Kazem Malmir | Physiotherapy | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kazem Malmir | Physiotherapy | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kazem Malmir, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Dr. Kazem Malmir is an Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy Department at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ท. With a BSc in Occupational Therapy, MSc, and PhD in Physical Therapy, his research focuses on neuromuscular control, rehabilitation, sports injuries, and biomechanical assessments ๐Ÿฆต๐Ÿ“Š. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, contributed to academic curricula, and received awards including “Selected Young Researcher” ๐Ÿ†. Dr. Malmir is skilled in SPSS, MATLAB, and Office tools ๐Ÿ’ป. He is a member of the Iranian Physical Therapy Association and actively teaches at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ“š.

Publication Profile

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๐ŸŽ“ Academic Background

Dr. Kazem Malmir holds a strong academic foundation in rehabilitation sciences ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿฆต. He earned his BSc in Occupational Therapy from Shahid Beheshti University in July 1999 ๐ŸŽ“. He then pursued his MSc in Physical Therapy at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), completing it in July 2005 with a thesis on the effect of muscle fatigue on knee flexor to extensor torque ratios and knee dynamic stability โš–๏ธ๐Ÿ’ช. In May 2014, he completed his PhD in Physical Therapy at TUMS, focusing on the effects of peroneal muscle fatigue and cyclic loading on ankle neuromuscular control during lateral-hop landing

๐Ÿ“˜ Teaching Portfolio

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kazem Malmir has an extensive teaching portfolio across undergraduate, masterโ€™s, and PhD levels ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ“š. At the undergraduate level, he teaches courses such as Kinesiology and Biomechanics of the Lower Extremity, Assistive Devices and Prosthetics, Kinesiology of Vertebral Column, and Massage and Mobilization of Limbs ๐Ÿฆต๐Ÿ‘. His masterโ€™s courses include Physical Therapy in Sports Injuries, Sports Biomechanics, Advanced Electromyography, and Science and Analysis of Functional Movements โšฝ๐Ÿ“Š. For PhD students, he instructs Occupational Biomechanics, Advanced Clinical Electroneurophysiology, and PhD Seminar, reflecting his expertise in movement science and neurophysiology ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿงช.

๐Ÿ… Professional Distinctions & Memberships

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kazem Malmir has been recognized for his contributions to physical therapy through several professional distinctions and memberships ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ“œ. In February 2022, he was honored as the Selected Young Researcher in the Physiotherapy Department at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, highlighting his research excellence ๐Ÿงชโœจ. He has served as a dedicated faculty member since May 2014, actively engaging in teaching and scholarly activities ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ“–. Additionally, Dr. Malmir has been a proud member of the Iranian Physical Therapy Association since May 2006, reflecting his professional commitment and community involvement

Research Focus

Dr. Kazem Malmirโ€™s research primarily centers on neuromuscular rehabilitation, physical therapy, and movement science. His work integrates clinical techniques such as dry needling, kinesiology taping, balance training, and manual therapies to address issues in stroke recovery ๐Ÿง , Parkinsonโ€™s disease ๐Ÿง“, chronic pain ๐Ÿ’ข, carpal tunnel syndrome โœ‹, and ankle instability ๐Ÿค•. He emphasizes evidence-based interventions that improve muscle function ๐Ÿ’ช, postural control ๐Ÿง, pain management, and quality of life ๐ŸŒฟ. Dr. Malmir also contributes to systematic reviews and meta-analyses, reinforcing his commitment to rigorous, data-driven practice in geriatric and sports physiotherapy โšฝ.

Publication Top Notes

  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Effect of dry needling plus static stretching on plantar flexor spasticityโ€ฆ โ€“ J Med Case Rep, 2025, [DOI:10.1186/s13256-025-05270-7] ๐Ÿ“–

  • โšก Comparing effects of caffeine and TMR on performance in sprinters โ€“ Physiother Res Int, 2025 [DOI:10.1002/pri.70057] ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ

  • โœ‹ Median nerve CSA & pain change post-ESWT & LLLT in CTS patients โ€“ J Hand Ther, 2024 [DOI:10.1016/j.jht.2023.12.009] ๐Ÿง 

  • ๐Ÿงต Dry Needling + Stretching on Plantar Flexors in Stroke โ€“ JAMS, 2024 [DOI:10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.4.141] ๐Ÿง 

