Overview
Background
Dr. Manuela Besomi is a Research Fellow within the Centre for Innovation in Pain and Health Research (CIPHeR) in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The University of Queensland. She also holds an honorary position in the Physiotherapy Department at Universidad del Desarrollo (Chile), where she leads a clinical team focused on running injury management and prevention research. Manuela obtained her master's degree in Clinical Epidemiology from Universidad de La Frontera, Chile, in 2016, followed by a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences at The University of Queensland in 2021. As a passionate physiotherapist and early career researcher, she brings expertise in epidemiology, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and sports science, particularly in the context of running. Her research spans fundamental and applied areas, from leveraging innovative technologies to investigate tissue mechanics to enhancing care management through implementation research.
Manuela is currently the Project Coordinator of an NIH-funded research project, the largest human project at UQ across 8 universities and 5 hospitals in 3 countries, examining the bio-psycho-social mechanisms underlying low back pain flares. She is also the Research Coordinator for the Consensus for Experimental Design in Electromyography (CEDE) project, supported and endorsed by the International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology (ISEK). In recognition of her contributions, she was honoured with the prestigious 2022 Carlo J. DeLuca Award.
Beyond her research endeavours, Manuela is dedicated to translating knowledge into practice and actively engages with the community. She is a speaker and collaborator at The Running Clinic and a co-founder of the SeRUN® project (@serun.chile), both initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. She is passionate about promoting STEM for young girls—having collaborated in the evaluation of a nationwide program to boost girls' engagement in STEM, BRInC. Currently, she is part of the research team and mentor for the 2024 BRInC version. More information about BRInC can be found at https://www.canberra.edu.au/about-uc/faculties/health/brinc.
Dr. Besomi remains committed to advancing knowledge and making a positive impact in the fields of physiotherapy, rehabilitation and sports science.
Availability
- Dr Manuela Besomi Molina is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Universidad del Desarrollo
- Masters (Coursework) of Clinical Epidemiology, Universidad de la Frontera
- Doctor of Philosophy of Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Behavioural self-regulation in physical activity and health
Research on how individuals regulate physical activity behaviours over time, with a focus on behavioural instability, decision-making, and adaptation. Integrates behavioural science frameworks (COM-B, TDF) with real-world data to understand how people initiate, maintain, and modify activity in response to changing conditions, including injury, pain, and life demands.
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Running-related injury prevention and management
Investigates mechanisms, risk factors, and self-management strategies for running-related injuries across recreational to elite populations. Combines biomechanics, behavioural science, and epidemiology to inform prevention and rehabilitation approaches that support sustained participation and reduce injury burden.
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Translation and implementation of behaviour change research
Focuses on translating behavioural and systems-based research into practical tools for clinicians, coaches, and public health practitioners. Involves co-design with stakeholders to ensure feasibility, usability, and impact in real-world settings, including community and health system implementation.
