Center for Health Research and Movement Science

Description

Research Journal

Description

The Center for Health Research and Movement Science serves as the research unit of the College for Rehabilitation Sciences. All research activities initiated and developed in the College are coursed through the CHRMS. Its research projects focus on assessment and interventions to improve health, fitness, and quality of life for different patient and client populations. These studies were previously carried out at the Center for Research on Movement Science (CRMS), now known as CHRMS, which is an evidence translation group under the Center for Allied Health Evidence of the University of South Australia and an evidence synthesis group of the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Research Journal

Philippine Journal of Allied Health Science

Research Interest Groups

Evidence-Based Healthcare RIG

Definition

This RIG focuses on the systematic integration of evidence into healthcare practice, policy, and education to enhance clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. It includes evidence synthesis, clinical epidemiology, and health outcomes research to ensure that healthcare interventions and outcome measures are scientifically effective, validated, and implementable in real-world settings.

Key Research Areas

Evidence Synthesis & Transfer (Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, knowledge translation)
Clinical Epidemiology & Healthcare Policy (Best practices in healthcare decision-making)
Health Outcomes & Patient Care (Assessment of intervention effectiveness and outcome measures in rehabilitation and therapy)

Researchers

Prof. Valentin C. Dones III, PhD

Research Focus

Expertise in evidence synthesis, evidence transfer, and implementation science.

Assoc. Prof. Ivan Neil B. Gomez, PhD

Research Focus

Specializes in health outcomes, psychophysiology, and occupational therapy.

Innovations in Rehabilitation RIG

Definition

This RIG explores novel therapeutic strategies and technological advancements in rehabilitation science. It focuses on biomechanics, exergaming, and new rehabilitation techniques to improve mobility, function, and quality of life in diverse populations, including individuals with musculoskeletal, neurological, and oncologic conditions.

Key Research Areas

Biomechanics & Human Movement Science (Advanced assessments and interventions in rehabilitation)
Rehabilitation Strategies for Chronic Conditions (Musculoskeletal, oncologic, and neurological rehabilitation)
Gamification & Technology-Assisted Therapy (Exergaming and AI-assisted rehabilitation)

Researchers

Assoc. Prof. Donald G. Manlapaz, PhD

Research Focus

Specializes in physical therapy, exergaming, and rehabilitation for osteoarthritis and oncology patients.

Asst. Prof. Ma. Roxanne L. Fernandez, PhD

Research Focus

Focuses on applied biomechanics, human movement analysis, and AI in rehabilitation.

Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Health and Rehabilitation RIG

Definition

This RIG examines the role of AI, machine learning, and big data in healthcare, rehabilitation, and education. It explores how data-driven decision-making can enhance clinical practice, rehabilitation outcomes, and health education. The group also investigates AI-assisted diagnostics and predictive modeling for therapy planning.

Key Research Areas

AI in Health and Rehabilitation (Machine learning applications in therapy and assessment)
Big Data & Digital Health (Data-driven healthcare interventions, patient monitoring)
Technology-Integrated Education (E-learning and AI-driven training for health professionals)

Researchers

Inst. Catherine Joy T. Escuadra, PhD

Research Focus

Expertise in big data applications in health education.

Asst. Prof. Lyle Patrick D. Tangcuangco, MSPT

Research Focus

Focuses on AI-driven research, ergonomics in e-gaming, and technology-integrated education.

Child Wellbeing RIG

Definition

This RIG is dedicated to enhancing child development, participation, and well-being through evidence-based occupational therapy, play-based interventions, and child development research. It focuses on the impact of environmental and social factors on children’s health, learning, and self-regulation.

Key Research Areas

Play-Based Interventions (Supporting children’s learning, motor, and social skills through play)
Screen Time & Child Development (Effects of digital exposure on well-being)
Occupational Therapy for Children with Special Needs (Transition planning, supported employment)

Researchers

Asst. Prof. Paulin Grace Morato-Espino, PhD

Research Focus

Researches child well-being, screen time, and play-based interventions.

Asst. Prof. Nikka Karla Santos, OTD

Research Focus

Specializes in occupational therapy, play, and transition planning for children with disabilities.

Community and Public Health RIG

Definition

This RIG aims to improve healthcare access and public health interventions by focusing on inclusive healthcare models, disability profiling, and rehabilitation strategies for underserved communities. It explores how public health policies, service delivery models, and community-based rehabilitation programs can be optimized to serve vulnerable populations.

Key Research Areas

Community-Based Inclusive Development (Bridging healthcare gaps in rural and urban settings)
Disability Profiling & Accessibility (Identifying and addressing disability-related barriers in public health)
Public Health & Rehabilitation Services (Innovative service models for community-based rehabilitation)