Tag: Sports Science
Ahmed ElMelhat, Sports Science, Healthcare Innovation Award
Assoc. Prof. Ahmed ElMelhat: Associate Prof of Physical Therapy at Beirut Arab University, Lebanon
Title/Designation: Assoc. Prof.
Name: Ahmed ElMelhat
Current Role/Designation: Associate Prof of Physical Therapy
Organization/Institution Details: Beirut Arab University
Country: Lebanon
Subject Track: Sports Science
Key Areas of Expertise: Rehabilitation
Award Categories: Healthcare Innovation Award
Dr. Ahmed M. ElMelhat is an Egyptian academic and clinician with over 15 years of combined clinical, teaching, and research experience in the field of physical therapy. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University (BAU), Lebanon, and as an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders and Sports Injuries, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt. Dr. ElMelhat is renowned for his expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, orthopedic manual therapy, and evidence-based clinical practice. He is a certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (UK), an active member of the APTA, and holds international affiliations including the International Headache Society. His work bridges academia, clinical practice, and research to advance physiotherapy education and patient care.
Online Profiles
Dr. Ahmed M. ElMelhat has demonstrated a consistent and growing impact in the field of physical therapy research. As per Google Scholar, his work has accumulated a total of 115 citations, with 105 citations received since 2020. He holds an h-index of 5, indicating that at least five of his publications have each been cited five times, and an i10-index of 4, reflecting four publications with ten or more citations. These metrics underscore the relevance and influence of his research, particularly in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, manual therapy, and evidence-based clinical practices.
Education
Dr. ElMelhat earned his Ph.D. in Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders and Surgeries from Cairo University in 2019 with a thesis focusing on cervicothoracic mobilization for shoulder impingement syndrome. He obtained his Master’s degree in Orthopedic Physical Therapy in 2015 from the same institution, where he ranked first in his class. His Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy was completed in 2009 at Cairo University with distinction (88.68%, ranked 3rd). Throughout his academic journey, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to advanced clinical skills, research excellence, and continuous education.
Research Focus
Dr. ElMelhat’s research interests lie in evidence-based musculoskeletal rehabilitation, particularly the development of clinical prediction rules, manual therapy approaches, and biomechanical analysis in physical therapy. His recent studies explore proximal control strategies, scapular-focused training, and the impact of thoracic manipulation on shoulder and knee pathologies. His work also investigates rehabilitation outcomes in athletes and post-operative patients using validated clinical metrics. Dr. ElMelhat integrates laboratory-based studies with clinical applications, aiming to enhance rehabilitation outcomes and therapeutic decision-making in physical therapy.
Experience
With a multifaceted career, Dr. ElMelhat has held several academic positions including Lecturer, Teaching Assistant, and Supervisor of postgraduate research. He has taught a wide range of courses, including advanced musculoskeletal physical therapy, prosthetics and orthotics, and sports injury management at Cairo University and BAU. Clinically, he has served as a consultant physiotherapist for Al Ahly Sporting Club, Shalan Hospital, and other medical centers. He is highly experienced in the use of isokinetic testing (Biodex), post-operative rehabilitation, and managing complex cases of chronic pain. He has also trained over 1,000 professionals through workshops and postgraduate clinical training programs across the Middle East.
Research Timeline & Activities
Since 2014, Dr. ElMelhat has consistently published in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to international physical therapy conferences. His M.Sc. (2015) explored quadriceps torque in early knee osteoarthritis, while his Ph.D. (2019) examined cervicothoracic mobilization in shoulder impingement. From 2020 onwards, he supervised multiple M.Sc. and Ph.D. theses and led research on scapular stabilization, hip strengthening, and proprioception retraining. He has served as a speaker at major events, including the 23rd International PT Conference at Cairo University (2024) and International PT Conferences in UAE, Egypt, and Lebanon, contributing to knowledge exchange and professional development across borders.
Awards & Honors
Dr. ElMelhat has received multiple recognitions for his academic and clinical contributions. He was awarded by the President of Cairo University (2019) for outstanding international publications and by the Faculty of Physical Therapy for his active role in the WCPT accreditation process. He also received certificates of appreciation for his participation in community medical convoys, national conferences, and continuous education programs. His dedication to academic excellence and social responsibility has made him a respected figure among students, colleagues, and healthcare institutions.
Top Noted Publications
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Non-Surgical Approaches to the Management of Lumbar Disc Herniation Associated with Radiculopathy
AM ElMelhat, Deed E. Harrison, Ahmed S. A. Youssef, Moustafa R. Zebdawi, Maya A…
Journal of Clinical Medicine, Vol. 13(4), Article 974, 2024
Citations: 45 -
Effect of Equiosmolar Solutions of Hypertonic Sodium Lactate versus Mannitol in Craniectomy Patients with Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
MR Ahmad, H Hanna
Medical Journal of Indonesia, Vol. 23(1), pp. 30–35, 2014
Citations: 17 -
Effect of Adding Virtual Reality Training to Traditional Exercise Program on Pain, Mental Status and Psychological Status in Unilateral Traumatic Lower Limb Amputees
RL Abbas, D Cooreman, HA Sultan, ME Nayal, IM Saab, AE Khatib, A ElMelhat…
Games for Health Journal, Vol. 13(4), pp. 245–251, 2024
Citations: 12 -
Comparison Between Prophylactic versus Therapeutic Doses of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin in Severely Ill COVID-19 Patients in Relation to Disease Progression
A ElMelhat, E Elbourai, H Dewedar, T Elgergawi, M Alkhanbouli…
Dubai Medical Journal, Vol. 3(4), pp. 162–169, 2020
Citations: 11 -
Effect of Adding Thoracic Manipulation for the Management of Patients with Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
AM El Melhat, RL Abbas, MR Zebdawi, AM Ali Ismail
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, Vol. 41(1), pp. 65–78, 2025
Citations: 9
Strengths for the Healthcare Innovation Award
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Evidence-Based Innovation in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
Dr. ElMelhat has consistently led research that transforms clinical decision-making through the development of clinical prediction rules, biomechanical analysis, and manual therapy approaches. His work bridges the gap between research and real-world application, particularly in conditions like shoulder impingement and knee osteoarthritis, providing clinicians with evidence-backed tools to improve patient outcomes. -
Integration of Technology in Rehabilitation
Demonstrating a forward-thinking approach, Dr. ElMelhat has contributed to virtual reality integration in post-amputation rehabilitation, showing measurable improvements in pain and psychological status. This reflects his commitment to digital health innovation, enhancing traditional physiotherapy practices with cutting-edge technology. -
Capacity Building and Regional Impact
With over 1,000 professionals trained across Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, Dr. ElMelhat has played a pivotal role in regional healthcare education and upskilling. His workshops on spinal manipulation and joint rehabilitation contribute to a more skilled, innovative, and responsive physiotherapy workforce across the Middle East. -
Dual Academic-Clinical Leadership
Holding senior positions at both Beirut Arab University and Cairo University, he merges academic rigor with hands-on clinical expertise. His leadership in postgraduate curriculum development, research supervision, and WCPT accreditation demonstrates his ability to drive systemic innovation in physiotherapy education. -
Recognized Research Excellence and Knowledge Dissemination
With over 115 citations, multiple invited lectures, and active contributions to international conferences, Dr. ElMelhat is a recognized thought leader. His publications in top-ranked journals, including the Journal of Clinical Medicine and Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, validate the global relevance and scientific quality of his innovations in healthcare.
Rodrigo Andraus, Sports Science, Best Researcher Award
Prof. Dr. Rodrigo Andraus: Professor of the Postgraduate Program in Human Movement and Rehabilitation at Evangelical University of Goiás – UniEVANGELICA, Brazil
Rodrigo Antonio Carvalho Andraus is a distinguished Professor at the Evangelical University of Goiás, where he contributes to the Human Movement and Rehabilitation Program. With over a decade of experience in academia and clinical research, Rodrigo is known for his expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. He earned his Doctor of Science degree from the University of São Paulo – Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine in 2013 and later completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Rehabilitation Sciences at the State University of Londrina. His research is centered around improving functional recovery and performance in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, with a particular focus on the application of innovative therapies like kinesiotaping, photobiomodulation, and tactile stimulation.
