability in the context of motor learning . These openings are based at Vrije Universiteit Brussel and are associated with the Rehabilitation Research Group (RERE) . The research themes are interdisciplinary and span biomedical engineering , medical science , neuroscience , sports science , and computer science , with a strong focus on rehabilitation technology, movement analysis, and improving participation and quality of life across the lifespan. Eligibility highlights: the PhD is full time; the postdoctoral role is 0.4 FTE; the visiting stay is paid for 2 months. The post does not specify detailed entry requirements, language tests, or stipend amounts. Deadlines: 25 May 2026 (researcher vacancy), 30 May 2026 (visiting research stay), 7 June 2026 (PhD), and 15 August 2026 (postdoctoral researcher). Interested applicants should consult the RERE vacancies page for the full vacancy descriptions and application instructions.

4 months ago

Articles (20)

A State-of-the-Art of Exoskeletons in Line with the WHO’s Vision on Healthy Aging: From Rehabilitation of Intrinsic Capacities to Augmentation of Functional Abilities

The global aging population faces significant health challenges, including an increasing vulnerability to disability due to natural aging processes. Wearable lower limb exoskeletons (LLEs) have emerged as a promising solution to enhance physical function in older individuals. This systematic review synthesizes the use of LLEs in alignment with the WHO’s healthy aging vision, examining their impact on intrinsic capacities and functional abilities. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in six databases, yielding 36 relevant articles covering older adults (65+) with various health conditions, including sarcopenia, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, osteoarthritis, and more. The interventions, spanning one to forty sessions, utilized a range of LLE technologies such as Ekso®, HAL®, Stride Management Assist®, Honda Walking Assist®, Lokomat®, Walkbot®, Healbot®, Keeogo Rehab®, EX1®, overground wearable exoskeletons, Eksoband®, powered ankle–foot orthoses, HAL® lumbar type, Human Body Posturizer®, Gait Enhancing and Motivation System®, soft robotic suits, and active pelvis orthoses. The findings revealed substantial positive outcomes across diverse health conditions. LLE training led to improvements in key performance indicators, such as the 10 Meter Walk Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand test, Timed Up and Go test, and more. Additionally, enhancements were observed in gait quality, joint mobility, muscle strength, and balance. These improvements were accompanied by reductions in sedentary behavior, pain perception, muscle exertion, and metabolic cost while walking. While longer intervention durations can aid in the rehabilitation of intrinsic capacities, even the instantaneous augmentation of functional abilities can be observed in a single session. In summary, this review demonstrates consistent and significant enhancements in critical parameters across a broad spectrum of health conditions following LLE interventions in older adults. These findings underscore the potential of LLE in promoting healthy aging and enhancing the well-being of older adults.

Year:

2024

Collaborators (21)

Nele Adriaenssens

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

Florence D'haenens

University College Odisee

BELGIUM

Ivan Bautmans

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

Frank Van Overwalle

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

David Beckwée

Professor

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

Dirk Lefeber

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

Sylvie De Raedt

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

Emma De Keersmaecker

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

Anke Van Bladel

Assistant Professor

Ghent University

BELGIUM

Carlos Rodriguez-Guerrero

Associate Professor

KU Leuven

BELGIUM

Ruben Debeuf

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

Ben Minnaert

University of Antwerp

BELGIUM

LOTTE CUYPERS

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

Reinhard Claeys

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

Victor Grosu

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

Bart Jansen

Prof.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

Wim Peersman

Visiting Professor

Ghent University

BELGIUM

Nina Lefeber

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

Mahyar Firouzi

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

Marc Schiltz

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM

Taylor Frantz

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

BELGIUM
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