Welcome Patrick Manser!

What is your mission at NVS?/What will you be working with?

My mission at NVS is to iteratively co-design, develop, and evaluate a novel technology-supported training concept for the secondary prevention of Parkinson's disease. My work will specifically focus on the personalization of the training by integrating all the relevant findings from scientific literature, the previous and ongoing research of Erika Franzén's group, as well as my own previous research. In particular, we aim to use data from neuroimaging (at rest and during complex walking), physical and neurocognitive assessments, mobility monitoring and/or evaluations on psychosocial functioning to inform decision making on the personalization of the type, content, and characteristics of the training and individually tailor and progress the training according to real-time physiological and performance data.

Which division will you be working in?

I will be working at the Division of Physiotherapy.

What do you look forward to the most in your new position?

I am very excited and feel privileged to be part of such a strong multidisciplinary research group, striving to bring together all their specialist expertise with my expertise, the scientific evidence and the expectations and needs of primary (patients) and secondary (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, health professionals) end users to create an innovative training approach that is well accepted and (hopefully) effective

Where have you been active before and what have you done earlier?

In my doctorate project, I - together with all collaborators - iteratively co-designed and developed a new intervention approach and finally evaluated the effectiveness of the resulting 'Brain-IT' training concept - a newly developed training concept combining exergame-based motor-cognitive training and heart rate variability guided resonance breathing for the secondary prevention of mild neurocognitive disorders. I put a strong emphasis on the involvement of primary (older adults with mild neurodegenerative disorder) and secondary end users (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, healthcare professionals), other researchers, as well as experts from the exergaming industry to make the most out of the development and implementation of this novel training concept for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In this regard, we combined the advantages of qualitative and quantitative research and used a wide range of assessment techniques, including various domain-specific neuropsychological assessments, clinical protocols for (instrumented) physical activity, gait, and mobility analysis (with accelerometry), electroencephalography, and (functional) magnetic resonance imaging.

When you are not working, what do you do for recreation?

In my spare time, I like to do sports, go to the sauna, watch documentaries and spend time with my two cats, Daisy and Stella. As for sports: I used to be a competitive javelin (spear) thrower, but now I mostly just work out in the gym. I also like to play tennis. However, I don't have a tennis partner here in Stockholm yet. So please get in touch with me if you are interested in playing tennis together, or if you have someone who would be interested in being a tennis partner. There's a good chance you'll win, so it'll be fun (for you at least)!

Are you reading a book at the moment? Which one?

At the moment I am more interested in watching documentaries, especially those that focus on finding solutions to current climate, environmental, political and societal challenges. I can recommend the following documentaries, among others: “Dominion”, “Globalization: Winners and losers in world trade”, “Are Women Ill differently?”, or “Mental health and resilience – the secrets of inner strength”.

Tell us about the most beautiful place you have visited? 

It's called "Palais Vital" and is part of the "Schwarzwald Therme". The most beautiful sauna complex I have ever been in. Decorated with palm trees, orchids, candles and organized in different themes with everything you could possibly wish for to support complete relaxation and peace of mind.

What makes you happy?

The feeling of having successfully contributed to solving societal challenges and of being appreciated as a person and for my work, the feeling of having contributed to making others happy, the dopamine rush during/after training and sauna bathing, and the friendly "meows" and cuddles when I come home to my two beloved cats.