  • ๐Ÿฉน Kinesiology tape on quadriceps torque & knee repositioning โ€“ J Bodyw Mov Ther, 2024 [DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.02.048] ๐Ÿ’ช

  • ๐Ÿง“ Sarcopenia prevalence in older adults (Pakistan) โ€“ BMC Geriatr, 2024 [DOI:10.1186/s12877-024-05111-0] ๐Ÿ“Š

  • ๐Ÿง  HiBalance training effects in Parkinsonโ€™s โ€“ Eur Geriatr Med, 2023 [DOI:10.1007/s41999-023-00860-4] ๐Ÿง“

  • ๐Ÿฆถ Orthotics & performance in chronic ankle instability โ€“ J Bodyw Mov Ther, 2023 [DOI:10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.01.004] ๐Ÿ‘Ÿ

  • ๐Ÿง˜ Mental practice in chronic neck pain โ€“ Complement Ther Clin Pract, 2023 [DOI:10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101690] ๐Ÿง 

  • โš–๏ธ Y-balance in CLBP vs healthy โ€“ meta-analysis โ€“ Sport Sci Health, 2023 [DOI:10.1007/s11332-022-01036-6] ๐Ÿ“‰

Bryan O’Halloran | Physical Therapy | Excellence in Research Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bryan O’Halloran | Physical Therapy | Excellence in Research Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bryan O’Halloran, Medical University of South Carolina, United States

Bryan J Oโ€™Halloran, PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, SCS, FAAOMPT, is an accomplished physical therapist, educator, and clinical expert. With over three decades of experience, he currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina. His expertise spans musculoskeletal disorders, sports therapy, and orthopedic manual therapy. He holds multiple advanced certifications and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. Bryan has dedicated his career to teaching, mentoring, and advancing physical therapy practices globally. His extensive contributions also include ownership of multiple physical therapy practices and international seminar instruction. ๐Ÿ‘จโ€โš•๏ธ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŒ

Publication Profile

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Education

Bryan Oโ€™Halloran’s educational journey is marked by prestigious degrees and specialized training. He earned his Doctor of Science (DSc) from Andrews University in 2021, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2012. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy from LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Australia, and completed his foundational studies at the Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences. Bryan’s qualifications reflect a lifelong commitment to professional development and excellence in physical therapy education and practice. ๐ŸŽ“

Experience

Bryan has vast experience in physical therapy, education, and clinical practice. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, where he focuses on musculoskeletal and differential diagnosis courses. His previous academic roles include Clinical Assistant Professor at Saint Josephโ€™s University and Assistant Professor at the University of the Sciences. In addition to teaching, Bryan has over 25 years of clinical experience as the owner and program director of multiple orthopedic physical therapy practices. He has also instructed and mentored internationally, leading specialized manual therapy seminars and certifications. ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ

Awards and Honors

Bryan Oโ€™Halloran has earned numerous accolades throughout his career. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT) and holds advanced certifications in orthopedic and sports physical therapy. His contributions to the field have been recognized through consistent awards, including his involvement in the Orthopedic Certified Specialist and Sports Certified Specialist programs. Additionally, Bryan has been honored for his leadership in the physical therapy community and for his long-term dedication to advancing manual therapy education through specialized seminar leadership and development. ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ‘

Research Focus

Bryanโ€™s research primarily centers around musculoskeletal rehabilitation, orthopedic manual therapy, and sports physical therapy. He is particularly interested in the mechanisms of physical therapy interventions and how they impact functional outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. His work also explores the efficacy of various manual therapy techniques in treating orthopedic conditions and sports injuries. Bryanโ€™s research is guided by his practical experience in clinical settings, and he is committed to bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. His work continues to influence both academic and clinical advancements in physical therapy. ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ‹๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿ’ก

Publication Top Notes

  • ๐Ÿ“š Different MCID scores lead to different clinical prediction rules for the ODI โ€“ ๐Ÿ”ข 114 โ€“ ๐Ÿ“… 2013

  • ๐Ÿ“š Early use of thrust vs. non-thrust manipulation: a RCT โ€“ ๐Ÿ”ข 107 โ€“ ๐Ÿ“… 2013

