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About

Sjoerd M. Bruijn is a leading researcher in the biomechanics of human balance and locomotion, with a primary focus on understanding and improving fall prevention in older adults. His work centers on the neural and muscular mechanisms underlying postural control, particularly how the body adapts to environmental challenges. Bruijn’s major contributions include demonstrating how surface compliance modulates lower leg reflex excitability and muscle co-contraction during unipedal balancing, revealing critical age-related differences in neuromuscular responses. His most impactful study (23 citations) on soleus H-reflex modulation established a foundational understanding of how sensory feedback is altered in older adults. More recently, Bruijn has pioneered research on balance training interventions, showing that targeted training can significantly enhance feedback control after unpredictable perturbations—a key factor in fall prevention. His 2021 and 2024 studies (8 and 5 citations, respectively) provide compelling evidence that older adults can improve their reactive balance strategies through structured training, offering practical pathways for reducing fall risk. Bruijn’s work uniquely bridges fundamental neurophysiology with applied rehabilitation, making him a pivotal figure in aging and mobility research.