H.A.M. Seelen

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About

H.A.M. Seelen’s research lies at the intersection of pain neuroscience and motor control, with a primary focus on how fear of pain alters human movement and contributes to chronic pain conditions. Her most-cited work, “Fear of pain changes movement: Motor behaviour following the acquisition of pain‐related fear” (2017, 63 citations), provides critical experimental evidence that fear of pain—not just pain itself—can fundamentally reshape motor behaviour, leading to avoidance patterns that may perpetuate disability. This study directly tests and supports core predictions of fear-avoidance models, demonstrating that learned pain-related fear triggers measurable changes in movement kinematics and muscle activity, even in the absence of actual nociception. By bridging cognitive-emotional factors with biomechanical outcomes, Seelen’s work has significant implications for rehabilitation strategies, suggesting that addressing pain-related fear is essential for restoring normal movement patterns in chronic pain patients. Her contributions help explain why some individuals transition from acute to chronic pain, highlighting the need for integrated psychological and motor interventions. Seelen’s research continues to inform clinical approaches to pain management, making her a key voice in understanding the motor consequences of pain-related fear.