Online Profiles
Rodrigo Antônio Carvalho Andraus is an established researcher affiliated with Universidade Norte do Paraná in Londrina, Brazil. He is actively contributing to the field of rehabilitation sciences, with a particular focus on musculoskeletal rehabilitation. His work is widely recognized, as evidenced by his Scopus ID (36337651100) and his ORCID profile (0000-0002-3849-0872). With a total of 359 citations across 353 documents, Rodrigo has established himself as a key contributor to the field. His h-index of 12 highlights the significant impact of his publications, and his active presence on platforms like Scopus and ORCID further solidifies his standing in the academic and research community.
Education
Rodrigo’s educational journey has been marked by excellence and a deep commitment to advancing the field of rehabilitation sciences. He received his Doctor of Science degree in 2013 from the prestigious University of São Paulo – Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, where he specialized in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Building on his doctoral research, Rodrigo pursued a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the State University of Londrina, which he completed in 2016. His postdoctoral studies further honed his expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and therapeutic interventions, laying the foundation for his research on the neurophysiological and functional outcomes of rehabilitation techniques. Throughout his academic career, he has actively engaged in mentoring students and researchers, contributing to the broader field through teaching and research.
Research Focus
Rodrigo’s research focus lies in the realm of musculoskeletal rehabilitation, particularly exploring novel interventions that enhance motor performance, recovery, and functional outcomes in individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. His work on tactile stimulation, kinesiotaping, and photobiomodulation therapy has yielded important insights into how non-invasive techniques can be integrated into rehabilitation programs to accelerate recovery and improve quality of life for patients. He is particularly interested in understanding the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying these therapies, using advanced techniques like electroencephalography (EEG) to assess their effects on brain activity and muscle function. Through his research, Rodrigo aims to bridge the gap between clinical practice and scientific understanding, ensuring that rehabilitation interventions are both effective and evidence-based.
Experience
Rodrigo has a wealth of experience in both academia and clinical research. He is currently serving as a Professor in the Human Movement and Rehabilitation Program at the Evangelical University of Goiás, where he teaches and mentors graduate and postgraduate students. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he coordinates research projects that focus on musculoskeletal rehabilitation and therapeutic interventions. Since 2018, he has been the principal investigator for a major research project on the effects of tegumental tactile stimulation on motor performance, which has produced valuable insights into rehabilitation practices for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. His previous experience as Coordinator of a Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences further underscores his leadership role in shaping the next generation of rehabilitation specialists.
Research Timeline & Activities
Rodrigo’s research career has evolved over several phases, with each phase contributing to the growth of knowledge in the field of musculoskeletal rehabilitation. After completing his Doctorate in 2013, he expanded his research expertise during his postdoctoral fellowship at the State University of Londrina, focusing on rehabilitation sciences. Since 2018, Rodrigo has been leading significant research projects, particularly focusing on the effects of tactile stimulation on functional and motor performance. His ongoing project at the University of Northern Paraná explores how tactile interventions can improve recovery outcomes for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally, Rodrigo is actively involved in collaborative research efforts, working with leading experts in rehabilitation and therapeutic sciences to address current challenges and develop innovative solutions for patient care.
Awards & Honors
Rodrigo’s academic achievements and contributions to rehabilitation sciences are widely recognized within the scientific community. His impactful research, particularly in the areas of kinesiotaping and photobiomodulation therapy, has garnered attention from leading journals and has been cited extensively by peers. His role in advancing the understanding of rehabilitation interventions, alongside his contributions to postgraduate education, solidifies his standing as an influential figure in the field. Rodrigo’s commitment to evidence-based practice and his ongoing research continues to contribute to the recognition of his work in international academic and clinical circles.
Top Noted Publication
One of Rodrigo’s most highly regarded publications is the 2025 systematic review titled “Changes in cerebral cortex activity after application of kinesiotape: Systematic review,” published in Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. This review, co-authored with several prominent researchers, investigates the neurophysiological effects of kinesiotaping on brain activity and muscle performance. By synthesizing findings from multiple studies, the paper provides compelling evidence of how kinesiotape can influence cerebral cortex activity, offering insights into its potential therapeutic applications for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. This publication is an example of Rodrigo’s ability to blend clinical expertise with scientific inquiry, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of rehabilitation.
