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Professor at Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
Nelci Adriana Cicuto Ferreira Rocha is an accomplished researcher and educator in the field of pediatric physiotherapy and child development. With over 30 years of experience in research and two decades as a professor at UFSCar, Rocha has made significant contributions to understanding and improving the lives of children with developmental disorders. She holds a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy from UFSCar and completed her post-doctoral internship at Virginia Commonwealth University in the USA.
Author Metrics:
Rocha’s research output is impressive, with over 105 articles published in journals with selective editorial policies. Additionally, she has authored 6 book chapters and supervised numerous master’s dissertations and doctoral theses. Her work has received substantial recognition, evident from the citations she has garnered in international scientific literature.
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Google Scholar Profile
she has garnered 1,070 citations from 793 documents, with an h-index of 20. Rocha’s research output comprises 82 documents. She has made significant contributions to the field, as evidenced by her citation count and h-index.
Education:
Rocha completed her undergraduate degree at Fundação Municipal de Educação e Cultura (FUNEC) in 1994. She pursued further education, earning her MSc and PhD in Physiotherapy from UFSCar in 2002 and 2006, respectively. Her academic journey also includes a post-doctoral stint at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014.
Research Focus:
Rocha’s research primarily focuses on pediatric physiotherapy and child development, particularly in areas such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and the impact of environmental factors on childhood functionality. Her work often involves investigating the effectiveness of various interventions, including virtual reality and task-specific training.
Professional Journey:
Throughout her career, Rocha has held various leadership roles, including Director of the School Health Unit at UFSCar, Head of the Department, and Coordinator of the Physiotherapy Course. She has also served as a supervisor for physiotherapy services in neuropediatrics and as a professor in UFSCar’s Postgraduate Program in Physiotherapy.
Honors & Awards:
Rocha has been recognized for her contributions to the field with numerous honors and awards. These include citations in prestigious rankings such as the Latin America Top 10,000 Scientists and awards from national and international congresses and symposiums.
Publications Noted & Contributions:
Rocha has made significant contributions to the literature through her publications, including articles in reputable journals and book chapters. Her research addresses critical issues in pediatric physiotherapy and child development, providing valuable insights and evidence-based interventions.
“Functioning of children and adolescents with Down syndrome and the association with environmental barriers and facilitators during the COVID-19 pandemic”
Published in the Journal of Intellectual Disabilities in September 2021.
DOI: 10.1177/17446295211032763
This article explores the functioning of children and adolescents with Down syndrome and its association with environmental factors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Effects of motor and cognitive manipulation on the dual-task costs of center of pressure displacement in children, adolescents and young adults: A cross-sectional study”
Published in Clinical Biomechanics in April 2021.
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2021.105344
This study investigates the effects of motor and cognitive manipulation on the dual-task costs of center of pressure displacement in children, adolescents, and young adults.
“Association between sensory processing and activity performance in children with cerebral palsy levels I-II on the gross motor function classification system”
Published in the Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy in March 2021.
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2020.05.007
This article examines the association between sensory processing and activity performance in children with cerebral palsy.
“Sit-to-stand movement in children with cerebral palsy and relationships with the International classification of functioning, disability and health: A systematic review”
Published in Research in Developmental Disabilities in December 2020.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103804
This systematic review explores sit-to-stand movement in children with cerebral palsy and its relationships with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.
“Impact of dual task on postural sway during sit-to-stand movement in children with unilateral cerebral palsy”
Published in Clinical Biomechanics in August 2020.
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2020.105072
This article investigates the impact of dual task on postural sway during sit-to-stand movement in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.
Research Timeline:
Rocha’s research timeline spans over three decades, during which she has conducted numerous studies and secured multiple research grants. Her work has evolved from early investigations into mother-child interactions to more recent projects focusing on the effectiveness of interventions such as virtual reality and task-specific training.
Collaborations and Projects:
Rocha has established collaborations with universities and research institutions worldwide, contributing to international partnerships in countries such as the USA, Italy, Australia, and Colombia. She has coordinated several research projects funded by prestigious agencies like FAPESP and CNPQ, focusing on improving outcomes for children with developmental disorders.
