Robby De Pauw

Robby De Pauw

Senior Researcher · Visiting Professor · Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Data-driven Health Research

Public-health researcher (PhD) combining health sciences with advanced methods in epidemiology, statistics and data science.

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Email
robby.depauw@sciensano.be

Website
robbydepauw.be

ORCID
0000-0002-4242-9062

Google Scholar
Profile

Location
Belgium

Profile Experience Education Funding Projects Publications Teaching Supervision Talks Service Contact

Profile

Public-health researcher combining expertise in health sciences with advanced methodological skills in epidemiology, statistics and data science. My work bridges the individual (clinical) and population (epidemiological) levels, using linked patient and administrative data to identify gaps in care and applying advanced analytics to support causal, evidence-based decision-making. Core interests include burden-of-disease modelling, health inequalities, causal inference, biostatistics, and the translation of research into health policy. Experienced in leading multidisciplinary projects, securing competitive funding, and supervising students and doctoral researchers, with sustained work in both R and SAS.

Experience

2020–present

Senior Scientist

Sciensano (Belgian Institute for Health)

2025–present

Visiting Professor — Head, Biostatistics Unit (20%)

Ghent University

2022–present

Visiting Professor — Epidemiology & Statistics, Rehabilitation Sciences (10%)

Ghent University

2013–2025

Statistical consultant (self-employed)

Independent

2019–2023

Lecturer, Manual Therapy programme

Breederode Hogeschool, Netherlands

2019–2022

Postdoctoral researcher (1 yr 100%, then 20%)

Ghent University

2013–2019

Doctoral (mandate) assistant

Ghent University

2013–2018

Physiotherapist / manual therapist (5% FTE)

Self-employed

Education

2013–2019

PhD, Doctor in Health Sciences

Ghent University, Belgium

2018–2019

Statistical Data Analysis (inference track) — Cum laude

Ghent University, Belgium

2013–2014

Postgraduate in Manual Therapy

Ghent University, Belgium

2011–2013

MSc Rehabilitation Sciences & Physiotherapy (musculoskeletal rehabilitation) — Magna cum laude

Ghent University, Belgium

2008–2011

BSc Rehabilitation Sciences & Physiotherapy

Ghent University, Belgium

PhD dissertation: “The motor brain in chronic neck pain — the association between motor impairment and brain differences in a population of chronic neck pain patients.” Supervisor: Prof. dr. Barbara Cagnie (Ghent University).

Selected research achievements

NEED project (Needs Examination, Evaluation and Dissemination). Developed a methodological framework to systematically map unmet health-related needs, validated at EU level through a modified Delphi study. Secured BELSPO funding, designed the conceptual framework, and built the project dashboard and dataflow.

High-impact fundamental research in PAIN®. First-author graph-theoretical brain-network analysis in chronic neck pain, recognised as runner-up for best oral presentation at the European Congress of Manual Therapy.

Large-scale population cohorts and data-linkage. Designed complex population-level linkage projects including HELICON (COVID-19 health inequalities), the TeleHealth study, and a national long-COVID follow-up study.

Recognised (inter)national analytical expertise. Invited as an analytical expert on projects including a Scottish excess-weight modelling study (2003–2040), fungal diversity in bats, and validation of the SPIDER hypermobility questionnaire.

Competitive research funding

2024–2027

Joint Action NCD-Prevent

EU4HEALTH · €500,000

2023–2026

NEED — Needs Examination, Evaluation and Dissemination

BELSPO (INFRAFED) · €976,285

2024–2027

TELEHEALTH — Impact of hybrid working on health

WEAVE (FWO–F.N.R.S.) · €500,000

2026–2030

Empowering primary healthcare: patient-centric triage for musculoskeletal conditions

FWO–TBM · €565,100

2026–2027

Unmet health-related needs in onco-cardiovascular symptoms

King Baudouin Foundation (KBS) · €150,000

Total competitive funding secured: approximately €2,000,000.

Projects

BeBOD - Belgian national Burden of Disease

Sciensano

National burden of disease estimation and dissemination

More info

NEED - Need - Examination - Evaluation - Dissemination

Sciensano & KCE

Framework for identifying and assessing unmet health-related needs

More info

TELEHEALTH

Sciensano - UGent & UCLouvain

Research project to evaluate the impact of hybrid working

More info

BEACON

Sciensano & KCE

Unmet health-related needs in patients with onco-cardiovascular symptoms

More info

HSR - Health Status Report

Sciensano

Health status reporting and dissemination

More info

EMPOWER

UGent & UZ Gent

Empowering primary healthcare: patient-centric triage for improved healthcare access and quality in people with musculoskeletal conditions

More info

Publications

2026

Vugts, Dimitri F, Spigt, Jeanet P, De Pauw, Robby, de Graaf, Marloes, Kregel, Jeroen, Bier, Jasper D

Barriers and facilitators in the selection of diagnostic tests in primary care physiotherapy: A delphi study

Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 103593

2026

Braeye, Toon, De Pauw, Robby, Geebelen, Laurence, Abrams, Steven, Desombere, Isabelle, Hens, Niel, Hammami, Naïma, Roelants, Mathieu, Muylaert, An, Herzog, Sereina A.

Estimating the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections by jointly modelling seroprevalence, hospitalization and mortality data, February 2020 - January 2021, Belgium

Archives of public health = Archives belges de sante publique · DOI

2026

Bracho Montes de Oca, Eduardo Antonio, De Pauw, Robby, Moerkerke, Beatrijs, Hermans, Lize, Duveau, Camille, De Meulemeester, Kayleigh, Cagnie, Barbara, de Geus, Bas

Exploring the mediating factors in the telework-mental health relationship: a cross-sectional analysis of the BELHEALTH study

BMJ public health, 4(1), e003249 · DOI

2026

Guariguata, Leonor, Nayani, Sarah, Croes, Sarah, Schmidt, Masja, Gisle, Lydia, Vynckier, Pieter, Verhaeghe, Nick, De Pauw, Robby, Devleesschauwer, Brecht

Past trends, future forecasts and socio-demographic patterns of cigarette smoking in Belgium, 1997 to 2040

Population Health Metrics, 24(1), 30

2026

Boiy, Elin, Cavillot, Lisa, Devleesschauwer, Brecht, De Pauw, Robby, De Smedt, Delphine, Gadeyne, Sylvie, Gorasso, Vanessa, Schmidt, Masja, Vanthomme, Katrien, Verhaege, Nick, Van den Borre, Laura

Post-acute healthcare expenditure following COVID-19 hospitalization and associated social inequalities in Belgium: a matched cohort study

BMC health services research, 26(1), 266 · DOI

2026

Cavillot, Lisa, Van den Borre, Laura, Ghattas, Jinane, Boiy, Elin, AF van Loenhout, Joris, Hubin, Pierre, Smith, Pierre, De Smedt, Delphine, Vanthomme, Katrien, Gadeyne, Sylvie, {others}

Post-acute organ complications within one year following COVID-19 hospitalization and related socioeconomic inequalities

Nature Communications

2026

Cavillot, Lisa, Moerkerke, Beatrijs, Devleesschauwer, Brecht, Ghattas, Jinane, van Loenhout, Joris A. F., Van den Borre, Laura, Speybroeck, Niko, Loeys, Tom, De Pauw, Robby

The role of vaccination, underlying health conditions, and working in healthcare in the socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 hospitalization: a mediation analysis using interventional effect models

BMC infectious diseases, 26(1) · DOI

2025

Gorasso, Vanessa, Vandevijvere, Stefanie, Nusselder, Wilma Johanna, De Pauw, Robby, Hilderink, Henk, Nayani, Sarah, Van der Heyden, Johan, De Smedt, Delphine, Devleesschauwer, Brecht

Burden of disease attributable to high body mass index in Belgium: a comparative risk assessment analysis

BMJ Public Health, 3(1), e002446 · Link

2025

Coppieters, Iris, Nijs, Jo, Meeus, Mira, Danneels, Lieven, Roussel, Nathalie, Cagnie, Barbara, Kregel, Jeroen, Willaert, Ward, Rheel, Emma, De Pauw, Robby, Malfliet, Anneleen

Can Pain Neuroscience Education Combined with Cognition-Targeted Exercise Therapy Change White Matter Structure in People with Chronic Spinal Pain? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(3), 867 · Link

2025

Rommers, Ellis, De Pauw, Robby, Petrovic, Mirko, Cambier, Dirk

Epidemiology of falls in community-dwelling older adults in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Age and Ageing, 54(6) · Link

2025

Bracho Montes de Oca, Eduardo Antonio, Int Panis, Laura, Verbrugghe, Mathieu, De Waegeneer, Els, Cagnie, Barbara, de Geus, Bas, De Pauw, Robby

Exploring the causal paths and longitudinal impact of telework on health: the TeleHealth survey–data linkage study protocol

BMJ Open, 15(2), e096105 · Link

2025

Cnockaert, Elise, Smeets, Rob, Beckers, Laura, Meeus, Mira, De Pauw, Robby, Van Oosterwijck, Jessica

Feelings of fatigue, annoyance or anger, or hostility predict improvement in pain-related disability following an interdisciplinary multimodal pain treatment program for chronic musculoskeletal pain: a longitudinal cohort study

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 41(9), 1816–1829 · Link

2025

De Pauw, Robby, Lakha, Fatim, Fletcher, Eilidh, Stockton, Diane L., Baird, Emma, Connolly, Suzanne, Devleesschauwer, Brecht, Wyper, Grant M.A.

Historic trends and future projections of the prevalence of adult excess weight in Scotland, 2003 to 2040: A modelling study

Public Health, 248, 105981 · Link

2025

Maertens de Noordhout, Charline, Levy, Muriel, Claerman, Rani, de Jaeger, Mats, De Pauw, Robby, Kohn, Laurence, Schönborn, Claudia, Cleemput, Irina

Identification of health-related needs: The needs examination, evaluation and dissemination (NEED) assessment framework

Health Policy, 155, 105263 · Link

2025

Van Droogenbroeck, Filip, Spruyt, Bram, Gérain, Pierre, Van den Borre, Laura, Smith, Pierre, De Pauw, Robby, Dury, Sarah

Informal caregiving and mental health: results from the Belgian health interview survey 2013 and 2018

BMC Public Health, 25(1) · Link

2025

Claerman, Rani, Kohn, Laurence, Levy, Muriel, Cleemput, Irina, Schönborn, Claudia, Maertens de Noordhout, Charline, De Pauw, Robby

The validation of the Needs Examination, Evaluation, and Dissemination assessment framework within the European Union: a modified Delphi study

European Journal of Public Health, 35(2), 228–234 · Link

2025

Schönborn, Claudia, Levy, Muriel, De Jaeger, Mats, Van Goethem, Renaud, Leonard, Ugo, Claerman, Rani, De Pauw, Robby, Kohn, Laurence, Cleemput, Irina, de Noordhout, Charline Maertens

Unmet health-related needs in patients with Crohn’s disease in Belgium: a mixed-methods study

Archives of Public Health, 83(1) · Link

2024

D’Hondt, Stéphanie, Gisle, Lydia, De Pauw, Robby, Van Cauteren, Dieter, Demarest, Stefaan, Drieskens, Sabine, Cornelissen, Laura, De Ridder, Karin, Charafeddine, Rana, Smith, Pierre

Anxiety and depression in people with post-COVID condition: a Belgian population-based cohort study three months after SARS-CoV-2 infection

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 59(11), 2083–2092 · Link

2024

Beerten, Simon Gabriël, De Pauw, Robby, Van Pottelbergh, Gijs, Casas, Lidia, Vaes, Bert

Assessing mental health from registry data: What is the best proxy?