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“Intra- and inter-rater accuracy and reliability of the ocular vergence test”
Fisioterapia em Movimento, 2025
DOI: 10.1590/fm.2025.38116
This study assesses the accuracy and reliability of the ocular vergence test, with contributions from Rodrigo Antônio Carvalho Andraus and several colleagues. The research is significant in advancing diagnostic tools for visual and motor function assessments, particularly in rehabilitation contexts. -
“Evaluating the Effects of a Progressive Kinesiotaping Treatment Protocol on Chronic Low Back Pain in Women Using Electroencephalography”
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 2025
DOI: 10.3390/jfmk10030338
In this study, Rodrigo Andraus and his collaborators explore how kinesiotaping affects brain activity and muscle function in women with chronic low back pain. The research utilizes electroencephalography (EEG) to assess the impact of a progressive kinesiotaping protocol, providing valuable insights into the neurophysiological effects of rehabilitation interventions. -
“Changes in cerebral cortex activity after application of kinesiotape: Systematic review”
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.02.001
This systematic review, co-authored by Rodrigo Andraus, investigates how kinesiotaping influences brain activity, particularly in the cerebral cortex. The review contributes to the growing body of research on the neurological effects of rehabilitation techniques, specifically the application of kinesiotape for muscle performance improvement. -
“Does kinesio tape alter muscle strength in athletes? – Systematic review and meta-analysis”
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.11.023
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, Rodrigo Andraus and colleagues critically evaluate the impact of kinesiotaping on muscle strength in athletes. The paper compiles data from multiple studies, providing robust evidence on the efficacy of kinesiotape in enhancing athletic performance and reducing injury risk. -
“Different kinesio taping tensions present similar benefits for postural control, dynamic balance, agility and instability sensation in individuals with chronic ankle instability: randomized clinical trial”
Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria & Desempenho Humano, 2023
DOI: 10.1590/1980-0037.2023v25e94813
This clinical trial, led by Rodrigo Andraus, examines the effects of varying kinesiotaping tensions on individuals with chronic ankle instability. The study concludes that different kinesiotaping tensions provide similar benefits for postural control, dynamic balance, agility, and instability sensation, offering valuable insights for rehabilitation strategies for athletes and patients with ankle instability.
Strength for the Best Researcher Award
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Excellence in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research
Rodrigo Andraus has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing the field of musculoskeletal rehabilitation. His research on non-invasive therapeutic techniques such as kinesiotaping, photobiomodulation, and tactile stimulation has revolutionized the way clinicians approach rehabilitation for musculoskeletal disorders. Through his academic and clinical work, he has improved patient recovery outcomes, making him a standout in the rehabilitation sciences community. -
Impact on Neurophysiological Understanding of Rehabilitation
With a focus on the neurophysiological mechanisms behind rehabilitation therapies, Rodrigo’s work, particularly his research involving electroencephalography (EEG), has significantly advanced the understanding of how treatments like kinesiotaping and tactile stimulation influence brain activity. His contributions have opened new avenues for therapeutic interventions that bridge the gap between clinical practices and scientific understanding. -
Innovative Research in Kinesiotaping
Rodrigo’s extensive work on kinesiotaping stands out in the field. He has contributed several publications that systematically analyze the effects of kinesiotape on muscle strength, postural control, and brain activity. His systematic review on “Changes in cerebral cortex activity after the application of kinesiotape” has become a key reference in understanding how kinesiotaping can improve both functional and neurological outcomes for patients, making it one of his most cited works. -
Leadership and Mentorship in Education
As a professor and mentor at the Evangelical University of Goiás, Rodrigo has nurtured the development of future experts in human movement and rehabilitation. His involvement in postgraduate education, especially within the Human Movement and Rehabilitation Program, has earned him a reputation as a dedicated educator. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of rehabilitation professionals, imparting both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. -
Global Recognition and Collaborative Contributions
Rodrigo’s research is widely recognized within both academic and clinical communities, as demonstrated by his significant citation count and involvement in high-impact publications. His work not only contributes to the scientific community but also leads to collaborative research efforts across various international institutions. His publication history and active participation in interdisciplinary research have positioned him as a thought leader in the rehabilitation sciences field.”