Theunissen Sigrid
Domaine : Sciences de la Vie – SV
URF : Laboratoire de Physiologie Environnementale, Occupationnelle et du vieillissement (URF-LPEO)
Projets : Cinétose
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Articles originaux

  • Nindorera F, Leveque C, Meyer E, Balestra C, Theunissen S. Optimizing physical fitness in chronic stroke patients: the impact of exercise training modality and dosage on maximal and sub-maximal fitness – a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Rehabil Med. 2025 Aug 11;57:jrm43359. doi: 10.2340/jrm.v57.43359. PMID: 40787723; PMCID: PMC12359817.
  • Pique H, Theunissen S, Balestra C, Valdivia J, Melikhov O. Higher proportion of prematurely born adults in elite breath-hold divers. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2024 Third Quarter;51(3):213-219. PMID: 39348513.
  • Evgenidis SP, Zacharias K, Papadopoulou V, Theunissen S, Balestra C, Karapantsios TD. In-field use of I-VED electrical impedance sensor for assessing post-dive decompression stress in humans. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2024 First Quarter;51(1):71-83. PMID: 38615356.
  • Leveque C, Mrakic Sposta S, Theunissen S, Germonpré P, Lambrechts K, Vezzoli A, Bosco G, Lévénez M, Lafère P, Guerrero F, Balestra C. Oxidative Stress Response Kinetics after 60 Minutes at Different (1.4 ATA and 2.5 ATA) Hyperbaric Hyperoxia Exposures. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Aug 2;24(15):12361.
  • Leveque, C.; Mrakic Sposta, S.; Theunissen, S.; Germonpré, P.; Lambrechts, K.; Vezzoli, A.; Gussoni, M.; Levenez, M.; Lafère, P.; Guerrero, F.; et al. Oxidative Stress Response Kinetics after 60 Minutes at Different Levels (10% or 15%) of Normobaric Hypoxia Exposure. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 10188.
  • Leveque C, Mrakic-Sposta S, Lafère P, Vezzoli A, Germonpré P, Beer A, Mievis S, Virgili F, Lambrechts K, Theunissen S, Guerrero F, Balestra C. Oxidative Stress Response’s Kinetics after 60 Minutes at Different (30% or 100%) Normobaric Hyperoxia Exposures.  Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Dec 30;24(1):664
  • Theunissen S, Balestra C, Bolognési S, Borgers G, Vissenaeken D, Obeid G, Germonpré P, Honoré PM, De Bels D. Effects of Acute Hypobaric Hypoxia Exposure on Cardiovascular Function in Unacclimatized Healthy Subjects: A « Rapid Ascent » Hypobaric Chamber Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr 28;19(9):5394.
  • Balestra C, Guerrero F, Theunissen S, Germonpré P, Lafère P. Physiology of repeated mixed gas 100-m wreck dives using a closed-circuit rebreather: a field bubble study. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2022 Feb;122(2):515-522.
    De Bels D, Pierrakos C, Bruneteau A, Reul F, Crevecoeur Q, Marrone N, Vissenaeken D, Borgers G, Balestra C, Honoré PM, Theunissen S. Variation of Cognitive Function During a Short Stay at Hypobaric Hypoxia Chamber (Altitude: 3842 M). Front Physiol. 2019 Jun 26;10:806
    Balestra C, Machado ML, Theunissen S, Balestra A, Cialoni D, Clot C, Besnard S, Kammacher L, Delzenne J, Germonpré P, Lafère P. Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency: A Marker of Cerebral Arousal During Modified Gravitational Conditions Related to Parabolic Flights. Front Physiol. 2018 Oct 2;9:1403.
  • Papadopoulou V, Germonpré P, Cosgrove D, Eckersley RJ, Dayton PA, Obeid G, Boutros A, Tang MX, Theunissen S, Balestra C. Variability in circulating gas emboli after a same scuba diving exposure. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2018 Jun;118(6):1255-1264.