International Journal of Medical Informatics, 183, 105340 · Link

2024

Khan, Yasmine, Verhaeghe, Nick, De Pauw, Robby, Devleesschauwer, Brecht, Gadeyne, Sylvie, Gorasso, Vanessa, Lievens, Yolande, Speybroeck, Niko, Damme, Nancy Van, Vandemaele, Miet, Borre, Laura Van den, Vandepitte, Sophie, Vanthomme, Katrien, Verdoodt, Freija, Smedt, Delphine De

Correction: Evaluating the health and health economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on delayed cancer care in Belgium: A Markov model study protocol

PLOS ONE, 19(6), e0306495 · Link

2024

De Pauw, Robby, Laguna, Javier Muñoz, Gorasso, Vanessa

Embracing the complexity: a critical appraisal of global neck pain trends and research gaps

The Lancet Rheumatology, 6(3), e130–e131 · Link

2024

Drieskens, Sabine, Charafeddine, Rana, Vandevijvere, Stefanie, De Pauw, Robby, Demarest, Stefaan

Rising socioeconomic disparities in childhood overweight and obesity in Belgium

Archives of Public Health, 82(1) · Link

2024

Ewer, E. R., De Pauw, R., Kazkazk, H., Ninis, N., Rowe, P., Simmonds, J. V., De Wandele, I.

The Spider: a visual, multisystemic symptom impact questionnaire for people with hypermobility-related disorders—validation in adults

Clinical Rheumatology, 43(9), 3005–3017 · Link

2023

Thi Khanh, Huyen Nguyen, Cornelissen, Laura, Castanares-Zapatero, Diego, De Pauw, Robby, Van Cauteren, Dieter, Demarest, Stefaan, Drieskens, Sabine, Devleesschauwer, Brecht, De Ridder, Karin, Charafeddine, Rana, Smith, Pierre

Association between SARS-CoV-2 variants and post COVID-19 condition: findings from a longitudinal cohort study in the Belgian adult population

BMC Infectious Diseases, 23(1) · Link

2023

Muñoz Laguna, Javier, Puhan, Milo A., Rodríguez Artalejo, Fernando, De Pauw, Robby, Wyper, Grant M. A., Devleesschauwer, Brecht, Santos, João V., Hincapié, Cesar A.

Certainty of the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Modelled Prevalence Estimates for Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Meta-Epidemiological Study

International Journal of Public Health, 68 · Link

2023

Nayani, Sarah, Castanares-Zapatero, Diego, De Pauw, Robby, Van Cauteren, Dieter, Demarest, Stefaan, Drieskens, Sabine, Cornelissen, Laura, Devleesschauwer, Brecht, De Ridder, Karin, Charafeddine, Rana, Smith, Pierre

Classification of post COVID-19 condition symptoms: a longitudinal study in the Belgian population

BMJ Open, 13(10), e072726 · Link

2023

Cruyt, Ellen, Jarrey, Mike, Eijkelkamp, Ank, Vlerick, Peter, De Letter, Miet, Oostra, Kristine, Calders, Patrick, De Pauw, Robby, Costenoble, Axelle, Bautmans, Ivan, Van de Velde, Dominique, De Vriendt, Patricia

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the engagement in meaningful activities survey

British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 86(11), 755–766 · Link

2023

Khan, Yasmine, Verhaeghe, Nick, De Pauw, Robby, Devleesschauwer, Brecht, Gadeyne, Sylvie, Gorasso, Vanessa, Lievens, Yolande, Speybroek, Niko, Vandamme, Nancy, Vandemaele, Miet, Van den Borre, Laura, Vandepitte, Sophie, Vanthomme, Katrien, Verdoodt, Freija, De Smedt, Delphine

Evaluating the health and health economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on delayed cancer care in Belgium: A Markov model study protocol

PLOS ONE, 18(10), e0288777 · Link

2023

Devleesschauwer, Brecht, Scohy, Aline, De Pauw, Robby, Gorasso, Vanessa, Kongs, Anne, Neirynck, Elias, Verduyckt, Peter, Wyper, Grant M. A., Van den Borre, Laura

Investigating years of life lost in Belgium, 2004–2019: A comprehensive analysis using a probabilistic redistribution approach

Archives of Public Health, 81(1) · Link

2023

Thoomes, Erik, Cleland, Joshua A., Falla, Deborah, de Pauw, Robby, Maissan, Francois, de Graaf, Marloes

Measurement properties of a computer adaptive device, the Senscoordination 3D Cervical Trainer, to assess cervical range of motion in people with neck pain

Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 67, 102861 · Link

2023

Smith, Pierre, De Pauw, Robby, Van Cauteren, Dieter, Demarest, Stefaan, Drieskens, Sabine, Cornelissen, Laura, Devleesschauwer, Brecht, De Ridder, Karin, Charafeddine, Rana

Post COVID-19 condition and health-related quality of life: a longitudinal cohort study in the Belgian adult population

BMC Public Health, 23(1) · Link

2023

Becker, Pierre, van den Eynde, Claudia, Baert, Frederik, D’hooge, Elizabet, De Pauw, Robby, Normand, Anne-Cécile, Piarroux, Renaud, Stubbe, Dirk

Remarkable fungal biodiversity on northern Belgium bats and hibernacula

Mycologia, 115(4), 484–498 · Link

2023

De Pauw, Robby, Van den Borre, Laura, Baeyens, Youri, Cavillot, Lisa, Gadeyne, Sylvie, Ghattas, Jinane, De Smedt, Delphine, Jaminé, David, Khan, Yasmine, Lusyne, Patrick, Speybroeck, Niko, Racape, Judith, Rea, Andrea, Van Cauteren, Dieter, Vandepitte, Sophie, Vanthomme, Katrien, Devleesschauwer, Brecht

