Dr Pelagia Koufaki (BSc, PhD) is a Reader in the Dietetics, Nutrition & Biological Sciences, Physiotherapy, Podiatry & Radiography Division. She is also a Full member of Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research.
- Overview
- Research Interests
- Research Publications
- Funded Projects
- Teaching & Learning
I am a Sport and Exercise Scientist by education and clinical exercise physiologist by research training and practice (PhD in clinical exercise physiology). For the last 15 years I have been conducting clinical research focusing on the feasibility and effectiveness of exercise and physical activity interventions as therapeutic modalities for optimizing functional independence and reducing cardiovascular health risks in people with long term cardiometabolic conditions, such as kidney disease cardiac disease, diabetes. I have extensive experience in teaching and learning activities in HE as Lecturer/Teaching Fellow/Research Fellow in Exercise Physiology and Physical activity and Health, in previous and current academic posts (University of Liverpool, University of Stirling, Heriot-Watt University, Queen Margaret University). I am involved in the supervision of postgraduate research projects (MSc) and programmes of study (PhD) in relevant to my expertise areas and I am an active contributing member of the wider university and local communities.
Research/Knowledge Exchange Centre Membership:
- Full member of Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research
For the last 15 years I have been conducting clinical research focusing on the effectiveness of exercise and physical activity interventions as therapeutic modalities for optimizing functional independence and reducing cardiovascular health risks in people with long term cardiometabolic conditions, such as kidney and cardiac disease. My ultimate aim is to develop and evaluate approaches that people are more likely to implement in their daily lives either in clinical or community based settings. Exercise during renal dialysis, is an example of a novel implementation approach of a therapeutic treatment, that brings about multiple health benefits for people who need them the most. I have a track record of research output and income that has contributed to all research assessment evaluations that my university employers have entered. A brief overview of research output and content can be found in my e-Research profile.
Active research interests:
- Exercise based rehabilitation applications for physical function, quality of life and cardiovascular benefits in people with chronic kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes
- Frailty and Falls risk in people with long term cardiometabolic conditions
- Measurement and evaluation of physical function and disability
- Implementation and evaluation of community based programmes promoting active living for health outcomes
Research Methods:
- Randomised clinical trials
- Quantitative analytical methods
- Evaluation of physical activity interventions in practice
- 1998-2001: recipient of PhD research scholarship in Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation (Funder: Janssen-Cilag Pharmaceuticals Ltd (£28,000)
- 2008-2010: Evaluation of the “Girls on the Move” Programme (co-applicant)
Funders: Robertson Trust and the Scottish Executive (£36,000)
- 2013-2019: Prescription of Intradialytic Exercise to Improve Quality of Life in renal failure (PEDAL study). (National Multi Centre Randomised Trial. Funders: NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme. (co-applicant). (~ 1.4 million)
- 2013-2014: The BASES Expert Statement on Exercise Therapy for people with Chronic Kidney Disease: British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. (Lead applicant), (£1000)
- 2015-2019: Frailty, Cardiovascular Function and risk of falling in people with CKD on Hemodialysis QMU PhD research bursary (£36,000)
- 2016-2018: Frailty and risk of falling in patients with dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD). (PI) BKPA-BRA joint grants programme (£38,787.80)
- 2017-2018: Behaviour change approaches and management to enhance Physical Activity and Exercise participation for health for people with Chronic Kidney Disease P Koufaki (lead applicant), ERA-EDTAE Education, (1500 euros)
- 2018 -2020: The effect of RaceRunning on cardiometabolic disease risk factors and functional mobility in young people with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy. A feasibility study. (co-applicant) Action Medical Research and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. (£72, 422)
Professional qualification and affiliations
- 2015-present: BACPR certified Level 4 - Exercise Professional (British Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation)
- 2017: Post graduate Certificate in Professional and Higher Education (Learning, Teaching and Assessment) Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh-UK
- 2017- present: Fellow of Higher Education Academy
Pelagia's seminars and lectures focus on epidemiology, research methods and research principles, amongst other topics.
