Chathurani Sigera | Best Researcher Award | Physiotherapy

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Best Researcher Award

Chathurani Sigera

University of Sydney

Chathurani Sigera
Affiliation University of Sydney
Country Australia
Scholar ID Oqr06FgAAAAJ
Scopus ID 57190065901
Documents 40
Citations 612
h-index 18
Subject Area Physiotherapy
Event International Academic Achievements & Awards
ORCID 0000-0001-5263-2219

Chathurani Sigera is a physiotherapy and health-services researcher associated with the University of Sydney and the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health. Her published research spans physiotherapy service delivery, musculoskeletal health, emergency-department care, physical activity, critical-care physiotherapy and evidence-informed clinical practice. Publicly available academic sources identify her as a registered physiotherapist and researcher whose work has included multidisciplinary and clinically oriented research collaborations. [1][2]

Abstract

The Best Researcher Award profile for Chathurani Sigera presents a research record centered on physiotherapy, musculoskeletal health, clinical service delivery and evidence-informed healthcare. Her scholarly work includes research conducted across clinical, educational and health-service settings, with publications addressing physical inactivity, critical-care physiotherapy and physiotherapist-led management of musculoskeletal presentations. [1][3] More recent work has examined primary-contact physiotherapy in emergency departments and virtual models of care for low back pain. [4][5]

Keywords

  • Physiotherapy research
  • Musculoskeletal health
  • Emergency-department physiotherapy
  • Clinical service delivery
  • Evidence-informed practice
  • Health services research

Introduction

Physiotherapy research contributes to the development, evaluation and implementation of interventions intended to improve mobility, function, pain management and healthcare delivery. Contemporary research in the field increasingly connects clinical practice with health-services research, implementation science, patient experience and economic evaluation. Within this context, Chathurani Sigera’s published work provides examples of research addressing physiotherapy education, critical-care practice and models of musculoskeletal care.

A 2016 study involving Sigera examined physical inactivity among physiotherapy undergraduates and investigated the relationship between knowledge and physical-activity practices. [1] Her earlier clinical research also included the workforce and service profile of physical therapists working in critical-care settings in Sri Lanka. [2] These publications provide a foundation for considering her broader research trajectory in physiotherapy and healthcare service delivery.

Research Profile

Public academic information identifies Chathurani Sigera with the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney Local Health District, and the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney. A professional profile published by the University of Colombo describes her as a registered physiotherapist and reports postgraduate training in applied statistics and medical statistics. [6]

Her research profile is multidisciplinary in scope. It includes clinical physiotherapy, musculoskeletal conditions, emergency-department pathways, critical-care physiotherapy, physical activity and research methods. Current bibliographic records also associate her with research evaluating physiotherapist-led models of care and virtual approaches for people presenting with low back pain. [4][5]

Research Contributions

The documented research contributions associated with Chathurani Sigera can be grouped into several connected areas:

  • Physiotherapy education and physical activity: Research has examined physical inactivity among physiotherapy students and the relationship between knowledge and health-related practice. [1]
  • Critical-care physiotherapy: Published work has described the professional profile of physical therapists in critical-care units and explored structured skills training for critical-care physiotherapists in resource-constrained settings. [2][3]
  • Musculoskeletal healthcare: Her recent research includes work on physiotherapist-led care for musculoskeletal presentations in emergency departments and virtual models of care for low back pain. [4][5]
  • Evidence-based service development: The research program connects clinical questions with healthcare pathways, patient needs, service models and evaluation of interventions.

The potential significance of Sigera’s research lies in its connection between physiotherapy evidence and practical healthcare delivery. Research on critical-care physiotherapy addresses workforce capabilities and professional training, while more recent work investigates alternative pathways for managing musculoskeletal conditions in emergency settings. [2][3][4]

The RESHAP-ED research program is particularly relevant to service-delivery research because it evaluates primary-contact physiotherapy for musculoskeletal presentations in emergency departments and incorporates economic evaluation. [4] The Back@Home research further reflects interest in virtual healthcare models for patients with low back pain presenting to emergency departments. [5] Together, these studies demonstrate a research direction concerned with how physiotherapy can be integrated into different clinical pathways while remaining subject to empirical evaluation.

Award Suitability

For a research-recognition profile, the documented record provides several independently identifiable areas for consideration. These include peer-reviewed publications, multidisciplinary collaboration, research addressing clinically relevant physiotherapy questions, and participation in studies evaluating healthcare delivery models. Publicly available academic sources also describe research and professional recognition associated with Sigera’s work. [6]

The supplied bibliometric information for this profile records 40 documents, 612 citations and an h-index of 18. Such metrics can provide quantitative context for a research record, but they do not independently measure research quality, clinical relevance or societal impact. A complete award assessment should therefore consider bibliometric information together with publication quality, methodological contribution, originality, collaboration, documented outcomes and the relevance of the research to the stated award criteria.