Social inequalities and long-term health impact of COVID-19 in Belgium: protocol of the HELICON population data linkage

BMJ Open, 13(5), e069355 · Link

2023

Cavillot, Lisa, van Loenhout, Joris A F, Devleesschauwer, Brecht, Wyndham-Thomas, Chloé, Van Oyen, Herman, Ghattas, Jinane, Blot, Koen, Van den Borre, Laura, Billuart, Matthieu, Speybroeck, Niko, De Pauw, Robby, Stouten, Veerle, Catteau, Lucy, Hubin, Pierre

Sociodemographic and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Belgium: a nationwide record linkage study

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 78(3), 176–183 · Link

2023

De Meulemeester, Kayleigh, Meeus, Mira, De Pauw, Robby, Cagnie, Barbara, Keppler, Hannah, Lenoir, Dorine

Suffering from chronic tinnitus, chronic neck pain, or both: Does it impact the presence of signs and symptoms of central sensitization?

PLOS ONE, 18(8), e0290116 · Link

2023

Rommers, Ellis, Petrovic, Mirko, De Pauw, Robby, Van Bladel, Anke, Cambier, Dirk

The Belgian physiotherapy reimbursement criteria for fall prevention fails in screening appropriately fall-prone community-dwelling older adults

Acta Clinica Belgica, 79(1), 5–11 · Link

2023

Rodríguez-Bailón, María, Fernández-Solano, Ana Judit, Vidaña-Moya, Laura, Merchán-Baeza, José Antonio, Cruyt, Ellen, De Letter, Miet, Vlerick, Peter, Calders, Patrick, De Pauw, Robby, Oostra, Kristine, Szmalec, Arnaud, Van de Velde, Dominique, De Vriendt, Patricia

The contribution of participation in meaningful activities on mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Spanish population

Anales de Psicología, 39(2), 176–187 · Link

2023

Devleesschauwer, Brecht, Willem, Lander, Jurčević, Jure, Smith, Pierre, Scohy, Aline, Wyper, Grant M. A., Pires, Sara Monteiro, Van Goethem, Nina, Beutels, Philippe, Franco, Nicolas, Abrams, Steven, Van Cauteren, Dieter, Speybroeck, Niko, Hens, Niel, De Pauw, Robby

The direct disease burden of COVID-19 in Belgium in 2020 and 2021

BMC Public Health, 23(1) · Link

2023

Gorasso, Vanessa, Van der Heyden, Johan, De Pauw, Robby, Pelgrims, Ingrid, De Clercq, Eva M., De Ridder, Karin, Vandevijvere, Stefanie, Vansteelandt, Stijn, Vaes, Bert, De Smedt, Delphine, Devleesschauwer, Brecht

The health and economic burden of musculoskeletal disorders in Belgium from 2013 to 2018

Population Health Metrics, 21(1) · Link

2023

Cruyt, Ellen, De Vriendt, Patricia, De Geyter, Nele, Van Leirsberghe, Janne, Santens, Patrick, De Baets, Stijn, De Letter, Miet, Vlerick, Peter, Calders, Patrick, De Pauw, Robby, Oostra, Kristine, Van de Velde, Dominique

The underpinning of meaningful activities by brain correlates: a systematic review

Frontiers in Psychology, 14 · Link

2023

Vandevijvere, Stefanie, De Pauw, Robby, Djojosoeparto, Sanne, Gorasso, Vanessa, Guariguata, Leonor, Løvhaug, Anne Lene, Mialon, Melissa, Van Dam, Iris, von Philipsborn, Peter

Upstream Determinants of Overweight and Obesity in Europe

Current Obesity Reports, 12(4), 417–428 · Link

2022

Pires, Sara Monteiro, Wyper, Grant M. A., Wengler, Annelene, Peñalvo, José L., Haneef, Romana, Moran, Declan, Cuschieri, Sarah, Redondo, Hernan G., De Pauw, Robby, McDonald, Scott A., Moon, Lynelle, Shedrawy, Jad, Pallari, Elena, Charalampous, Periklis, Devleesschauwer, Brecht, Von Der Lippe, Elena

Burden of Disease of COVID-19: Strengthening the Collaboration for National Studies

Frontiers in Public Health, 10 · Link

2022

De Pauw, Robby, Claessens, Manu, Gorasso, Vanessa, Drieskens, Sabine, Faes, Christel, Devleesschauwer, Brecht

Past, present, and future trends of overweight and obesity in Belgium using Bayesian age-period-cohort models

BMC Public Health, 22(1) · Link

2022

Smith, Pierre, Proesmans, Kristiaan, Van Cauteren, Dieter, Demarest, Stefaan, Drieskens, Sabine, De Pauw, Robby, Cornelissen, Laura, De Ridder, Karin, Charafeddine, Rana

Post COVID-19 condition and its physical, mental and social implications: protocol of a 2-year longitudinal cohort study in the Belgian adult population

Archives of Public Health, 80(1) · Link

2022

Bilterys, Thomas, Van Looveren, Eveline, Mairesse, Olivier, Nijs, Jo, Meeus, Mira, Ickmans, Kelly, Cagnie, Barbara, Goubert, Dorien, Willaert, Ward, De Pauw, Robby, Danneels, Lieven, Moens, Maarten, Malfliet, Anneleen

Predictors for physical activity and its change after active physical therapy in people with spinal pain and insomnia: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 26(6), 100456 · Link

2022

Gorasso, Vanessa, Silversmit, Geert, Arbyn, Marc, Cornez, Astrid, De Pauw, Robby, De Smedt, Delphine, Grant, Ian, Wyper, Grant M. A., Devleesschauwer, Brecht, Speybroeck, Niko

The non-fatal burden of cancer in Belgium, 2004–2019: a nationwide registry-based study

BMC Cancer, 22(1) · Link

2022

Ghattas, Jinane, Gorasso, Vanessa, De Pauw, Robby, Thunus, Sophie, Speybroeck, Niko, Devleesschauwer, Brecht

The state of health in Belgium, 1990–2019: a benchmarking analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study

Archives of Public Health, 80(1) · Link

2021

Lenoir, Dorine, Willaert, Ward, Ickmans, Kelly, Bernaers, Lisa, Nijs, Jo, Malfliet, Anneleen, Danneels, Lieven, Leysen, Laurence, De Pauw, Robby, Cagnie, Barbara, Coppieters, Iris, Meeus, Mira

Are Reports of Pain, Disability, Quality of Life, Psychological Factors, and Central Sensitization Related to Outcomes of Quantitative Sensory Testing in Patients Suffering From Chronic Whiplash Associated Disorders?