    Hemelryck W, Calistri J, Papadopoulou V, Theunissen S, Dugardeyn C, Balestra C. Ultrasonographic assessment of neck muscular size and range of motion in rugby players. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Feb;13(1):28-38.
  • Balestra C, Theunissen S, Papadopoulou V, Le Mener C, Germonpré P, Guerrero F, Lafère P. Pre-dive Whole-Body Vibration Better Reduces Decompression-Induced Vascular Gas Emboli than Oxygenation or a Combination of Both. Front Physiol. 2016 Nov 30;7:586.
  • Balestra C, Cimino F, Theunissen S, Snoeck T, Provyn S, Canali R, Bonina A, Virgili F. A red orange extract modulates the vascular response to a recreational dive: a pilot study on the effect of anthocyanins on the physiological consequences of scuba diving. Nat Prod Res. 2016 Sep;30(18):2101-6.
  • Cavalade M, Papadopoulou V, Theunissen S, Balestra C. Heart rate variability and critical flicker fusion frequency changes during and after parachute jumping in experienced skydivers. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2015 Jul;115(7):1533-45.
  • Theunissen S, Balestra C, Boutros A, De Bels D, Guerrero F, Germonpré P. The effect of pre-dive ingestion of dark chocolate on endothelial function after a scuba dive. Diving Hyperb Med. 2015 Mar;45(1):4-9.
  • Theunissen S, Schumacker J, Guerrero F, Tillmans F, Boutros A, Lambrechts K, Mazur A, Pieri M, Germonpré P, Balestra C. Dark chocolate reduces endothelial dysfunction after successive breath-hold dives in cool water. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2013 Dec;113(12):2967-75.
  • Guerrero F, Thioub S, Goanvec C, Theunissen S, Feray A, Balestra C, Mansourati J. Effect of tetrahydrobiopterin and exercise training on endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in SHR. J Physiol Biochem. 2013 Jun;69(2):277-87.
  • Lévénez M, Theunissen S, Bottero A, Snoeck T, Bruyère A, Tinlot A, Balestra C, Provyn S. The effect of a passive stretch training protocol on performance during a drop jump in humans. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2013 Jun;53(3):319-26.
  • Theunissen S, Sponsiello N, Rozloznik M, Germonpré P, Guerrero F, Cialoni D, Balestra C. Oxidative stress in breath-hold divers after repetitive dives. Diving Hyperb Med. 2013 Jun;43(2):63-6.
  • Theunissen S, Guerrero F, Sponsiello N, Cialoni D, Pieri M, Germonpré P, Obeid G, Tillmans F, Papadopoulou V, Hemelryck W, Marroni A, De Bels D, Balestra C. Nitric oxide-related endothelial changes in breath-hold and scuba divers. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2013 Mar-Apr;40(2):135-44.
  • Vivario R., Hallet G., Vivario V., Theunissen S. Etude visant à définir un profil de force isométrique chez les cavalières âgées de 16 à 26 ans. Kinésithérapie, la Revue. 2013 Jun ;138(13):31-39.
  • De Bels D, Theunissen S, Devriendt J, Germonpré P, Lafere P, Valsamis J, Snoeck T, Meeus P, Balestra C. The ‘normobaric oxygen paradox’: does it increase haemoglobin? Diving Hyperb Med. 2012 Jun;42(2):67-71.
  • S. Theunissen, D. De Bels, J. Devriendt, P. Germonpré, P. Lafere, J. Valsamis, T. Snoeck, P. Meeus, C. Balestra. The normobaric oxygen paradox: does it increase haemoglobin? Critical Care 03/2011; 15:1-190.
  • De Bels D., Devriendt J., Gottignies P., Chochrad D., Theunissen S., Snoeck T., Balestra C, Pilard U., Roques S. Handgrip test is a good predictor of extubation success in adult ICU patients. Critical Care 01/2011; 15:1-190.
  • Amand M, Meeus P, Theunissen S, Balestra C. L’Inter-age score to evaluate kinesthetic abilities (Test ISEK) évolue symétriquement à la force manuelle à la préhension (grip test). Kinésithérapie, la Revue, 08-09/2010; 104–105(10):39-45.