Works
Search Professor Manuela Besomi Molina’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Journal Article
Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project: application of EMG to estimate muscle force
Dick, Taylor J. M., Tucker, Kylie, Hug, François, Besomi, Manuela, van Dieën, Jaap H., Enoka, Roger M., Besier, Thor, Carson, Richard G., Clancy, Edward A., Disselhorst-Klug, Catherine, Falla, Deborah, Farina, Dario, Gandevia, Simon, Holobar, Aleš, Kiernan, Matthew C., Lowery, Madeleine, McGill, Kevin, Merletti, Roberto, Perreault, Eric, Rothwell, John C., Søgaard, Karen, Wrigley, Tim and Hodges, Paul W. (2024). Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project: application of EMG to estimate muscle force. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 79 102910, 102910. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2024.102910
2024
Conference Publication
Injury risk factors in trail running: latest evidence from a living systematic review
Viljoen, Carel, Mechelen, Willem van, Verhagen, Evert, Silva, Bruno, Scheer, Volker, Besomi, Manuela, Gajardo-Burgos, Rubén, Matos, Sérgio, Schoeman, Marlene, Rensburg, Audrey Jansen van, Dyk, Nicol van, Scheepers, Susan, Botha, Tanita and Rensburg, Christa Janse van (2024). Injury risk factors in trail running: latest evidence from a living systematic review. 7th IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport, Monaco, 29 February–2 March 2024. London, United Kingdom: BMJ Group. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-ioc.22
2024
Journal Article
Poor sleep versus exercise: A duel to decide whether pain resolves or persists after injury
Klyne, David M., Hilliard, Brendan A., Harris, Michele Y., Amin, Mamta, Hall, Michelle, Besomi, Manuela, Mustafa, Sanam, Farrell, Scott F., Rawashdeh, Oliver, Han, Felicity Y., Hodges, Paul W., Frara, Nagat and Barbe, Mary F. (2024). Poor sleep versus exercise: A duel to decide whether pain resolves or persists after injury. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity - Health, 35 100714, 100714. doi: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100714
2023
Journal Article
Carga de entrenamiento y variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca en una exposición aguda a la hipoxia hipobárica: estudio de caso
Nieto-Jiménez, Claudio, Espinoza-Salinas, A., Valenzuela Pérez, Diego, Sánchez, Raimundo and Besomi, Manuela (2023). Carga de entrenamiento y variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca en una exposición aguda a la hipoxia hipobárica: estudio de caso. SPORT TK-Revista EuroAmericana de Ciencias del Deporte, 12, 8-8. doi: 10.6018/sportk.597591
2023
Journal Article
The Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge: development, implementation, uptake, and reflections on the inaugural program
Coltman, Celeste E., Barzan, Martina, Besomi, Manuela, Brackley, Victoria, Bousie, Jaquelin A., Choisne, Julie, Diamond, Laura E., Dick, Taylor J. M., D’Souza, Nicole, Fien, Samantha, Fong Yan, Alycia, Gho, Sheridan A., Giraldo-Pedroza, Alexandra, Hutchinson, Laura A., Hutchison, Laura V., Kean, Crystal O., Kirk, Maddison M., Lewis, Amy, Maharaj, Jayishini N., Maher, Nina, Mann, Kerry J., Martin, Suzanne, Mickle, Karen J., Nasseri, Azadeh, Oon, Isobel H., Purdie, Rory, Quinlan, Shayan L., Radcliffe, Ceridwen R., Snodgrass, Suzanne J. ... Hall, Michelle (2023). The Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge: development, implementation, uptake, and reflections on the inaugural program. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 40 (2), 155-165. doi: 10.1123/jab.2023-0056
2023
Journal Article
Adaptability of the load sharing between the longissimus and components of the multifidus muscle during isometric trunk extension in healthy individuals
Tier, Louise, Salomoni, Sauro E., Hug, François, Besomi, Manuela and Hodges, Paul W. (2023). Adaptability of the load sharing between the longissimus and components of the multifidus muscle during isometric trunk extension in healthy individuals. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 123 (9), 1879-1893. doi: 10.1007/s00421-023-05193-5
2023
Journal Article
Un año de seguimiento con frecuencia cardiaca variabilidad de la en trail runners
Nieto-Jiménez, Claudio, Sánchez, Raimundo, Besomi, Manuela and Naranjo-Orellana, Jose (2023). Un año de seguimiento con frecuencia cardiaca variabilidad de la en trail runners. Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Fisica y del Deporte, 23 (89), 446-457. doi: 10.15366/rimcafd2023.89.031