The Clinical Journal of Pain, 38(3), 159–172 · Link

2021

De Pauw, Robby, Dewitte, Vincent, de Hertogh, Willem, Cnockaert, Elise, Chys, Marjolein, Cagnie, Barbara

Consensus among musculoskeletal experts for the management of patients with headache by physiotherapists? A delphi study

Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 52, 102325 · Link

2021

Cruyt, Ellen, De Vriendt, Patricia, De Letter, Miet, Vlerick, Peter, Calders, Patrick, De Pauw, Robby, Oostra, Kristine, Rodriguez-Bailón, Maria, Szmalec, Arnaud, Merchán-Baeza, Jose Antonio, Fernández-Solano, Ana Judit, Vidaña-Moya, Laura, Van de Velde, Dominique

Correction to: Meaningful activities during COVID-19 lockdown and association with mental health in Belgian adults

BMC Public Health, 21(1) · Link

2021

Mukhtar, Naziru Bashir, Meeus, Mira, Gursen, Ceren, Mohammed, Jibril, De Pauw, Robby, Cagnie, Barbara

Effectiveness of Hands-Off Therapy in the Management of Primary Headache: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evaluation & the Health Professions, 45(2), 183–203 · Link

2021

Coppieters, Iris, Cagnie, Barbara, De Pauw, Robby, Meeus, Mira, Timmers, Inge

Enhanced amygdala-frontal operculum functional connectivity during rest in women with chronic neck pain: Associations with impaired conditioned pain modulation

NeuroImage: Clinical, 30, 102638 · Link

2021

Van Bogaert, Wouter, Coppieters, Iris, Kregel, Jeroen, Nijs, Jo, De Pauw, Robby, Meeus, Mira, Cagnie, Barbara, Danneels, Lieven, Malfliet, Anneleen

Influence of Baseline Kinesiophobia Levels on Treatment Outcome in People With Chronic Spinal Pain

Physical Therapy, 101(6) · Link

2021

Triest, David, Geebelen, Laurence, Pauw, Robby De, Craeye, Stéphane De, Vodolazkaia, Alexandra, Verbrugghe, Mathieu, Magerman, Koen, Robben, Lara-Lauren, Pannus, Pieter, Neven, Kristof, Ramaekers, Dirk, Gucht, Steven Van, Dierick, Katelijne, Loon, Nele Van, Goossens, Maria E., Desombere, Isabelle

Performance of five rapid serological tests in mild-diseased subjects using finger prick blood for exposure assessment to SARS-CoV-2

Journal of Clinical Virology, 142, 104897 · Link

2021

Mukhtar, Naziru Bashir, Meeus, Mira, Gursen, Ceren, Mohammed, Jibril, De Pauw, Robby, Cagnie, Barbara

Pilot study on the effects of a culturally-sensitive and standard pain neuroscience education for Hausa-speaking patients with chronic neck pain

Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(23), 7226–7236 · Link

2021

Taccone, Fabio Silvio, Van Goethem, Nina, De Pauw, Robby, Wittebole, Xavier, Blot, Koen, Van Oyen, Herman, Lernout, Tinne, Montourcy, Marion, Meyfroidt, Geert, Van Beckhoven, Dominique, {others}

The role of organizational characteristics on the outcome of COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU in Belgium

The Lancet Regional Health-Europe, 2, 100019

2020

Lenoir, Dorine, De Pauw, Robby, Van Oosterwijck, Sophie, Cagnie, Barbara, Meeus, Mira

Acupuncture Versus Sham Acupuncture: A Meta-Analysis on Evidence for Longer-term Effects of Acupuncture in Musculoskeletal Disorders

The Clinical Journal of Pain, 36(7), 533–549 · Link

2020

Van Looveren, Eveline, Cagnie, Barbara, Coppieters, Iris, Meeus, Mira, De Pauw, Robby

Changes in Muscle Morphology in Female Chronic Neck Pain Patients Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Spine, 46(10), 638–648 · Link

2020

Willaert, Ward, Malfliet, Anneleen, Coppieters, Iris, Lenoir, Dorine, De Pauw, Robby, Danneels, Lieven, Roussel, Nathalie, Meeus, Mira, Cagnie, Barbara, Nijs, Jo, Kregel, Jeroen

Does Pain Neuroscience Education and Cognition‐Targeted Motor Control Training Improve Cervical Motor Output? Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Pain Practice, 20(6), 600–614 · Link

2020

Pas, Roselien, Rheel, Emma, Van Oosterwijck, Sophie, Foubert, Anthe, De Pauw, Robby, Leysen, Laurence, Roete, Ann, Nijs, Jo, Meeus, Mira, Ickmans, Kelly

Pain Neuroscience Education for Children with Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders: A Randomized Comparative Pilot Study

Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(6), 1797 · Link

2020

De Pauw, Robby, Van Looveren, Eveline, Lenoir, Dorine, Danneels, Lieven, Cagnie, Barbara