  • ๐Ÿ“š Which prognostic factors for low back pain are generic predictors? โ€“ ๐Ÿ”ข 71 โ€“ ๐Ÿ“… 2013

  • ๐Ÿ“š Change in pain during reassessment as predictor in manual therapy for LBP โ€“ ๐Ÿ”ข 63 โ€“ ๐Ÿ“… 2012

  • ๐Ÿ“š Cervical mobilization in treating shoulder impingement: a RCT โ€“ ๐Ÿ”ข 55 โ€“ ๐Ÿ“… 2014

  • ๐Ÿ“š Comparing cervical/upper thoracic mobilization vs. manipulation for neck pain โ€“ ๐Ÿ”ข 38 โ€“ ๐Ÿ“… 2015

  • ๐Ÿ“š Thrust vs. non-thrust for older adults with LBP: pain and disability outcomes โ€“ ๐Ÿ”ข 34 โ€“ ๐Ÿ“… 2013

  • ๐Ÿ“š Manipulation vs. mobilization for cervicogenic headache: a RCT โ€“ ๐Ÿ”ข 32 โ€“ ๐Ÿ“… 2021

  • ๐Ÿ“š Nonthrust vs. thrust manipulation for mechanical neck pain: multicenter RCT โ€“ ๐Ÿ”ข 31 โ€“ ๐Ÿ“… 2018

  • ๐Ÿ“š Chief complaint and comparable sign relationship in spinal pain patients โ€“ ๐Ÿ”ข 25 โ€“ ๐Ÿ“… 2015

 

Won Hyuk Chang | Rehabilitation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Won Hyuk Chang | Rehabilitation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Won Hyuk Chang, Samsung Medical Center, South Korea

Prof. Dr. Won Hyuk Chang is a distinguished expert in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine at Samsung Medical Center and Professor at Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท. With over two decades of clinical, academic, and research excellence, he leads rehabilitation innovation, particularly for stroke and brain disorders. Dr. Chang’s pivotal work spans neurorehabilitation, robotic rehabilitation, non-invasive brain stimulation, and smart health technology. His international exposure includes a research fellowship at Harvard Medical School’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ. As a section editor and board member for several prestigious journals, he contributes significantly to global stroke and neurorehabilitation literature. He also serves on various Korean and international scientific boards, reflecting his leadership in the field. Passionate about personalized treatment and patient-centered care, Prof. Chang actively directs multiple national research grants and has become a recognized figure in brain health innovation. ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿฆพ๐Ÿ“š

Publication Profile

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๐ŸŽ“ Education

Prof. Dr. Won Hyuk Chang pursued his M.D. (2000) and M.S. (2005) from Yonsei University College of Medicine, followed by a Ph.D. in 2012 from Korea University College of Medicine ๐ŸŽ“. His postgraduate clinical training began with an internship (2000โ€“2001) and residency (2001โ€“2005) in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University. This strong academic foundation provided him with clinical and research competencies essential for advanced rehabilitation medicine. His commitment to academic growth is further illustrated by his research fellowship at the Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School (2014โ€“2015). Through rigorous academic training in both Korea and the U.S., Dr. Chang has cultivated a multidisciplinary approach to neurorehabilitation and brain stimulation, leading to a prolific research and clinical career. ๐Ÿ“˜๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿง 

๐Ÿ’ผ Experience

Dr. Chang’s career started as a Military Chief at Kangwha Hospital (2005โ€“2008), later returning to Yonsei University as a Clinical Instructor (2008โ€“2009). He joined Samsung Medical Center in 2009 and progressed from Clinical Instructor to Clinical Assistant Professor, then Assistant Professor (2011โ€“2015), Associate Professor (2015โ€“2021), and Professor (2021โ€“present) at Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿ“ˆ. His international fellowship at Harvard Medical School in 2014-2015 boosted his research on brain stimulation. He is also involved in several professional societies, such as the Korean Society for Neurorehabilitation, Korean Neuromodulation Society, and Society for Neuroscience ๐ŸŒ. Editorially, he serves as Section Editor for the Journal of Stroke and Editor for Geriatric Rehabilitation, among others. His clinical and academic leadership spans brain disorders, robotic and digital rehabilitation, and translational neuroscience ๐Ÿงฌ๐Ÿง‘โ€โš•๏ธ.