Conclusion

Chathurani Sigera’s documented research profile is focused on physiotherapy and health-services research, with work extending across physical activity, critical-care practice, musculoskeletal health and models of clinical care. Her publication record includes research in established peer-reviewed journals and more recent studies examining physiotherapist-led and virtual approaches to musculoskeletal healthcare. [1][3][4][5] The supplied bibliometric indicators provide additional context for the profile, while a formal recognition decision should remain based on the published criteria and verified evidence.

References

    1. Ranasinghe, C., Sigera, C., Ranasinghe, P., Jayawardena, R., Ranasinghe, A. C. R., Hills, A. P., & King, N. (2016). Physical inactivity among physiotherapy undergraduates: exploring the knowledge-practice gap. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 8, 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-016-0063-8
    2. Sigera, P. C., Tunpattu, S. U. S., Jayashantha, T. P., et al. (2016). National Profile of Physical Therapists in Critical Care Units of Sri Lanka: Lower Middle-Income Country. Physical Therapy, 96(7), 933–939. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20150363
    3. Tunpattu, S., Newey, V., Sigera, C., De Silva, P., Goonarathna, A., Aluthge, I., et al. (2018). A short, structured skills training course for critical care physiotherapists in a lower-middle income country. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 34(9), 714–722. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2018.1423593
    4. de Campos, T. F., Coombs, D., Sigera, C., Williams, C. M., Rogan, E., Edwards, J., et al. (2025). Effectiveness of primary-contact physiotherapy in managing musculoskeletal conditions in emergency departments: protocol for the RESHAP-ED randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 15, e096044. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-096044
    5. Sigera, C., Oliveira, C. B., Melman, A., et al. (2026). Effectiveness of a virtual hospital model of care for patients with low back pain presenting to emergency departments (Back@Home). npj Digital Medicine, 9, 191. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-026-02425-8

Fidanka Vasileva | Exercise | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Academic Achievements

Ms Fidanka Vasileva | Exercise | Best Researcher Award

Ms Fidanka Vasileva , Biomedical Research Institute of Girona  , Spain

Fidanka Vasileva, born on July 10, 1993, in Kavadarci, North Macedonia, is a distinguished researcher and educator specializing in kinesiology and sports science. With a rich background in physical education, Vasileva has made significant contributions to the fields of exercise physiology, sports medicine, and genetics. She holds an MSc in Kinesiology from the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, and is currently pursuing a PhD with a focus on epigenetic modifications due to physical exercise. Her work spans international borders, reflecting her commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in her field.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

  1. Academic Excellence and Background:
    • Education: Fidanka Vasileva has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement with an MSc in Kinesiology with a perfect average grade of 10.00 from the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, Macedonia. Her doctoral research is supported by prestigious fellowships from the Government of Catalonia and the European Social Fund, reflecting her strong academic credentials and research potential.
  2. Diverse Research Interests:
    • Her research covers a wide range of topics within kinesiology, including epigenetic modifications due to physical exercise, sports genetics, exercise physiology, and sports medicine. This breadth of interest showcases her versatility and the potential impact of her work on various aspects of physical health and sport science.
  3. Research Impact and Publications:
    • Vasileva has published extensively in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals, including Frontiers in Physiology, Frontiers in Public Health, and the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. Her research has contributed valuable insights into physical exercise, its impact on epigenetics, and its relationship with various health markers.
    • Her work on topics like DNA methylation, salivary biomarkers, and the impact of physical activity on cardiometabolic health is highly relevant and contributes to both theoretical and practical knowledge in her field.
  4. Professional Experience and Roles:
    • Vasileva’s professional experience spans across various roles, including pre-doctoral researcher, coach, teacher, and fitness advisor. Her involvement in both academic and practical aspects of sports science enhances her research perspective and application.
    • Her roles as editor-in-chief and associate editor for international scientific journals, as well as her experience as a reviewer, indicate a significant level of engagement and influence within the academic community.
  5. Conference Presentations and Invited Communications:
    • She has actively participated in and presented at numerous international conferences and congresses, showcasing her ability to communicate and disseminate research findings effectively. Her involvement in organizing committees and chairing sessions highlights her leadership and organizational skills in the research community.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Dissemination of Research:
    • While Vasileva’s research is published in high-impact journals, increasing the visibility of her work through interdisciplinary collaborations and outreach to broader audiences could enhance its impact.
  2. Funding and Grant Acquisition:
    • Seeking additional funding opportunities and grants could further support and expand her research activities, allowing for larger-scale studies and broader research initiatives.
  3. Collaborative Research:
    • Engaging in collaborative research with institutions or researchers outside her current field could introduce new perspectives and methodologies, potentially leading to innovative findings and applications.
  4. Mentorship and Training:
    • As an accomplished researcher, Vasileva could consider mentoring emerging scholars and students in her field. This would not only contribute to their development but also foster a new generation of researchers in kinesiology and sports science.

