About M.J.H. (Maud) van den Oord
Introduction
My name is Maud van den Oord. I have worked as a physical therapist since 2018 and obtained my master’s degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Science from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 2021. I currently work as a physical therapist at the Department of Traumatology, Orthopaedics, and General Surgery at Amphia Hospital in Breda.
During hospitalization, patients spend a substantial proportion of their time inactive and in bed, which contributes to functional decline, prolonged recovery, and increased healthcare utilization. Although promoting physical activity during hospital admission is increasingly recognized as important, translating evidence into sustainable daily practice remains challenging. Alongside my clinical work, I therefore focus on research that bridges the gap between evidence, implementation, and hospital practice.
In May 2024, I started my PhD trajectory at Erasmus MC. My research investigates how physical activity–promoting interventions can be effectively and sustainably implemented in hospital care, with the aim of reducing time spent in bed and supporting patient recovery.
During hospitalization, patients spend a substantial proportion of their time inactive and in bed, which contributes to functional decline, prolonged recovery, and increased healthcare utilization. Although promoting physical activity during hospital admission is increasingly recognized as important, translating evidence into sustainable daily practice remains challenging. Alongside my clinical work, I therefore focus on research that bridges the gap between evidence, implementation, and hospital practice.
In May 2024, I started my PhD trajectory at Erasmus MC. My research investigates how physical activity–promoting interventions can be effectively and sustainably implemented in hospital care, with the aim of reducing time spent in bed and supporting patient recovery.
My research is strongly practice oriented and conducted in close collaboration with multiple (university) hospitals and other relevant organizations, including KNGF, NVZF, and the Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity. A central aim of my work is to support knowledge sharing between hospitals and to contribute to the development of practical tools and strategies that facilitate sustainable implementation of movement promoting initiatives in daily care.
Field(s) of expertise
Stimulating physical activity during hospital stay
Education and career
2013-2018 Bsc. Physical therapy, Avans Hogeschool Breda.
2018-2021 MSc Musculoskeletal physiotherapy science, VU Amsterdam
2018-2020 Physical therapist at Bravis Hospital, Roosendaal
Since 2021 Physical therapist at Amphia hospital, Breda
2018-2021 MSc Musculoskeletal physiotherapy science, VU Amsterdam
2018-2020 Physical therapist at Bravis Hospital, Roosendaal
Since 2021 Physical therapist at Amphia hospital, Breda
Current research projects
PhD project: Implementation of physical activity–promoting interventions during hospitalization
This PhD project comprises four interrelated studies examining the effectiveness, implementation, and organizational context of movement‑promoting interventions in hospital care.
- Systematic review (completed)
A systematic review with meta-analysis on unsupervised mono- and multifaceted interventions aimed at reducing time spent in bed during hospitalization, identifying promising components and key knowledge gaps. - National implementation study using the MRC framework (ongoing)
Guided by the Medical Research Council framework, this study examines how physical activity–promoting initiatives are implemented across Dutch hospitals, including institutional visions, strategies, and perceived barriers and facilitators. - Observational implementation study in Amphia Hospital (ongoing)
An observational study evaluates the real‑world implementation of a movement‑promoting project, focusing on feasibility, uptake, and experiences of patients and healthcare professionals. - Qualitative study at board and management level (ongoing)
A qualitative study explores how hospital leaders perceive the value, prioritization, and financial investment in movement‑promoting initiatives.
