Peter Beek

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Van der Boechorststraat 9, 1081 BT Amsterdam
room D111
General interest
I am a broadly trained and oriented human movement scientist. I am fascinated by the control and coordination of human movement, and changes therein as a function of development, learning and rehabilitation. Among the many topics that have my interest, the acquisition of perceptual-motor skills and the development of expertise stand out.
Achievements
Most of my early work consisted of modeling studies of coordinated rhythmic movement that were motivated from the then burgeoning dynamical systems approach, or coordination dynamics in short. I contributed to the advancement of this approach by developing and testing nonlinear dynamical models for rhythmic arm movements. My PhD work consisted of a formal, in-depth analysis of the task constraints of juggling and their accommodation by human performers, which culminated in an article on juggling in Scientific American. With my colleagues Andreas Daffertshofer and Till Frank I further contributed to the theory of stochastic dynamics and its application to human movement and brain activity. In my more recent work, I sought to improve movement coordination in rehabilitation and sports through cueing and feedback, which, among others, led to a patent for a new treadmill, called the C-Mill, with visual and auditory cueing together with Melvyn Roerdink.
Current research
Besides a PhD project on the efficacy of the C-Mill in gait rehabilitation, I am currently supervising PhD projects on the use of performance feedback in swimming, rowing, running and baseball with the aim to identify (the most) effective means to improve relevant technical skills. A PhD project on cycling will soon be added to this list, in which a mixed-reality environment will be developed to improve steering and braking skills during descent.
Résumé
I received my PhD at the Faculty of Human Movement Sciences of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 1989 with the predicate cum laude. My thesis supervisors were the late psychologist Prof. Dr. H. T. Whiting, who founded the journal Human Movement Science for which I currently serve as editor, and theoretical physicist Prof. Dr. Ir. B. P. Th. Veltman.
- Title: Juggling dynamics.
- Topics: The coordination dynamics of single-handed and two-handed movement, walking and running, standing, catching and hitting. Perception-action coupling. Coordination and performance improvement in (gait) rehabilitation and sports (including swimming, rowing, athletics, gymnastics, baseball and football).
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Excerpts of scientific work
- Improving tumble turn performance in swimming—the impact of wall contact time and tuck index
Improving tumble turn performance in swimming—the impact of wall contact time and tuck index
David, S., Grove, T., van Duijven, M., Koster, P. & Beek, PJ., 22 Jul 2022, In: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 4, 936695.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Motor learning for the physical therapist: conceptual framework and application
Motorisch leren voor de fysiotherapeut: conceptueel kader en toepassing
Beek, PJ. & Roerdink, M., 15 Mar 2022, In: Physios. 14, 1, p. 4-14 11 p.Translated title of the contribution :Motor learning for the physical therapist: conceptual framework and application Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Professional
- Sprint Performance in Arms-Only Front Crawl Swimming Is Strongly Associated With the Power-To-Drag Ratio
Sprint Performance in Arms-Only Front Crawl Swimming Is Strongly Associated With the Power-To-Drag Ratio
Schreven, S., Smeets, J. B. J. & Beek, P. J., Mar 2022, In: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 4, March, p. 1-10 10 p., 758095.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Reliability and validity of running cadence and stance time derived from instrumented wireless earbuds
Reliability and validity of running cadence and stance time derived from instrumented wireless earbuds
Nijs, A., Beek, P. J. & Roerdink, M., 1 Dec 2021, In: Sensors. 21, 23, 7995.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Walking-adaptability therapy after stroke: results of a randomized controlled trial
Walking-adaptability therapy after stroke: results of a randomized controlled trial
Timmermans, C., Roerdink, M., Meskers, C. G. M., Beek, P. J. & Janssen, T. W. J., Dec 2021, In: Trials. 22, 1, 923.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Effects of acoustically paced cadence modulation on impact forces in running