Reliability and discriminative validity of a screening tool for the assessment of neuromuscular control and movement control in patients with neck pain and healthy individuals

Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(1), 139–147 · Link

2019

De Pauw, Robby, Coppieters, Iris, Caeyenberghs, Karen, Kregel, Jeroen, Aerts, Hannelore, Lenoir, Dorine, Cagnie, Barbara

Associations between brain morphology and motor performance in chronic neck pain: A whole-brain surface-based morphometry approach

Human Brain Mapping

2019

De Pauw, Robby, Aerts, Hannelore, Siugzdaite, Roma, Meeus, Mira, Coppieters, Iris, Caeyenberghs, Karen, Cagnie, Barbara

Hub disruption in patients with chronic neck pain: a graph analytical approach

Pain, 161(4), 729–741 · Link

2019

De Meulemeester, Kayleigh, Calders, Patrick, Van Dorpe, Jo, De Pauw, Robby, Petrovic, Mirko, Cagnie, Barbara

Morphological Differences in the Upper Trapezius Muscle Between Female Office Workers With and Without Trapezius Myalgia: Facts or Fiction?: A Cross-Sectional Study

American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation, 98(2), 117–124

2018

Dewitte, Vincent, De Pauw, Robby, De Meulemeester, Kayleigh, Peersman, Wim, Danneels, Lieven, Bouche, Katie, Roets, Arne, Cagnie, Barbara

Clinical classification criteria for nonspecific low back pain: A Delphi-survey of clinical experts

Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 34, 66–76

2018

Coppieters, Iris, De Pauw, Robby, Caeyenberghs, Karen, Lenoir, Dorine, DeBlaere, Karel, Genbrugge, Eva, Meeus, Mira, Cagnie, Barbara

Differences in white matter structure and cortical thickness between patients with traumatic and idiopathic chronic neck pain: Associations with cognition and pain modulation?

Human brain mapping, 39(4), 1721–1742

2018

Malfliet, Anneleen, Kregel, Jeroen, Coppieters, Iris, De Pauw, Robby, Meeus, Mira, Roussel, Nathalie, Cagnie, Barbara, Danneels, Lieven, Nijs, Jo

Effect of Pain Neuroscience Education Combined With Cognition-Targeted Motor Control Training on Chronic Spinal Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

JAMA neurology

2018

De Pauw, Robby, Coppieters, Iris, Palmans, Tanneke, Danneels, Lieven, Meeus, Mira, Cagnie, Barbara

Motor impairment in patients with chronic neck pain: does the traumatic event play a significant role? A case-control study

The Spine Journal

2018

Goubert, Dorien, Meeus, Mira, Willems, Tine, De Pauw, Robby, Coppieters, Iris, Crombez, Geert, Danneels, Lieven

The association between back muscle characteristics and pressure pain sensitivity in low back pain patients

Scandinavian Journal of Pain, 18(2), 281–293

2018

Dewitte, Vincent, De Pauw, Robby, Danneels, Lieven, Bouche, Katie, Roets, Arne, Cagnie, Barbara

The interrater reliability of a pain mechanisms-based classification for patients with nonspecific neck pain

Brazilian journal of physical therapy

2018

Lenoir, D., De Pauw, R., Ickmans, K., Schumacher, C., Timmers, I., Kregel, J., Coppieters, I.

Validity and Test–Retest Reliability of the Dutch Modified Perceived Deficits Questionnaire to Examine Cognitive Symptoms in Women with Chronic Whiplash, Chronic Idiopathic Neck Pain, and Fibromyalgia

Pain Practice, 18(7), 850–863 · Link

2017

Malfliet, Anneleen, Coppieters, Iris, Van Wilgen, Paul, Kregel, Jeroen, De Pauw, Robby, Dolphens, Mieke, Ickmans, Kelly

Brain changes associated with cognitive and emotional factors in chronic pain: a systematic review

European Journal of Pain, 21(5), 769–786

2017

Coppieters, Iris, De Pauw, Robby, Caeyenberghs, Karen, Danneels, Lieven, Kregel, Jeroen, Pattyn, Astrid, Meeus, Mira, Cagnie, Barbara

Decreased regional grey matter volume in women with chronic whiplash-associated disorders: relationships with cognitive deficits and disturbed pain processing

Pain physician, 20(7), E1025–E1051

2017

Coppieters, Iris, De Pauw, Robby, Kregel, Jeroen, Malfliet, Anneleen, Goubert, Dorien, Lenoir, Dorine, Cagnie, Barbara, Meeus, Mira

Differences between women with traumatic and idiopathic chronic neck pain and women without neck pain: interrelationships among disability, cognitive deficits, and central sensitization

Physical therapy, 97(3), 338–353

2017

Kregel, Jeroen, Coppieters, Iris, De Pauw, Robby, Malfliet, Anneleen, Danneels, Lieven, Nijs, Jo, Cagnie, Barbara, Meeus, Mira

Does conservative treatment change the brain in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain?: a systematic review

Pain physician, 20(3), 139–154

2017

De Pauw, R., Coppieters, I., Meeus, M., Caeyenberghs, K., Danneels, L., Cagnie, B.

Is traumatic and non-traumatic neck pain associated with brain alterations? ? A systematic review

Pain Physician, 20(4), 245–260

2017

Goubert, Dorien, De Pauw, Robby, Meeus, Mira, Willems, Tine, Cagnie, Barbara, Schouppe, Stijn, Van Oosterwijck, Jessica, Dhondt, Evy, Danneels, Lieven

Lumbar muscle structure and function in chronic versus recurrent low back pain: a cross-sectional study

The Spine Journal, 17(9), 1285–1296

2017

De Meulemeester, Kayleigh, Calders, Patrick, De Pauw, Robby, Grymonpon, Ine, Govaerts, Anke, Cagnie, Barbara

Morphological and physiological differences in the upper trapezius muscle in patients with work-related trapezius myalgia compared to healthy controls: A systematic review

Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 29, 43–51

2016

De Pauw, R., Coppieters, I., Kregel, J., De Meulemeester, K., Danneels, L., Cagnie, B.