Livre

  • Notions de physiopathologie utiles à l’encadrement du handisport. Balestra C., Theunissen S. feat. Lévêque C., Lambrechts K., pdf, 2025.

Sections de livre

  • Physiology in Extreme conditions : adaptation and unexpected reactions; Pre-dive Whole-Whole Body Vibration Better Reduces Decompression Induced Vascular Gas Emboli than Oxygenation or a Combination of Both. Balestra C, Theunissen S, Papadopoulou V, Mener CL, Germonpré P, Guerrero F & Lafère P. Electronic Edition edn, ed. Trivella MG, Capobianco E & L’Abbate A. Frontiers Media, Lausanne (Switzerland), 2017.

Conférences

  • S. Theunissen : The endothelial response related to diving with specific attention to the role of anti-oxidants. 23th Capita Selecta Duikgeneeskunde. Symposium 21st Century decompression theory and DCI treatment for dive physicians, other care professionals and instructors. Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Saturday 17 March, 2018.
  • S. Theunissen : The biochemical effects related to breath-hold diving, the role of antioxidants. Journée scientifique de la Société Belge de Médecine Hyperbare et Subaquatique. Samedi 16 juin, 2018.

Actes de colloque

  • S. Theunissen, C. Lévêque,  K. Lambrechts, M. Levenez, P. Germonpré, F. Guerrero, C. Balestra : Flow-mediated dilation changes at various oxygen partial pressures. 48th Annual Meeting of the European Underwater Society (EUBS) – Brest, france – 16th to 20th September, 2024.
  • S. Theunissen, K. Lambrechts, P. Lafère, A. Zucchi, S. Mievis, P. Germonpré, C. Balestra : L’augmentation des pressions partielles d’oxygène induit une réponse transcriptionnelle dans les cellules mononucléaires du sang périphérique humain (PBMC): une étude pilote sur le « paradoxe normobare de l’oxygène ». Journée des chercheurs en Hautes Ecoles. Synhéra – Online – 24 février, 2022.
  • S. Theunissen, C. Le Mener, A. Boutros, G. Obeid, W. Hemelryck, P. Germonpré, C. Balestra: Oxygen pre-breathing 120 min before diving doesn’t add benefit compared to whole body vibration on the reduction of post-dive vascular gas emboli. 41th Annual Meeting of the European Underwater Society (EUBS) – Amsterdam, The Netherlands – 19th – 22th August, 2015.
  • S. Theunissen, Q. Crèvecoeur, E. Cauchy, S. Bolognési, S. Dupont, P. Germonpré, C. Balestra: Effect of acute hypobaric hypoxia on cerebral arousal in non-acclimatized lowlanders. X. World Congress on High Altitude Medicine and Physiology & Mountain Emergency Medicine – Bolzano, Italy – 25th – 31th May, 2014.
  • S. Theunissen: Dark chocolate prevents endothelial dysfunction after a SCUBA dive. 39th Annual Meeting of the European Underwater Society (EUBS) – St Gilles, La Réunion  – 22th – 29th September, 2013.
  • M. Rozloznik, W. Hemelryck, F. Tillmans, V. Papadopoulou, S. Theunissen, C. Balestra: Effect of Pre-Dive Hydration on Venous Gas Bubble Production in Divers. Hyperbaric and Aerospace Medicine Congress, Prague, Czech Republic; May, 2013.
  • S.Theunissen, J. Schumacker, F.Tillmans, W. Hemelryck, A. Boutros, K. Lambrechts, A.         Mazur, M. Pieri, F. Guerrero, P. Germonpré, C. Balestra: Dark chocolate improves   endothelial function in breath-hold diving. 38th Annual Meeting of the European  Underwater Society (EUBS) – Belgrade, Serbia –11th -16th September, 2012.
  • S. Theunissen: Effects of hyperoxia on vascular responsiveness. 91st Annual Meeting of the Deutsche Physiologische Gesellschaft, Dresden, Germany, 22th -25th March, 2012.
  • C. Balestra, P. Germonpré, F. Virgili, T. Snoeck, S. Theunissen, G. Szczesny, P. Lafère, C., Marabotti, G. Catapano, D. Franchi, D. Cialoni, R. Bedini, A. MArroni: Post      Immersion Flow Mediated Dilation: Comparison between Scuba and Apnea Divers.       32th Annual Meeting of the European Underwater Society (EUBS), Bergen, Norway, 23th-26th August, 2006.
  • C. Marabotti, R. Bedini, C. Balestra, A. Scalzini, A. Belardinelli, M. Passera, D. Cialoni, S., Theunissen, G. Szczesny, G. Catapano: Anatomical and Functional Cardiac Changes During Scuba Diving : an Underwater Echographic Study. 32th Annual Meeting of   the European Underwater Society (EUBS), Bergen, Norway, 23th-26th August, 2006.
  • G. Szczesny, C. Balestra, P. Germonpré, T. Snoeck, P. Lafère, S. Theunissen, A. Marroni : Computer Assisted Evaluation of Flow Mediated Dilation. 32th Annual Meeting of the        European Underwater Society (EUBS), Bergen, Norway, 23th-26th August, 2006.