Effects of acoustically paced cadence modulation on impact forces in running
Nijs, A., Roerdink, M. & Beek, P. J., Oct 2021, In: Gait and Posture. 90, p. 234-238 5 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- The Body Experience Questionnaire for adults with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning (BEQ-mb): Development and initial evaluation
The Body Experience Questionnaire for adults with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning (BEQ-mb): Development and initial evaluation
Smit, M. J., Scheffers, M., Emck, C., van Busschbach, J. T. & Beek, P. J., 18 Jun 2021, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability. 47, 2, p. 141-151Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- The biomechanics of running and running styles: a synthesis
The biomechanics of running and running styles: a synthesis
van Oeveren, B. T., de Ruiter, C. J., Beek, P. J. & van Dieën, J. H., 4 Mar 2021, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Sports Biomechanics. 39 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Both distance change and movement goal affect whole-body approach-avoidance behavior
Both distance change and movement goal affect whole-body approach-avoidance behavior
Bouman, D., Stins, J. & Beek, PJ., 2021, In: Psychology & Neuroscience. 14, 2, p. 156–172 17 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- A re-appraisal of the effect of amplitude on the stability of interlimb coordination based on tightened normalization procedures
A re-appraisal of the effect of amplitude on the stability of interlimb coordination based on tightened normalization procedures
de Poel, H. J., Roerdink, M., Peper, C. L. E. & Beek, P. J., Oct 2020, In: Brain sciences. 10, 10, p. 1-15 15 p., 724.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Effect of visual feedback during a dynamic postural task on brain activity in persons with Parkinson's disease
Effect van visuele feedback tijdens een dynamische houdingstaak op hersenactiviteit bij mensen met de ziekte van Parkinson
van den Heuvel, M., Daffertshofer, A., Beek, P. J., Kwakkel, G. & van Wegen, E. E. H., 2019, In: Neuropraxis. 4, 4.Translated title of the contribution :Effect of visual feedback during a dynamic postural task on brain activity in persons with Parkinson's disease Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Popular
- Do extreme values of daily-life gait characteristics provide more information about fall risk than median values?
Do extreme values of daily-life gait characteristics provide more information about fall risk than median values?
Rispens, S. M., van Schooten, K. S., Pijnappels, M., Daffertshofer, A., Beek, P. J. & van Dieën, J. H., 1 Jan 2015, In: JMIR Research Protocols. 4, 1, e4.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Learning-related changes of beta-activity in motor areas
Learning-related changes of beta-activity in motor areas
Daffertshofer, A., Houweling, S., van Dijk, B. W. & Beek, P. J., 2009, In: International Journal of BioElectromagnetism. 11, 3, p. 116-119 4 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- A data-analysis method for identifying differential effects of time-delayed feedback forces and periodic driving forces in stochastic systems
A data-analysis method for identifying differential effects of time-delayed feedback forces and periodic driving forces in stochastic systems
Wilmer, A., Frank, T. D., Beek, P. J. & Friedrich, R., Nov 2007, In: European Physical Journal B. 60, 2, p. 203-215 13 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Coupling of breathing and movement during manual wheelchair propulsion
Coupling of breathing and movement during manual wheelchair propulsion
Amazeen, P. G., Amazeen, E. L. & Beek, P. J., Oct 2001, In: Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance. 27, 5, p. 1243-1259 17 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Stationary solutions of linear stochastic delay differential equations: Applications to biological systems
Stationary solutions of linear stochastic delay differential equations: Applications to biological systems
Frank, T. D. & Beek, P. J., 2001, In: Physical Review E - Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics. 64, 2, p. 12 1 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- What good are human movement sciences for the practice of physical education?
Wat heeft de LO aan bewegingswetenschappen?