Education

Fidanka Vasileva earned her undergraduate degree in Physical and Health Education from the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, with an impressive average grade of 10.00. She continued her academic journey by completing an MSc in Kinesiology at the same institution. Her doctoral studies, supported by a fellowship from the Government of Catalonia and the European Social Fund, are being conducted at the Biomedical Research Institute Dr. Josep Trueta in Girona, Spain, focusing on the impact of physical exercise on epigenetic modifications.

Experience

Vasileva’s diverse professional experience includes roles as a pre-doctoral researcher at the Biomedical Research Institute Dr. Josep Trueta in Girona, Spain (2021-2024), and a coach for Volleyball Club AVAP in Girona (2022-2023). She has also served as a Bioethics teacher at the University School of Health and Sport in Girona (2022-2023). In North Macedonia, her roles ranged from physical education teacher to fitness coach and personal trainer, showcasing her extensive background in both educational and practical aspects of sports and health.

 

Research Focus

Vasileva’s research primarily investigates the epigenetic effects of physical exercise, including how exercise-induced DNA methylation influences health and performance. Her work extends to the study of genetics in sport, exercise physiology, and sports medicine. She is also interested in motor development in children, neuronal plasticity, and biomechanical analysis. Her research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in sports and health.

Publications Top Notes

  • DNA methylation reorganization of skeletal muscle-specific genes in response to gestational obesity 🧬
  • BMI and Nutritional Status in Physical Active Population Involved in Recreational Sport 🥗
  • Impact of residential status on sports activity, anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of adolescents 🏋️‍♀️
  • Speed, agility and explosive leg power in female junior volleyball players: A comparative study 🏐
  • Integrated neuromuscular training intervention applied in schools induces a higher increase in salivary high molecular weight adiponectin and a more favorable body mass index 📈
  • Salivary cardiac-enriched FHL2-interacting protein is associated with higher diastolic-to-systolic-blood pressure ratio, sedentary time and center of pressure displacement in … 💉
  • Face-to-face versus online physical education classes: A comparative study 💻
  • Explosive Strength, Arm Swing Jump Contribution And Eccentric Utilization Ratio In Youth And Junior Female Volleyball Players 🏆
  • COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MOTOR ABILITIES BETWEEN PLAYERS OF YOUTH AND JUNIOR NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAMS IN MACEDONIA 🏐
  • THE HEREDITY OF MOTOR ENGRAMS IN VOLLEYBALL 🤾‍♀️
  • Increased Salivary BDNF and Improved Fundamental Motor Skills in Children Following a 3-Month Integrated Neuromuscular Training in Primary School 👶
  • Lifestyle as a Modulator of the Effects on Fitness of an Integrated Neuromuscular Training in Primary Education 🏃‍♂️
  • Insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, diastolic to systolic blood pressure ratio and epicardial fat are related to sedentary time, and inversely related to physical activity … 💪
  • Higher levels of liver enzymes are associated with increased left ventricular mass in apparently healthy children. Potential role of HMW-adiponectin and epicardial fat ❤️
  • Epicardial fat, interventricular septal and leftventricular posterior wall thicknesses are associated with cardiometabolic risk markers and physical activity in apparently … 🧠
  • Physical Exercise–Induced DNA Methylation in Disease-Related Genes in Healthy Adults—A Systematic Review With Bioinformatic Analysis 📊
  • Anthropometric characteristics of female junior national team volleyball players: A comparative study 📏
  • Motor skills in female junior volleyball players from Macedonia and players from other countries: A comparative study 🌍
  • Explosive leg power and flexibility in school children aged 6-8 years 🧩

Conclusion

Fidanka Vasileva is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her exceptional academic background, diverse research interests, extensive publication record, and active involvement in the academic community are commendable. Her contributions to understanding the epigenetic and physiological effects of physical exercise are significant and impactful. With continued focus on broadening her research dissemination and collaborative efforts, she is well-positioned to make further advancements in her field. Her dedication to both research and practical applications underscores her suitability for this prestigious award.