Does muscle morphology change in chronic neck pain patients? – A systematic review

Manual Therapy, 22, 42–49 · Link

2016

Coppieters, Iris, Cagnie, Barbara, Nijs, Jo, Van Oosterwijck, Jessica, Danneels, Lieven, De Pauw, Robby, Meeus, Mira

Effects of stress and relaxation on central pain modulation in chronic whiplash and fibromyalgia patients compared to healthy controls

Pain physician, 19(3), 119–130

2016

Coppieters, Iris, Meeus, Mira, Kregel, Jeroen, Caeyenberghs, Karen, De Pauw, Robby, Goubert, Dorien, Cagnie, Barbara

Relations between brain alterations and clinical pain measures in chronic musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review

The Journal of Pain, 17(9), 949–962

2015

De Pauw, Robby, Kregel, Jeroen, De Blaiser, Cedric, Van Akeleyen, J, Logghe, T, Danneels, Lieven, Cagnie, Barbara

Identifying prognostic factors predicting outcome in patients with chronic neck pain after multimodal treatment: A retrospective study

Manual therapy, 20(4), 592–597

2014

Coppieters, I, Ickmans, K, Cagnie, B, Nijs, J, De Pauw, R, Noten, S, Meeus, M

Cognitive Performance Is Related to Central Sensitization and Health-related Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders and Fibromyalgia

Pain physician, 18(3), E389–E401

Shiny apps

NEED

Shiny app developed for the NEED project to explore estimates for unmet health-related needs

Open app · GitHub

BeBOD - Disability Adjusted Life Year

Shiny app developed for the Belgian national Burden of Disease study

Open app · GitHub

Teaching

Advanced Shiny Course

Lead · Sciensano

Basic R Course

Lead · Sciensano

Introduction to Statistics for the Manual Therapist (MSc)

Lead · Breederode Hogeschool · 10.0 ECTS

Advanced Statistics for the Manual Therapist (MSc)

Lead · Breederode Hogeschool · 10.0 ECTS

Evidence-Based Medicine and Statistics I (BSc)

Co-lecturer · Ghent University · 3.0 ECTS

Evidence-Based Medicine and Statistics II (BSc)

Co-lecturer · Ghent University · 4.0 ECTS

Evidence-Based Medicine and Statistics III (BSc)

Lead · Ghent University · 4.0 ECTS

Physiotherapy research: Lower limb (BSc)

Practical lecturer · Ghent University · 6.0 ECTS

Physiotherapy research & practice: Spine (BSc)

Practical lecturer · Ghent University · 5.0 ECTS

Clinical reasoning: Spine (MSc)

Practical lecturer · Ghent University · 9.0 ECTS

Supervision

Doctoral dissertations (as (co-)promotor or guidance-committee member)

2022

Social inequalities in COVID-19 in the region of Brussels

Jinane Ghattas · UCLouvain · Guidance committee

2022-2025

Social inequalities in COVID-19 related outcomes (HELICON)

Lisa Cavillot · UCLouvain · Guidance committee

2023-2025

Unravelling the longitudinal patterns of telework and health (TELEHEALTH)

Laura Int Panis · Ghent University · Promotor

2023

Unravelling the longitudinal patterns of telework and health (TELEHEALTH)

Eduardo Bracho · UCLouvain · Promotor

2022

Falls prevention in older persons. A multifactorial fall screening model to ameliorate fall risk detection and follow-up in physiotherapy and general care

Ellis Rommers · Ghent University · Promotor

2023

The added value of dry needling and its modalities

Indra Degreef · Ghent University · Guidance committee

2022-2026

Unravelling the puzzle of central nervous system and peripheral muscle changes in low back pain

Jaap Wijnen · Ghent University · Guidance committee

Master’s theses (selected)

2014

Development of a test protocol for changes in muscle function and structure in chronic idiopathic neck pain and chronic whiplash-associated disorders

S. Breyne · Ghent University

2016

Potential structural brain alterations associated with chronic neck pain: influence on motor outcome?

H. Mahieu & L. Meulepas · Ghent University

2017

Reliability of the Craniocervical Flexion Test and Scapular Holding Test in neck pain

M. De Nys & F. De Schrijver · Ghent University

2017

Critical factors for physiotherapy decision-making in neck pain

L. Deboiserie & J.-C. Defrancq · Ghent University

2018

Fatty infiltration and cross-sectional area of cervical muscles in chronic neck pain

P. Lins & N. Pattyn · Ghent University

2018

Role of CSA and fat infiltration of cervical musculature in chronic neck pain

A. Bossuyt & L. Bonneure · Ghent University

2018

Clinical characteristics predictive for classifying nonspecific neck pain by dominant pain mechanism

A. Defreyne & S. Denolf · Ghent University · Acrehab Prize

2019

Classifying nonspecific neck pain by dominant pain mechanism

M. Smessaert & L. Van Heesvelde · Ghent University

2019

Tailored physiotherapy versus usual care in headache: a pilot study

F. Beeuwsaert, H. De Middeleer & J. De Pelsemaeker · Ghent University

2019

Clinical decision-making in patients with headache

M. Reynvoet & J. Schepens · Ghent University

2019

Morphological cervical muscle changes and central pain measures in chronic neck pain

G. Bosschaert, E. De Witte & S. Halsberghe · Ghent University

2019

From clinical indicators to therapeutic approach in headache — a Delphi survey

B. Bartholomeus, M. Callens & J. Marcou · Ghent University

2020

Treatment strategies for tension-type headache, migraine and cervicogenic headache — a Delphi study

H. De Beule, C. De Cuyper & F. De Cuyper · Ghent University

2020

Reliability of a physiotherapeutic test battery in headache and healthy controls

Ghent University

2020

Risk factors for transformation of episodic to chronic tension-type headache

A. Pringiers, M. Pringiers & M. Vandeputte · Ghent University

2021

Central sensitization in episodic and chronic migraine

L.-L. Braem, M. Chaoui & L. Claeys · Ghent University

2021

Risk factors for a first episode of migraine

O. Spillebeen, M. Timmerman & L. Timmermans · Ghent University

2021

Disrupted brain networks in chronic neck pain

L. Nagels, L. Place & K. Van Driessche · Ghent University

2021

Correlation between white matter and motor function

J. Luca & J. De Vleesschauwer · Ghent University

2021

Modeling COVID-19 data: can we foresee the near future?

