Prof. Dr. Katrijn Klingels
Katrijn Klingels is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences at Hasselt University and a Guest Professor at the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at KU Leuven. Her research focuses on translational studies that explore the assessment and treatment of sensorimotor function from clinical, biomechanical, and neurological perspectives in pediatric populations. She has developed extensive expertise in intensive rehabilitation interventions, particularly upper limb training for children with Cerebral Palsy and balance training for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. Her work integrates cutting-edge techniques, such as robotic measurements, neuroimaging, and non-invasive brain stimulation, to better understand motor control and optimize rehabilitation strategies. She aims to bridge the gap between neuroscience and clinical practice, ultimately improving functional outcomes and quality of life for children with motor impairments.
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Selected Publications
Bieber, E., Smits‐Engelsman, B., Sgandurra, G., Martini, G., Basu, A., Guzzetta, A., Cioni, G., Feys, H., & Klingels, K. (2025). Manual Dexterity Abilities and Dual Tasking in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder and Typically Developing Children. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 82(2), 146-160. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.70051
Kleeren, L., Mailleux, L., Crotti, M., Decraene, L., Verheyden, G., Lambercy, O., Ortibus, E., Van Campenhout, A., Feys, H., & Klingels, K. (2025). Unraveling tactile and proprioceptive upper limb function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: a combination of robotic and clinical assessments. Disability and Rehabilitation, 48(5) 1369-1390. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2025.2556944
Velghe, S., Verbecque, E., Rameckers, E., Klingels, K., & Meyns, P. (2025). Current approaches for training postural control in children with developmental coordination disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 166, 105116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2025.105116
Verbecque, E., Johnson, C., Scaccabarozzi, G., Molteni, M., Klingels, K., & Crippa, A. (2025). Motor difficulties in children with neurodevelopmental conditions: a report from a cross-national study in Belgian and Italian children. European Journal of Pediatrics, 184(2), 174. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-025-06009-8
Van der Veer, I. P. A., Rameckers, E. A. A., Steenbergen, B., Bastiaenen, C. H. G., & Klingels, K. (2024). How do paediatric physical therapists teach motor skills to children with Developmental Coordination Disorder? An interview study. PLOS ONE, 19(2), e0297119–e0297119. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297119