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
2013
Journal Article
Nivel de actividad física según GPAQ en mujeres embarazadas y postparto que asisten a un centro de salud familiar
Leppe, Jaime, Besomi M., Manuela, Olsen C., Catalina, Mena I., María Jesús and Roa A., Sonia (2013). Nivel de actividad física según GPAQ en mujeres embarazadas y postparto que asisten a un centro de salud familiar. Revista chilena de obstetricia y ginecología, 78 (6), 425-431. doi: 10.4067/s0717-75262013000600004
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
Enquiries
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