Movement and Nutrition for Health and Performance (MOVE)
The large research group MOVE was established in 2020. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Eva D’Hondt (chair), we have grown into a dynamic team within the Department of Movement and Sport Sciences (BESW) of the Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy (LK) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
MOVE houses a driven team of researchers studying MOVEMENT and NUTRITION for HEALTH and PERFORMANCE across diverse target populations from multiple areas of expertise, offering different perspectives. Our research combines fundamental and applied approaches, aiming to translate basic scientific insights into societal impact, (health) policy and third-party services. We investigate both the structural and functional aspects of the human body as well as the biomechanical underpinnings that facilitate (or hinder) muscle-generated movement in various contexts (i.e., daily functioning, sports performance, injury). In support of physical literacy and overall development, we assess and monitor motor competence besides studying didactical approaches to create more effective, motivating and activating learning experiences. We also examine the impact of energy-balance-related behaviours (i.e., dietary behaviour, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) on body composition, health and well-being throughout the life course. Identifying the key individual and environmental determinants of these behaviours enables us to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions for both physical and mental health promotion.