Beek, P. J., Rozendal, R. H. & Tamboer, J. W. I., 1997, In: Lichamelijke Opvoeding. 18, p. 858-859 3 p.Translated title of the contribution :What good are human movement sciences for the practice of physical education? Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Professional
- Reading with magnifiers
Reading with magnifiers
Brinker, B. P. L. M. D. & Beek, P. J., 1 Oct 1996, In: Ergonomics. 39, 10, p. 1231-1248 18 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Limit Cycle Properties of Rhythmic Forearm Movements
Limit Cycle Properties of Rhythmic Forearm Movements
Beek, P. J., Rikkert, W. E. I. & Van Wieringen, P. C. W., Oct 1996, In: Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance. 22, 5, p. 1077-1093 17 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Spatiotemporal variability in cascade juggling
Spatiotemporal variability in cascade juggling
Van Santvoord, A. A. M. & Beek, P. J., Mar 1996, In: Acta Psychologica. 91, 2, p. 131-151 21 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Spontaneously in-sync
Spontaan gelijk op
Peper, L. & Beek, P. J., 1996, In: Psychologie. 15Translated title of the contribution :Spontaneously in-sync Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Popular
- The State of Ecological Psychology
The State of Ecological Psychology
Michaels, C. & Beek, P., Dec 1995, In: Ecological Psychology. 7, 4, p. 259-278 20 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Linear and nonlinear stiffness and friction in biological rhythmic movements
Linear and nonlinear stiffness and friction in biological rhythmic movements
Beek, P. J., Schmidt, R. C., Morris, A. W., Sim, M. Y. & Turvey, M. T., Nov 1995, In: Biological Cybernetics. 73, 6, p. 499-507 9 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Controlling the ground reaction force during lifting
Controlling the ground reaction force during lifting
Toussaint, H. M., Commissaris, D. A. C. M., Dieën, J. H., Reijnen, J. S., Praet, S. F. E. & Beek, P. J., Sep 1995, In: Journal of Motor Behavior. 27, 3, p. 225-234 10 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Backgrounds of coordination
Achtergronden van coõrdinatie
Beek, PJ., 1995, In: Bulletin voor het Onderwijs in de Biologie. 26, p. 217-220 4 p.Translated title of the contribution :Backgrounds of coordination Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Professional
- Perspectives on the relation between information and dynamics: An epilogue
Perspectives on the relation between information and dynamics: An epilogue
Beek, P. J. & van Wieringen, P. C. W., Aug 1994, In: Human Movement Science. 13, 3-4, p. 519-533 15 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Towards a dynamical description of transitions in perceptual-motor development
Naar een dynamische beschrijving van transities in de perceptueel-motorische ontwikkeling
Wimmers, R. H., Savelsbergh, G., Beek, P. J. & Hopkins, B., 1994, In: Tijdschrift voor Ontwikkelingspsychologie. 21, p. 99-127 29 p.Translated title of the contribution :Towards a dynamical description of transitions in perceptual-motor development Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- An efficient couple: muscles crossing two joints
Een efficient koppel: spieren over twee gewrichten
van Ingen Schenau, G. J. & Beek, P. J., 1994, In: Natuur en techniek. 62, p. 528-543 16 p.Translated title of the contribution :An efficient couple: muscles crossing two joints Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Popular
- Spontaneous jumps
Spontane sprongen
Beek, P. J. & van Ingen Schenau, G. J., 1994, In: Natuur en techniek. 62, p. 742-753 12 p.Translated title of the contribution :Spontaneous jumps Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Professional
- Arguments against a formal integration of science and physical therapy
Bij een formele intergatie van wetenschap en fysiotherapie is niemand gebaat
van Ingen Schenau, G. J. & Beek, P. J., 1993, In: Geneeskunde en Sport. 6, p. 191-195 5 p.Translated title of the contribution :Arguments against a formal integration of science and physical therapy Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Professional
- Complex systems approaches to the development of action
Complex systems approaches to the development of action
Beek, P. J., Hopkins, B. & Molenaar, P. C. M., 1 Jan 1993, In: Advances in Psychology. 97, C, p. 497-515 19 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Temporal Patterning in Cascade Juggling
Temporal Patterning in Cascade Juggling
Beek, P. J. & Turvey, M. T., Nov 1992, In: Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance. 18, 4, p. 934-947 14 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Four requirements for a dynamical systems approach to the development of social coordination. Reaction to Fogel, 1992
Four requirements for a dynamical systems approach to the development of social coordination. Reaction to Fogel, 1992
Beek, P. J. & Hopkins, B., Aug 1992, In: Human Movement Science. 11, 4, p. 425-442 18 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Autonomous and Nonautonomous Dynamics of Coordinated Rhythmic Movements
