About Me
Ciska Heida (PhD) is an Associate Professor in the Biomedical Signals & Systems group. She has a background in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Biomedical Engineering (MSc 1997) and received her PhD in the field of neurotechnology at the University of Twente in 2002. Her current research interests focus on increasing our understanding of the central mechanisms of human motor control, the pathophysiology underlying movement disorders, and the application of neuromodulation techniques for restoring motor control. Her teaching activities are related to signal analysis of biomedical/clinical data and bioelectromagnetics.
Expertise
Organisations
Research
How does human neural circuitry control posture and voluntary movements? Insight into the central mechanisms of human motor control and motor disorders such as Parkinson’s disease forms the basis for development of advanced therapies. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and cueing can be used to improve symptoms for Parkinson’s disease patients (e.g. tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity). However, the mechanisms of DBS and cueing are still unclear and especially with DBS side-effects may occur. It is not well known which neuronal elements and pathways are activated or blocked with these treatments, and how the entire neural circuitry responds to the induced activation patterns since there is still limited knowledge of the connections within this network.
With the use of computational models of (part of) the brain networks involved in motor control we study the function of these networks and the effects of neuromodulation on network behaviour. In addition, experimental research including movement tests performed by patients while recording brain activity (LFP, MER, EEG, fNIRS) provide us with information regarding the (patho)physiology, the mechanisms and clinical effects of neuromodulation techniques. Based on these insights we develop new techniques and methods for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Publications
UT Research Information System
Google Scholar Link
Affiliated Study Programmes
Bachelor
Master
Courses Academic Year 2022/2023
Courses Academic Year 2021/2022
Projects
INTENSE - Innovative Neurotechnology for Society
https://www.utwente.nl/en/eemcs/bss/research-projects/intense-project/
PROMP - Personalised-care and Research on Motoric dysfunctioning for patient-specific treatments
https://www.utwente.nl/en/eemcs/bss/research-projects/PROMPT-project-description/
Contact Details
Visiting Address
University of Twente
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Horst Complex
(building no. 20), room ZH214
De Horst 2
7522LW Enschede
The Netherlands
Mailing Address
University of Twente
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Horst Complex
ZH214
P.O. Box 217
7500 AE Enschede
The Netherlands