Drs. Monique Simons

Name: Monique Simons
Initials: M
First name: Monique
Section: Preventie en Volksgezondheid
T: +31 20 59 83670 (direct)
T: +31 20 59 87005 (secretary)
F; +31 20 59 87123
E: Monique.simons@falw.vu.nl
Room: T-651


Monique Simons started working for the VU University Amsterdam in December 2008. She is working on her PhD project “Activity-promoting video games: an effective way to prevent overweight and obesity in a family setting?” She is also working for the research center Body@Work, which is a joint initiative of TNO Quality of Life, Leiden, The Netherlands and VU University, and VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

In 2005 Monique graduated in Human Movement Science at the VU University Amsterdam. After her study she worked for Body@Work and TNO Quality of Life on multiple projects on physical activity promotion and prevention of overweight in the target groups youth and employees. She has a special interest in the use of computer games for promotion of physical activity and was involved in several projects on active video games. 


Academic training:

- 2005: VU University Amsterdam, Human Movement Sciences, Specialization: Healthcare (masters degree)   

Currently: Postgraduate Epidemiology Programme (EPIDM).  Emgo Institute and VU Medical Centre.

Research Projects:
PhD project: “Activity-promoting video games: an effective way to prevent overweight and obesity in a family setting?” The overall aim of this project is to examine whether substituting of time spent in playing traditional video games by time spent in activity-promoting video games can function as a tool to reduce sedentary behaviours and prevent overweight and obesity in a family setting.


Selected publications

International peer reviewed
• Hendriksen IJM, Simons M, Garre FG, Hildebrandt VH. The association between commuter cycling and sickness absence. Preventive Medicine 2010. Epub ahead of print, available online 24 May 2010.
• Simons M, Es E van, Hendriksen IJM. Electrically assisted cycling: a new mode for meeting physical activity guidelines? Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2009 Nov;41(11):2097-102.
• Bernaards CM, Ariens GAM, Simons M, Knol DL, Hildebrandt VH. Improving Work Style Behavior in Computer Workers with Neck and Upper Limb Symptoms. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 2008; 18:87–101.
• Simons M, Vries SI de, Jongert MWA. Energy expenditure of three public and three home based active computer games in children. Submitted.

National peer reviewed
• Simons M, Boer A de, Jans MP, Hendriksen IJM. Het effect van omgevingsverandering op het lunchwandelgedrag van werknemers. Tijdschrift voor Gezondheidswetenschappen. 2009; 87: 182.

Other
• Simons M, Jongert MWA. Bewegen met computer games: een evaluatie van een beweegprogramma met beweeggames op een VMBO school. Leiden: TNO Kwaliteit van Leven rapport, april 2010.

• Wesselman M, Simons M, de Boer MR, de Vet E. Kinderen en games: Voorspellers van spelen en aanschaffen van (actieve) games. Rapport VU Amsterdam, maart 2010.

• Simons M, Hildebrandt VH. Lasersquash als hightech werkpleksport. Preventie 2008;2 april:12-13.
• Jongert MWA, Simons M, Vries SI de. Wii Fit, de spelcomputer in plaats van het echte sporten? Voeding Nu, april 2008.

• Boogaard van den CMH, Simons M, Vries de SI, et al. Bewegen met computer games. Sportgericht 2007;61(6):18-22.


Last updat July 27, 2010