๐Ÿ† Awards & Honors

Prof. Chang has been entrusted with over 12 major national and institutional research grants, reflecting his leadership in Koreaโ€™s brain rehabilitation landscape ๐ŸŽ–๏ธ. His grant-funded projects include innovations in rTMS, tDCS, and rehabilitation robotics, supported by prestigious bodies like the National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Samsung Medical Center ๐Ÿงช. Notable among these is the First-Ever Stroke Long-Term Cohort Study (2023โ€“2032), a landmark effort funded by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. He is widely recognized for his work in personalized neurorehabilitation, stroke biomarkers, and digital recovery platforms. His editorial and board roles in global journals and societies further mark him as a respected thought leader in rehabilitation medicine, contributing to the scientific community through both service and research excellence ๐Ÿฅ‡๐Ÿ“œ.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Focus

Prof. Changโ€™s research is centered on neurorehabilitation for stroke and brain disorders, with specialization in non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) ๐Ÿง โšก. He leads pioneering work on developing smart rehabilitation tools, such as smart gloves and boards for upper limb recovery, and Angel Legs, a robotic walking device. His studies aim to create personalized treatment strategies based on genetic and neurological markers, like BDNF polymorphisms, to optimize therapy outcomes. Additionally, he investigates brain plasticity, motor learning, and the digital transformation of rehabilitation practices. His interdisciplinary approach integrates AI, sensor technology, and cohort studies to improve long-term outcomes for stroke survivors. Dr. Changโ€™s innovations are backed by extensive funding and have significant implications for global brain health, aging care, and telerehabilitation ๐Ÿ“ˆ๐Ÿค–๐Ÿงฌ.

Publication Top Notes

๐Ÿ“… 2025 | Risk of Atrial Fibrillation After Hemorrhagic Stroke | Circulation | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.070662 | ๐Ÿ“‘
๐Ÿ“… 2025 | Increased Risk of End-Stage Kidney Disease After Traumatic Amputation | Healthcare | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13010080 | ๐Ÿ“‘
๐Ÿ“… 2024 | Factors Associated With Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment | Brain & Neurorehabilitation | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.12786/bn.2024.17.e20 | ๐Ÿ“š
๐Ÿ“… 2024 | Initial Controlling Nutritional Status Score & Stroke Outcomes | Nutrients | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.3390/nu16203461 | ๐Ÿ“Š
๐Ÿ“… 2024 | Quantitative Disability Tool in Parkinsonโ€™s Disease | Diagnostics | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14182063 | ๐Ÿค–
๐Ÿ“… 2024 | Risk of Diabetes After Spinal Cord Injury | Healthcare | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12181859 | ๐Ÿง 
๐Ÿ“… 2024 | Height & Functional Outcomes After Stroke | J. of Personalized Medicine | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060610 | ๐Ÿ“
๐Ÿ“… 2024 | Fracture Risk Post-Stroke by Disability Status | Stroke | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.123.044953 | ๐Ÿฆด
๐Ÿ“… 2024 | No Additional Effects of Sequential rTMS in Stroke | J. of Personalized Medicine | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.3390/jpm14070687 | ๐Ÿงฒ
๐Ÿ“… 2024 | Heart Disease Risk in Amputation Patients | JAHA | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.033304 | โค๏ธ
๐Ÿ“… 2024 | Parkinson Disease Risk After Stroke | European Journal of Neurology | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.1111/ene.16194 | ๐Ÿง 
๐Ÿ“… 2024 | Caregiver Burden After First-Ever Stroke | Medicina | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.3390/medicina60040559 | ๐Ÿค
๐Ÿ“… 2024 | Abnormal Synergies in Stroke Phases | Preprint | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.07.24302477 | ๐Ÿ”„
๐Ÿ“… 2023 | Fracture Risk Post-Stroke by Disability (Preprint) | Preprint | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.19.23300259 | ๐Ÿงฉ
๐Ÿ“… 2023 | Pretransplant Functional Status in Liver Transplantation | Gut and Liver | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.5009/gnl220337 | ๐Ÿฅ
๐Ÿ“… 2023 | Wearable Robot in Stroke Rehab โ€“ Protocol Study | BMJ Open | ๐Ÿ” DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065298 | ๐Ÿค–