Persons with MS do often manifest motor and cognitive impairments besides experiencing fatigue. There may also be a limited 'neural reserve’ leading to reduced motor control. Within the domain of neurorehabilitation, a research project will be elaborated regarding determining individualized physical rehabilitation training doses for persons with (progressive) MS and disability. The aim is maximizing clinical effects and neural restoration taking into account different types and levels of impairments.
The project aims to develop algorithms on how to apply individual challenging but safe task-oriented training approaches for improving activities, predominantly balance and gait but potentially also upper limb function. A series of dose finding studies and a proof-of-concept intervention study will be performed targeting persons with MS with particular symptoms including abnormal fatigue or impaired cognition. The project will incorporate, amongst others, knowledge from exercise physiology, rehabilitation and movement sciences (detecting compensatory movements) and psychology (applying different feedback modes, and stress conditions) as well as incorporating tracking technology for examining real life impact of training. Where appropriate, mechanistic measures or biomarkers for MS will be added. This doctoral research will be performed under supervision of prof. Peter Feys in an interdisciplinary and (inter)national collaboration. The research will be conducted in REVAL as well as clinical and rehabilitation centers in Belgium.
You follow the guidelines of the Doctoral School’Health & Life Sciences’ of Hasselt University.

Within the REVAL Rehabilitation Research group of Hasselt University, the faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences wishes to inform about a vacant PhD position (100%). REVAL is an interdisciplinary and translational research group which performs research in the domains of pediatric, geriatric, neurologic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, biomechanics, health psychology, mental health care and rehabilitation of internal diseases. This faculty organizes an education program that consists of a 3-year academic bachelor and a 2-year academic master program within Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy. The faculty also provides education in the interuniversity master program in Occupational Sciences.
This PhD is done in collaboration with (inter)national rehabilitation centers.

• You have a Master in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy or similar.
  Final-year students are (likewise) encouraged to apply.
• You actively contribute to a positive working atmosphere, and make connections between different domains and people (teaching assistants, PhD students, post-doctoral fellows, professors).
• You obtained good academic results.
• You have a strong affinity with neurorehabilitation research and practice.
• Experience with the target population or intended research methodology is a plus.
• You have knowledge on the design, execution and analysis of experimental research.
• You have a strong problem-solving skills, flexibility, organisational capacity and stress resistance.
• You have an international mindset.
• You have interest to perform science communication and teach in academic workshops.
• You have excellent communication skills in English (and Dutch), both oral and written. If you do not know Dutch, you show the willingness to study and speak Dutch within the PhD position.

You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
Position for 2 years. After positive evaluation one time extendable with 2 years. Positon at Hasselt University.

The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.
A presentation or assignment is a possibility.

Apply now
Apply up to 01.03.2023