2022
Journal Article
Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project: Single motor unit matrix
Martinez-Valdes, Eduardo, Enoka, Roger M., Holobar, Aleš, McGill, Kevin, Farina, Dario, Besomi, Manuela, Hug, François, Falla, Deborah, Carson, Richard G., Clancy, Edward A., Disselhorst-Klug, Catherine, van Dieën, Jaap H., Tucker, Kylie, Gandevia, Simon, Lowery, Madeleine, Søgaard, Karen, Besier, Thor, Merletti, Roberto, Kiernan, Matthew C., Rothwell, John C., Perreault, Eric and Hodges, Paul W. (2022). Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project: Single motor unit matrix. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 68 102726, 102726. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2022.102726
2022
Journal Article
Soleus muscle and Achilles tendon compressive stiffness is related to knee and ankle positioning
Cruz-Montecinos, Carlos, Besomi, Manuela, Acevedo-Valenzuela, Nicolás, Cares-Marambio, Kevin, Bustamante, Alejandro, Guzmán-González, Benjamín, Tapia-Malebrán, Claudio, Sanzana-Cuche, Rodolfo, Calatayud, Joaquín and Méndez-Rebolledo, Guillermo (2022). Soleus muscle and Achilles tendon compressive stiffness is related to knee and ankle positioning. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 66 102698, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2022.102698
2022
Journal Article
Do the general public and health care professionals think that running is bad for the knees? A cross-sectional international multilanguage online survey
Esculier, Jean-Francois, Besomi, Manuela, Silva, Danilo de Oliveira, Passigli, Samuele, Rathleff, Michael Skovdal, Van Middelkoop, Marienke, Barton, Christian, Callaghan, Michael J., Harkey, Matthew S., Hoens, Alison M., Krowchuk, Natasha M., Teoli, Anthony, Vicenzino, Bill, Willy, Richard W. and Hunt, Michael A. (2022). Do the general public and health care professionals think that running is bad for the knees? A cross-sectional international multilanguage online survey. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 10 (9) 23259671221124141, 1-10. doi: 10.1177/23259671221124141
2022
Journal Article
Implementation of physiotherapy telerehabilitation before and post Covid-19 outbreak: A comparative narrative between South American countries and Australia
Michell, Antonio, Besomi, Manuela, Seron, Pamela, Voigt, Matias, Cubillos, Rodrigo, Parada-Hernández, Felipe, Urrejola, Oscar, Ferreira-Pacheco, Thaiana Barbosa, de Oliveira-Silva, Danilo, Aily, Jéssica Bianca, Moreno-Collazos, Jorge Enrique, Pinzón-Ríos, Iván Darío, Aguirre-Aguirre, Clara Liliana, Hinman, Rana S, Bennell, Kim L and Russell, Trevor G (2022). Implementation of physiotherapy telerehabilitation before and post Covid-19 outbreak: A comparative narrative between South American countries and Australia. Salud Publica de Mexico, 64 (Supplement 1), S31-S39. doi: 10.21149/13160
2022
Journal Article
Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project: High-density surface electromyography matrix
Gallina, Alessio, Disselhorst-Klug, Catherine, Farina, Dario, Merletti, Roberto, Besomi, Manuela, Holobar, Aleš, Enoka, Roger M., Hug, François, Falla, Deborah, Søgaard, Karen, McGill, Kevin, Clancy, Edward A., Carson, Richard G., van Dieën, Jaap H., Gandevia, Simon, Lowery, Madeleine, Besier, Thor, Kiernan, Matthew C., Rothwell, John C., Tucker, Kylie and Hodges, Paul W. (2022). Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project: High-density surface electromyography matrix. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 64 102656, 102656. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2022.102656
2022
Journal Article
Cross-cultural adaptation and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the University of Wisconsin Running Injury and Recovery Index questionnaire in Spanish (UWRI-S)
Bunster, Josefina, Martínez, María Jesús, Mauri-Stecca, Manuel V., Leppe, Jaime, Nelson, Evan O., Heiderscheit, Bryan and Besomi, Manuela (2022). Cross-cultural adaptation and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the University of Wisconsin Running Injury and Recovery Index questionnaire in Spanish (UWRI-S). Physical Therapy in Sport, 55, 289-295. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2022.05.007
2022
Journal Article
Distinct displacement of the superficial and deep fascial layers of the iliotibial band during a weight shift task in runners: an exploratory study