Posters

  • Theunissen S., Lévêque C., Doignies F.,  Decorte R.,  Verstockt S., Germonpré P., Balestra C. ; Comparison of the effects of two types of scopolamine treatments on sea sickness. 49th Annual Meeting of the European Underwater Society (EUBS) – Helsinki, Finland – 02th-06th September, 2025.
  • Balestra C., Lévêque C., Delgado Preto M., Theunissen S., Lambrechts K., Germonpré P., Guerrero F., Lafère P. Deep Closed Circuit Rebreather mixed gas diving: Gas emboli, Spirometry changes during a week-long liveaboard safari. 47th Annual Meeting of the European Underwater Society (EUBS) – Porto, Portugal – 11th-16th September, 2023.
  • S. Theunissen, J. Schumacker, F. Tillmans, W. Hemelryck, A. Boutros, G. Obeid, C. Balestra, F. Guerrero, P. Germonpré: Oxidative stress reduction by dark chocolate ingestion before a SCUBA and a breath-hold dive. X. World Congress on High Altitude Medicine and Physiology & Mountain Emergency Medicine – Bolzano, Italy – 25th – 31th May, 2014.
  • S. Theunissen, N. Sponsiello, F. Tillmans, F. Guerrero, P. Germonpré, W. Hemleryck, C. Balestra: Oxidative stress in breath-hold divers after successive dives. 38th Annual Meeting of the European Underwater Society (EUBS) – Belgrade, Serbia – 11th-16th  September, 2012.
  • S. Theunissen, D. De Bels, J. Devriendt, P. Germonpré, P. Lafère, J. Valsalmis, T. Snoeck, P. Meeus, C. Balestra: The “Normobaric Oxygen Paradox”: does it increase Hb? – 37th Annual Meeting of the European Underwater Society (EUBS), Gdansk, Poland – 24th-27th August 2011
  • S. Theunissen, F. Guerrero, P. Germonpré, C. Balestra: Reduced endothelial function both in SCUBA and breath-hold diving, two different mechanisms ? 37th Annual Meeting of   the European Underwater Society (EUBS), Gdansk, Poland – 24th-27th August 2011.

Prix et Bourses

  • Zetterstrom Award 2025 for best poster presentation at EUBS conference : Theunissen S., Lévêque C., Doignies F.,  Decorte R.,  Verstockt S., Germonpré P., Balestra C. Comparison of the effects of two types of scopolamine treatments on sea sickness. 49th Annual Meeting of the European Underwater Society (EUBS) – Helsinki, Finland – 02th-06th September, 2025.
  • Musimu Awards reçu par la Société Belge de Médecine hyperbare et Subaquatique pour le meilleur poster sur la plongée en apnée présenté lors du congrès annuel de l’European Underwater and Baromedical Society 2012 : S. Theunissen, N. Sponsiello, F. Tillmans, F. Guerrero, P. Germonpré, W. Hemleryck, C. Balestra: Oxidative stress in breath-hold divers after successive dives. 38th Annual Meeting of the European Underwater Society (EUBS) – Belgrade, Serbia – 11th-16th September, 2012.