Manon Bloemen
Manon Bloemen has been the professor of the research group "Moving, Growing and Thriving Together" at the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht since September 1, 2024. She coordinates and conducts research focused on inclusive physical activity and healthy growth in children and adolescents with, or at risk of, disabilities or chronic conditions. Her passion lies in supporting these children and their families to enable participation in societal activities such as sports, play, and active outdoor play.
Originally trained as a paediatric physical therapist, Manon has extensive experience in paediatric rehabilitation. After completing her pediatric physical therapy training, she lived and worked in Iceland for 1.5 years. Upon returning to the Netherlands, she pursued a degree in Clinical Health Sciences at Utrecht University. She then became a senior lecturer in the Master of Paediatric Physical Therapy program at the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. From 2011 to 2024, she was affiliated with the Lifestyle and Health research group, where she conducted her doctoral research on physical fitness and behavior in (wheelchair-using) children and adolescents with spina bifida. Following this, she worked as a senior researcher and associate professor on projects aimed at promoting participation in physical activities among children with disabilities.
As a professor from the "Moving, Growing and Thriving Together" research group, Manon acts as a unifying force between the three research lines: Child and Family, Physical and Social Environment, and Innovative and Future-Oriented Working. She aims that all children and young people (0–23 years) with, or at risk of, disabilities or chronic conditions can grow up healthy and participate in meaningful physical activities with their families and peers within their own communities and society. Her ultimate goal is to help reduce health disparities.
Expertise
- Participation in physical activity for children with disabilities
- Inclusive outdoor play
- Behavior change & participation
- Physical fitness in children with disabilities
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Interprofessional cooperation
Publications
- Collaboration: How does it work according to therapists and parents of young children? A systematic review
- Collaborative working in speech and language therapy for children with DLD—What are parents’ needs?
- Using a behavior change toolkit in pediatric physical therapy to support physical activity A feasibility study