V. R. Rajendran · Ghent University (Statistical Data Analysis)

2022

Projecting the impact of musculoskeletal complaints with age-period-cohort models

T. Saeys · Ghent University (SDA)

2022

Projecting the impact of musculoskeletal disorders with age-period-cohort models

C. Forbang Echo · Ghent University (SDA)

2023

Projecting the burden of non-communicable diseases to 2030 — a microsimulation study

L. Surdiacourt · Ghent University (SDA)

2023

Health and economic impact of heart failure in Belgium

A. Barrenechea Pulache · University of Antwerp (Epidemiology)

2024

Public-health impact of road-traffic injuries in Belgium through DALYs, 2013–2021

M. Adams · Ghent University (SDA)

2024

Disease burden of injuries — a mapping study of Belgian Hospital Discharge Data

E. Boiy · Ghent University (SDA) · Quetelet Prize

2024

Person-days of illness from hospitalization using Belgian Hospital Discharge Data

P. Coene · Ghent University (SDA)

2024

Prediction of employment outcome after mild traumatic brain injury

H. Van Deynse · Ghent University (SDA)

2025

Unsupervised learning for appraising unmet health-related needs

M. Van Nieuwenhove · Ghent University (SDA)

2025

Machine learning to uncover patterns in non-communicable diseases: a Belgian case study

M. U. Malik · Ghent University (SDA)

2025

Educational inequalities in all-cause mortality in Belgium (2012–2021)

L. M. Guevara Alvarez · Ghent University (SDA)

Invited talks & oral presentations

2025

Creating dashboards to support public-health policymaking

WHO Europe · invited

2025

Role of projecting morbidity in healthcare-workforce planning

JA HEROES, Belgium · invited

2025

Health status in Flanders — relevance for health objectives

Flanders, Belgium · invited

2024

INLA as an alternative to MCMC in epidemiological regression models

SBED Conference, Belgium

2024

Estimating the burden of disease due to cancer in Belgium

European Public Health Conference, Lisbon

2024

National perspective on knowledge translation in public health

European Public Health Conference, Lisbon

2024

Public-health perspective of population health management

Flanders (EU Presidency), Belgium · invited

2024

Master in systems and process innovation in healthcare

UHasselt, Belgium · invited

2023

Tackling barriers in disease-burden estimates of injuries

European Public Health Conference, Ireland

2022

Projecting overweight and obesity prevalence with a Bayesian APC model

European Public Health Conference, Germany

2022

Determining the disease burden of injuries: methodological considerations

European Public Health Conference, Germany

2021

Rise of R in a public-health research institute

Rmeetup, Belgium

2018

Manipulation of the brain in chronic whiplash-associated disorders

University of Valencia, Spain

2017

Are central neuroplastic alterations involved in chronic neck pain?

OHBM, Canada

2017

Is traumatic and non-traumatic neck pain associated with brain alterations?

Pain Science in Motion, Sweden

2016

Changes in motor-control brain regions and motor behaviour in chronic neck pain

IFOMPT, Scotland

2016

Discontinuation in the motor network of patients with chronic neck pain

Faculty Research Day, Belgium

2016

Influence of kinesiophobia and central sensitization on motor behaviour in chronic neck pain

IFOMPT, Scotland

2016

Alterations in the motor network of patients with chronic neck pain

IFOMPT, Scotland

2016

From research to manual practice

Mathera, Belgium

2016

Exercise therapy for neck pain

Kinekring Deinze, Belgium

2015

Reliability of muscle morphology measures in chronic neck pain — a systematic review

Belgian Back Society, Belgium

2015

Changes in brain morphology in patients with traumatic and non-traumatic neck pain

European Congress for Manual Therapy, Belgium

2015

Are morphological alterations in chronic neck pain associated with motor control?

EFIC, Denmark

Prizes & awards

Additional training & qualifications

2024

Introduction to Leadership

Sciensano, Belgium

2024

Train the Trainer course

Sciensano, Belgium

2023

Introduction to Health Economic Assessment

KCE, Belgium

2021

Introduction to SAS Enterprise Guide

Sciensano, Belgium

2021

Epidemiology for Public Health Specialization

Imperial College London, UK

2020

Infectious Disease Modelling

Imperial College London, UK

2020

Spatial Statistics and Data Analysis

FLAMES, Belgium

2020

Epidemiology in Public Health Practice Specialization

Johns Hopkins University, USA

2020

Global Burden of Disease (GBD) online training

IHME, USA

2020

ICH GCP E6 R2

TRIUM, Belgium

2020

Basic ICH-GCP and ISO 14155

T!Write, Belgium

2020

Quality Manual System training

T!Write, Belgium

2019

Introduction to Structural Equation Modelling

FLAMES, Belgium

2018

International research stay (1 month) — Research Unit of Prof. Deborah Falla

University of Birmingham, UK

2024–2026

Leadership track at Sciensano

Belgium

Academic service & engagement

Societal impact & outreach

Contact

Email
robby.depauw@sciensano.be

Website
www.robbydepauw.be

ORCID
0000-0002-4242-9062

Google Scholar
scholar.google.com