Besomi, Manuela, Salomoni, Sauro E., Cruz‐Montecinos, Carlos, Stecco, Carla, Vicenzino, Bill and Hodges, Paul W. (2022). Distinct displacement of the superficial and deep fascial layers of the iliotibial band during a weight shift task in runners: an exploratory study. Journal of Anatomy, 240 (3), 579-588. doi: 10.1111/joa.13575
2022
Journal Article
Trail running injury risk factors: a living systematic review
Viljoen, Carel, Janse van Rensburg, Dina C. (Christa), van Mechelen, Willem, Verhagen, Evert, Silva, Bruno, Scheer, Volker, Besomi, Manuela, Gajardo-Burgos, Ruben, Matos, Sergio, Schoeman, Marlene, Jansen van Rensburg, Audrey, van Dyk, Nicol, Scheepers, Susan and Botha, Tanita (2022). Trail running injury risk factors: a living systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 56 (10) bjsports-2021-104858, bjsports-2021. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-104858
2021
Journal Article
Expert-moderated peer-to-peer online support group for people with knee osteoarthritis: a mixed methods randomized controlled pilot and feasibility study
Egerton, Thorlene, Lawford, Belinda J., Campbell, Penny K., Plinsinga, Melanie L., Spiers, Libby, Mackenzie, David A., Graham, Bridget, Mills, Kathryn, Eyles, Jillian, Knox, Gabrielle, Metcalf, Ben, Maclachlan, Liam, Besomi, Manuela, Dickson, Chris, Abraham, Charles, Vicenzino, Bill, Hodges, Paul W., Hunter, David J. and Bennell, Kim L. (2021). Expert-moderated peer-to-peer online support group for people with knee osteoarthritis: a mixed methods randomized controlled pilot and feasibility study. JMIR Formative Research, 6 (1) e32627, 1-18. doi: 10.2196/32627
2021
Journal Article
Exploration of shear wave elastography measures of the iliotibial band during different tasks in pain-free runners
Besomi, Manuela, Salomoni, Sauro E., Hug, François, Tier, Louise, Vicenzino, Bill and Hodges, Paul W. (2021). Exploration of shear wave elastography measures of the iliotibial band during different tasks in pain-free runners. Physical Therapy in Sport, 50, 121-129. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.04.006
2021
Other Outputs
Towards the investigation of the tensor fascia lata muscle and iliotibial band function in runners: the relevance of the why and the how
Besomi Molina, Manuela (2021). Towards the investigation of the tensor fascia lata muscle and iliotibial band function in runners: the relevance of the why and the how. PhD Thesis, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/faa2512
2021
Journal Article
Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project: terminology matrix
McManus, Lara, Lowery, Madeleine, Merletti, Roberto, Søgaard, Karen, Besomi, Manuela, Clancy, Edward A., van Dieën, Jaap H., Hug, François, Wrigley, Tim, Besier, Thor, Carson, Richard G., Disselhorst-Klug, Catherine, Enoka, Roger M., Falla, Deborah, Farina, Dario, Gandevia, Simon, Holobar, Aleš, Kiernan, Matthew C., McGill, Kevin, Perreault, Eric, Rothwell, John C, Tucker, Kylie and Hodges, Paul W. (2021). Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project: terminology matrix. Journal of Electromyography & Kinesiology, 59 102565, 102565. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2021.102565
2021
Journal Article
Frequency of injury and illness in the final 4 weeks before a trail running competition
Gajardo-Burgos, Rubén, Monrroy-Uarac, Manuel, Barría-Pailaquilén, René Mauricio, Norambuena-Noches, Yessenia, van Rensburg, Dina Christa Janse, Bascour-Sandoval, Claudio and Besomi, Manuela (2021). Frequency of injury and illness in the final 4 weeks before a trail running competition. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (10) 5431, 5431. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18105431
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Manuela Besomi Molina is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Injury prevention in female athletes: Understanding and preventing injury risk factors unique to females
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Natalie Collins, Associate Professor Michelle Smith, Dr Melinda Smith
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Doctor Philosophy
Disentangling the relationship between sleep, stress and pain.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Hodges, Professor Simon Smith, Dr Raimundo Sanchez, Associate Professor David Klyne
Media
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