Luc van der Woude Lecture

Prof. Dr. Lucas van der Woude is the founding father of the RehabMove Congress. Lucas van der Woude started his scientific career at the faculty of Human Movement Sciences at the VU university in Amsterdam. In 2009, he moved to Groningen as full professor in 'Human Movement, Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery' at the Center for Human Movement Sciences of the University Medical Center, University of Groningen. Lucas’ main interests are in the physiology, biomechanics and ergonomics of upper body arm work within the context of rehabilitation (technology). He first specialized in research on manual wheelchair propulsion and, thereafter, in mobility restoration in individuals with a spinal cord injury. Later, his research focus was also on physical activity and adapted sports in the context of rehabilitation. Lucas was the chair of the first five congresses. The topic of these conferences followed his research focus, from manual wheelchair propulsion in 1991 to the broader view of mobility, activity lifestyle and adapted sports in the context of rehabilitation in the following editions. His drive, vision and network are what have made this congress alive and ongoing. After handing over the chair in the last edition, we now are very pleased to have him attend as guest of honor! In addition to his still relevant position paper about the ongoing necessity of multidisciplinary research in the field of mobility, active lifestyle and adaptive sports, we have introduced the Van der Woude keynote lecture that facilitates researchers to share their future vision in this field!