Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy

I have been formally trained as a Physiotherapist both in Sri Lanka and in the United Kingdom. I completed my undergraduate studies in physiotherapy where I was trained in multi-specialty advanced tertiary care settings in Sri Lanka. I did my Masters in Advancing Physiotherapy Practice at Coventry University, UK where I was able to develop my knowledge and skills in assessment, clinical reasoning and treatment in the core areas of physiotherapy. I was awarded the “Best student of the year 2015” and the award for the “Best student of Physiotherapy”.

I have a keen interest on health research and have presented a variety of physiotherapy related research at esteemed conferences. I have presented at WCPT (World Confederation for Physical Therapy) for four consecutive years (2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021, 2023) and have been selected to present at WCPT this year (2025). I have represented Sri Lanka in many international forums including CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) conferences and World Stroke Congress. Following successful UK Full HCPC registration as a Physiotherapist, I have worked in cancer/ haematology, general medicine, stroke and community settings. Since I had a passion for an academic career within Physiotherapy, even while being in full time clinicals in both Sri Lankan and UK setting, I was maintaining an academic profile to pursue a career in academia. I currently work as the Course Lead for the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy at University of Bedfordshire. As an academic, my current goal is to be an advocate in reducing the evidence to practice gap with relevant education. With this I am currently working on a project to improve student engagement on research and Continuing Professional Development.

Other References

• Ayodhya Karunaratne | LinkedIn

Qualifications

• MSc in Advancing Physiotherapy Practice (2016), Coventry University, UK
• Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (2024), University of Bedfordshire, UK
• Advanced Diploma in Physiotherapy (2015), Sri Lanka
• MA Education (Leadership): University of Bedfordshire, UK – to be completed by 2026
• GCE Advanced Level Examination (2012) in Biology, Sri Lanka
• GCE Ordinary Level Examination (2009), Sri Lanka
• Edexcel General Certificate of Education (2010), British Council

Teaching Expertise

• Course Lead BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• Unit leading Research units- shared teaching units with BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy and BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
• Teaching and workshops for Physiotherapy and Nursing students (Undergraduate and Postgraduate) in Sri Lanka

Research Interests

• Diabetes
• Public Health and Physiotherapy
• Student research engagement

Publications

• Educators Perception on their role as a Clinical Preceptor within the Sri Lankan Healthcare Education System. Conference Proceedings of World Physiotherapy Congress WCPT, 2023. (https://world.physio/congress-proceeding/educators-perception-their-role-asa-clinicalpreceptorwithin-sri)
• Identifying Training Needs for Future Nurses Necessary to Deliver Optimal Post Stroke Inpatient Care: International Journal of Stroke, 2022- Volume 17, Issue 3- Page (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/17474930221125973)
• Study on Prevalence, Awareness and Practices related to sports Injuries among Karate players in Western Province, Sri Lanka. Conference Proceedings of World Physiotherapy Congress WCPT, 2023. (https://world.physio/congress-proceeding/study-prevalence-awareness-and-practices-related-sports-injuries-among-karate)
• Using Facebook™ as a platform for remote patient care to address rehabilitation needs in a resource-limited environment during a crisis. Conference proceedings of World Physiotherapy Congress WCPT, 2021: (https://wp2021.conf2go.app/#/app/presentations/da7ad0c0-3ed1-4500-1166-020000000216)
• Exercise interventions for balance in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy to reduce falls: A systematic review. Physiotherapy Journal- 2017 Elsevier; Volume 103, Supplement 1, Pages e123–e124. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2017.11.108)
• Patient Satisfaction on Telehealth Services Used in Urban Sri Lankan Settings, During the Covid-19 Pandemic. MEDINFO 2023 Volume 310: Studies in Health Technology and Informatics. DOI- 10.3233/SHTI231330
• Perception on Using Alternative Therapies for Stroke Recovery among Health care professionals in Sri Lanka- 2022- Volume 17, Issue 3- Page (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/17474930221125973)
• Assessment of musculoskeletal conditions and gait analysis among professional Fashion models in Sri Lanka, abstract proceedings of the Physiotherapy Research Society (PRS) conference, UK International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation; Volume 23, Issue 6. (https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/ijtr.2016.23.6.S270)
• Musculoskeletal and general first aid knowledge and practices among traditional fishermen in the eastern province of Sri Lanka, abstract proceedings of WCPT (World Confederation for Physical Therapists) Singapore 2015. Physiotherapy 2015; Volume 101, Supplement 1, Page e727 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2015.03.3585)
• Risk activities related to traditional fishing activities leading to musculoskeletal problems among Sri Lankan fishermen, abstract proceedings of WCPT conference, Singapore 2015. Physiotherapy 2015; Volume 101, Supplement 1, e396- e397 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2015.03.623)
• Exercise Habits among Nursing Students and their Attitudes towards Physical Health Promotion: abstract proceedings of World Confederation for Physical Therapists (WCPT), Switzerland 2019: (https://www.professionalabstracts.com/wcpt2019/iplanner/#/list)
• Awareness on family history of Non-Communicable Diseases and practice of preventive methods; among Advanced Level students in Gampaha, abstract proceedings of GHC conference, Singapore 2014 and CSP Physiotherapy UK, 2015. (10.5176/2251-3833_GHC14.44)
• Awareness and Knowledge of Prevention and Basic Rehabilitation Protocols of Sports Injuries among Senior School Athletes in Sri Lanka, abstract proceedings of World Confederation for Physical Therapists (WCPT), South Africa 2017 and Proceedings of The Physiological Society (https://www.abstractstosubmit.com/wcpt2017/abstracts/main.php?do=YToyOntzOjU6Im1vZHVsIjtzOjY6ImRldGFpbCI7czo4OiJkb2N1bWVudCI7aTo3NjU7fQ==&psPoster=csq41sovo8pul6hahnj7p95ic4)
• Proposing a model to assess quadriceps strength for screening purposes, BioInquirer journal 2017 (http://bioinquirer.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Print-File-BioInquirer-Journal-2017.pdf)
• Development of a tool for the assessment of footwear in relation to aspects that contribute to Osteoarthritis, BioInquirer Journal 2017 (https://bioinquirer.org/journal-articles/)
• A novel conceptual framework on “Physiotherapy Informatics”, conference proceedings of the Commonwealth Digital Health Conference, 2017 (http://commonwealthdoctors.org/2nd-commonwealth-digital-health-conference-and-awards-2017/)
• Detailed assessment of a Caudal Agenesis child to design holistic care plan, abstract proceedings of Bio Inquirer conference, 2015 (http://bioinquirer.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Bio-Inquirer-Journal.pdf)
• Description of musculoskeletal problems and related practices, among suburban pregnant mothers in Sri Lanka, abstract proceedings of Bio Inquirer conference, 2015 (http://bioinquirer.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Bio-Inquirer-Journal.pdf)
• Ethical issues in using a social media based remote patient management platform: A focus group discussion. Conference proceedings of World Physiotherapy Congress 2021: WCPT. (https://wp2021.conf2go.app/#/app/presentations/da7ad0c0-3ed1-4500-1166-020000000703)
• Devising alternative models of care for Physiotherapists to ensure continuous patient care using remote patient management platforms. Conference proceedings of World Physiotherapy Congress 2021: WCPT. (https://wp2021.conf2go.app/#/app/presentations/da7ad0c0-3ed1-4500-1166-020000000704)

Contact Details

E: Ayodhya.Karunaratne@beds.ac.uk