The University of Massachusetts Amherst
Wouter Hoogkamer

Wouter Hoogkamer

Assistant Professor of Kinesiology

Biomechanics & energetics; gait rehabilitation; running performance; footwear

Our lab uses a comprehensive approach to study human locomotion, integrating neurophysiology, biomechanics, and energetics. Our work covers the full health spectrum, from the neuromechanics of split-belt walking in individuals with neurological disease to the biomechanics and energetics of elite marathon runners. We focus specifically on how surface and footwear properties can be used and optimized to improve gait rehabilitation and sports performance.

Research Lab Website: 

UMass Integrative Locomotion Lab (UMILL)

Education

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Colorado, Boulder
  • PhD, KU Leuven, Belgium, 2014
  • MS, VU University Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2010
  • MS, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands, 2005
  • BS, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands, 2003

Key Publications

Kipp S, Kram R, Hoogkamer W. Extrapolating metabolic savings in running: implications for performance predictions. Front Physiol, 10:79, 2019.

Hoogkamer W, Kipp S, Frank JH, Farina EM, Luo G, Kram R. A comparison of the energetic cost of running in marathon racing shoes. Sports Med, 48: 1009-1019, 2018.

Hoogkamer W, Kram R, Arellano C. How biomechanical improvements in running economy can break the 2-hour marathon barrier. Sports Med, 47: 1739-1750, 2017.

Hoogkamer W. Perception of gait asymmetry during split-belt walking. Exerc Sport Sci Rev, 45:34-40, 2017.

Hoogkamer W, Meyns P, Duysens J. Steps forward in understanding backward gait: from basic circuits to rehabilitation. Exerc Sport Sci Rev, 42: 23-29, 2014.