Autonomous and Nonautonomous Dynamics of Coordinated Rhythmic Movements
Beek, P. J., Turvey, M. T. & Schmidt, R. C., Jun 1992, In: Ecological Psychology. 4, 2, p. 65-95 31 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Phase transitions in rhythmic tracking movements: A case of unilateral coupling
Phase transitions in rhythmic tracking movements: A case of unilateral coupling
Wimmers, R. H., Beek, P. J. & van Wieringen, P. C. W., Feb 1992, In: Human Movement Science. 11, 1-2, p. 217-226 10 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Inadequacies of the proportional duration model: Perspectives from a dynamical analysis of juggling
Inadequacies of the proportional duration model: Perspectives from a dynamical analysis of juggling
Beek, P. J., Feb 1992, In: Human Movement Science. 11, 1-2, p. 227-237 11 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Dynamical Substructure of Coordinated Rhythmic Movements
Dynamical Substructure of Coordinated Rhythmic Movements
Schmidt, R. C., Beek, P. J., Treffner, P. J. & Turvey, M. T., Aug 1991, In: Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance. 17, 3, p. 635-651 17 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Task-Specific Dynamics and the Study of Perception and Action: A Reaction to von Hofsten (1989)
Task-Specific Dynamics and the Study of Perception and Action: A Reaction to von Hofsten (1989)
Beek, P. J. & Bingham, G. P., 1 Mar 1991, In: Ecological Psychology. 3, 1, p. 35-54 20 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Physical and informational principles in modelling coordinated movements. Reaction to Bullock and Grossberg, 1991
Physical and informational principles in modelling coordinated movements. Reaction to Bullock and Grossberg, 1991
Beek, P. J. & Bootsma, R. J., Feb 1991, In: Human Movement Science. 10, 1, p. 81-92 12 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Neural networks
Neurale netwerken
Beek, PJ., 1991, In: Natuur en techniek. 59, p. 194-205 12 p.Translated title of the contribution :Neural networks Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Popular
- Stability and flexibility in the temporal organisation of movements. Reaction to G.J. van Ingen Schenau (1989)
Stability and flexibility in the temporal organisation of movements. Reaction to G.J. van Ingen Schenau (1989)
Beek, P. J. & Beek, W. J., Aug 1989, In: Human Movement Science. 8, 4, p. 347-356 10 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Timing and Phase Locking in Cascade Juggling
Timing and Phase Locking in Cascade Juggling
Beek, P. J., 1 Mar 1989, In: Ecological Psychology. 1, 1, p. 55-96 42 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Juggling: easier than you think
Jongleren: makkelijker dan je denkt
Beek, PJ., 1989, In: Psychologie. 8, p. 10-16 7 p.Translated title of the contribution :Juggling: easier than you think Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Popular
- Juggling: easier than you think
Jongleren: makkelijker dan je denkt
Beek, PJ., 1989, In: Psychologie. 8, p. 10-16 7 p.Translated title of the contribution :Juggling: easier than you think Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Popular
- Tools for constructing dynamical models of rhythmic movement
Tools for constructing dynamical models of rhythmic movement
Beek, P. J. & Beek, W. J., Oct 1988, In: Human Movement Science. 7, 2-4, p. 301-342 42 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- Exploring the dynamics of juggling
Exploring the dynamics of juggling
Beek, P. J., 1 Jan 1988, In: Advances in Psychology. 55, C, p. 229-246 18 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- On the nature of the motoraction controversy
On the nature of the motoraction controversy
Beek, P. J. & Meijer, O. G., Jan 1988, In: Advances in Psychology. 50, C, p. 157-185 29 p.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
- An ecological perspective on movement therapy
Bewegingstherapie in ecologisch perspectief
Bootsma, R. J. & Beek, P. J., 1986, In: Bewegen en hulpverlening. 3, p. 316-323 7 p.Translated title of the contribution :An ecological perspective on movement therapy Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Professional
- Theoretical problems regarding learning through imitation
Theoretische problemen ten aanzien van leren via imitatie
Beek, P. J. & Bootsma, R. J., 1986, In: Bewegen en hulpverlening. 3, p. 308-315 8 p.Translated title of the contribution :Theoretical problems regarding learning through imitation Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Professional
- Images of the human body and concepts of expression in social psychology
Lichaamsbeelden en expressieconcepten in de sociale psychologie
Beek, P. J., 1984, In: Bewegen en hulpverlening. 1, p. 228-236Translated title of the contribution :Images of the human body and concepts of expression in social psychology Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Professional