Roland Johannes Wilhelmus van den Tillaar

Education

BSc in Physical Education (Fontys University of Applied Science, Tilburg, Netherlands)

MSc Human Movement Science (Vrije Univesity, Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Ph.D. in Sports Science (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway)

Teaching Areas

• Applied biomechanics
• Motor control / learning
• Strength and conditioning
• Research methods
• Statistics
• Athletics
• Gymnastics (parkour)

Research Summary

Roland's research primarily focuses on improving sports performance using motor learning/control, biomechanics and strength and conditioning, and secondly reducing the risk of sporting injuries by investigating risk factors and injury prevention methods. Roland has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and is a reviewer for 18 international journals.

Other Responsibilities

• Leader of research group «Learning and development of skills and performance in sport» which has a broad multidisciplinary (Physiology, biomechanics, psychology and Strength & conditioning) applied approach that focusses upon different constraints that can influence sports performance
• Member of the committee of Ph.D in Science of Professions
• Responsible for the Laboratory that has equipment for performing 3D kinematic analysis (Xsens, Qualisys), EMG (Musclelab), oxygen measurements (Jaeger) and sprint and strength measurements (Musclelab and Brower systems)

Current Research Projects

• Effect of different constraints upon kinematics of fast discrete movements (throwing and kicking)
• Monitoring handball throwing performance and injury prevention
• Kinematics and EMG in strength training exercises (bench press and squats)
• Warm-up and performance
• Kinematics and muscle activation in resisted and assisted sprinting
• Effects of different strength and plyometric training programs upon different motor abilities like sprinting, change of direction and cycling
• Core strength training and performance
• Endurance training testing
• Biomechanical and physiological analyses in cross country skiing from novice to expert (China Project)