Kristel Knaepen

Kristel Knaepen is a researcher at the Institute of Movement and Neuroscience, German Sport University Cologne. She is actively involved in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of neuroscience, physical activity, and aging. Her work bridges motor function, cognitive health, and rehabilitation, with a focus on older adults and neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis.

Her research interests include:

• Cognitive and neural effects of physical activity
• Interhemispheric communication in aging
• Gait and walking dynamics
• Hippotherapy and rehabilitation in MS
• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neuroplasticity
• Cardiorespiratory fitness and brain health

Dr. Knaepen’s recent publications reveal a strong trend in using neuroimaging and behavioral metrics to explore how exercise influences brain structure and function in aging populations. Her work often involves longitudinal designs, randomized controlled trials, and collaborations across neuroscience and rehabilitation disciplines.

She has received scientific recognition, including:

• Frontiers in Human Neuroscience Poster Award (2019)

Dr. Knaepen has been involved in externally funded research projects, notably on cognitive training transfer in healthy aging. While she collaborates with PhD students and researchers, no formal advisees are listed. She is part of an active research network focused on movement and brain health, contributing to both clinical and fundamental neuroscience.