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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
2015
Conference Publication
Perception of musculoskeletal health and knowledge about physical activity among pregnant women with low income and low educational level
Roa, S., Mena, M.J., Besomi, M. and Leppe, J. (2015). Perception of musculoskeletal health and knowledge about physical activity among pregnant women with low income and low educational level. World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress 2015, Singapore, 1-4 May 2015. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2015.03.1204
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
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
-
Why do runners keep going, adapt or stop? Understanding self-regulation for sustainable running participation
This project will investigate how runners respond and adapt to changes in pain, fatigue, recovery, training demands and life circumstances. Building on an existing behavioural systems model of sustainable running participation, the project may use longitudinal monitoring of runners undertaking structured training, alongside behavioural and psychological measures, to identify factors that support effective training adaptation and sustained participation. Findings will inform the development of practical strategies for runners, coaches and clinicians to support healthy and sustainable running.
-
From niggles to injury: Understanding how runners make decisions about pain and training
Pain and minor physical complaints are common in runners, but why some runners successfully manage these experiences while others develop persistent problems or stop running remains poorly understood. This project will examine how runners interpret pain and make decisions about continuing, modifying or stopping training. Potential areas include pain-related beliefs, self-regulation, training behaviours and interactions with coaches and health professionals. The project will contribute to new approaches for preventing and managing running-related injuries while supporting continued participation.
-
Increasing and sustaining physical activity through sport participation
Sport provides an important opportunity to increase physical activity, but participation can be difficult to initiate and sustain, particularly across injury, pain and major life transitions. This project will investigate the individual, social and environmental factors that influence participation in sport and identify strategies to support people to start, return to and remain engaged in meaningful sport and physical activity. Using behavioural and systems science approaches, the project may involve mapping barriers and enablers to participation, identifying leverage points for change, and co-designing strategies with participants, sporting organisations and other stakeholders.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
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
-
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
For media enquiries about Dr Manuela Besomi Molina's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: