Dirk-Jan Veeger

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Van der Boechorststraat 9, 1081 BT Amsterdam
room n/a
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General Interests
I study the structure – function relationship in human movement with a special interest in the upper extremity. General point of departure is that function and dysfunction can only be understood if the mechanical characteristics of the underlying structure are known. The areas of research include orthopedics, rehabilitation and physical therapy, but also maximization of performance and minimization of injury risk in sports.
Achievements
Over the years, we developed biomechanical models and experimental data sets and measurement techniques for the upper extremity. This included the collection of modelling parameters for the shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist. Methods were also applied for the collection of data sets for the neck and the lower extremities. Since my research career started in the area of wheelchair biomechanics, the development of better wheelchairs, with lower injury risk and higher efficiency, has always been a special area of interest.
Current Research
I am currently working the development of systems and methods to improve throwing and hitting technique in baseball and tennis, and wheelchair handling technique in wheelchair sports. This implies both the development of better insight in the fundamentals of these motions, as well as methods to provide the necessary feedback to players, coaches and other interested parties.
Résumé
I received my PhD at the VU Amsterdam, in 1992. My thesis supervisors were prof. R. Rozendal and Prof.Ir. H. Stassen.
Since 2000, I combine my position in Amsterdam with a position at Delft University of Technology, department of Biomechanical Engineering.
Personal news…
Force transmission within the Achilles tendon
Jul. 2017The aim of this project is to investigate the distribution of deformation within the Achilles tendon and its mechanical consequences.
Corporate news…
- There are currently no news available
Research…
Breaking the high load – bad coordination in overhead sports injuries
The aim of this project is to develop a system to provide feedback on loading of the arm and key coordination parameters in sports activities such as a tennis stroke, which provides information on the (accumulated) load a, based on power flow models and ligament loading estimates.Fast and safe throwing in baseball (FASTBALL)
In baseball, the pitcher plays a crucial role by accurately throwing balls at high speed. FASTBALL aims to explore the development of anthropometric and functional characteristics of elite youth baseball pitchers in relation to throwing speeds, kinematics and musculoskeletal injuries. Moreover, traditional and new methods for motor learning are studied in baseball pitching, which also ...The perfect sports wheelchair
In this project methods are developed to give wheelchair-bound athletes feedback on their performance, with the purpose to improve themselves and to improve their wheelchair. Videos of wheelchair basketball games were extensively analyzed and measurements were performed using sensors that fit to a sports wheelchair. The methodology is used to study the optimal configuration of ...Understanding hand motor control
The aim of this project is to assess the contribution of neurophysiological and mechanical characteristics of our neuro-musculo-skeletal system to the limited independence of finger control.
Network…
- No activities at the moment.