My research centers on developing and evaluating innovative methods to improve the accessibility and attractiveness of strength and balance exercises for older adults using digital technology.
As a researcher, I am interested in preventive measures and innovative solutions to implement research findings that improve people's health and quality of life. With a background encompassing a master's degree in Informatics alongside a Ph.D. and clinical experience in Physiotherapy, I am keen on exploring technical solutions for this purpose. I became interested early on in participatory methods in the development of interventions and digital solutions. Over time, this interest has fostered numerous international research collaborations and provided me with a rich international research network.
I am the Principal Investigator for the Digital Fall Prevention group. In co-creation with older individuals, my research group has developed the digital programme "Safe Step", designed to assist older individuals in independently engaging in balance and strength exercises to reduce their risk of falls. The app has recently undergone evaluation in a Randomized Controlled Trial demonstrating its potential as a preventive intervention to mitigate falls among older adults. We are now proceeding with implementation studies to support decision-making in municipalities that wish to incorporate Safe Step into their fall prevention efforts. In parallel we have recently started a new project in partnership with Östersund Municipality. In this project individuals with intellectual disabilities are involved to co-create a digital exercise programme for improved balance, called "BalansPeppen". I am also an active researcher in several other projects, please see the tab Research.
I defended my doctoral thesis in 2011 titled 'Motion interactive games for children with motor disorders - motivation, physical activity, and motor control.' Since then, I have pursued a career in research and teaching, and became Professor in 2024.
In my teaching, I am responsible for the course 'Physiotherapy – bachelor thesis'. Additionally, I co-lead the doctoral course, 'Design of intervention studies within patient-based research, ' with Professor Erik Rosendahl. I also have the privilege of supervising many students in scientific work at all levels.
As the international contact person, I am responsible for fostering our international collaborations. This involves providing students in the Physiotherapy Program with opportunities for clinical practice or thesis work abroad.