Dr. Anita Beelen

• Role: Senior Researcher

After completing my studies in Movement Sciences (cum laude) and my doctoral research at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, I have specialized in rehabilitation research since 1994. My research at both the AMC and VUmc focused on improving care for people with neuromuscular diseases, particularly those with diagnoses such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Post-Polio Syndrome, and Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy.

Since April 2018, I have been working as a senior researcher in neuromuscular diseases at the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU). Within the Rehabilitation Medicine Knowledge Center Utrecht (UMCU and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation), I serve as the program leader for the research line on neuromuscular diseases.

My research primarily focuses on improving rehabilitation care for individuals with ALS (and related motor neuron diseases, such as progressive spinal muscular atrophy and primary lateral sclerosis) and for children and adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Key themes in my research include e-health, care for caregivers, network care, and the implementation of care innovations.