Professor of Sports Medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Prof. Evangelia Kouidi is a distinguished Professor of Sports Medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Greece. With expertise in Sports Medicine and Cardiology, she has made significant contributions to the field since 1993. Prof. Kouidi directs the Sports Medicine Laboratory, the Inter-faculty postgraduate program “Exercise and Health,” and the postgraduate program “Human Performance.” She has published over 130 scientific articles and supervised numerous Master’s and PhD students, enhancing the academic landscape of sports medicine. Her research focuses on cardiovascular health, exercise rehabilitation, and telemedicine applications for athletes and patients with chronic diseases. An active member of various professional societies, she has earned multiple awards for her innovative research and commitment to advancing healthcare.
Profile:
Scopus Profile
Strengths for the Award:
- Extensive Research Experience:
- Prof. Evangelia Kouidi has over 130 publications in scientific journals, including 83 indexed in Scopus. This extensive body of work indicates a high level of productivity and contribution to the field of sports medicine and cardiology.
- Diverse Research Interests:
- Her research spans a range of topics, from exercise rehabilitation in chronic diseases to the effects of exercise on cardiovascular health. This breadth showcases her versatility and ability to address complex health issues.
- Leadership in Research Projects:
- Prof. Kouidi has been involved in numerous competitive research projects, including EU-funded initiatives and collaborations focused on chronic diseases, telehealth, and innovative health solutions. Her leadership roles in these projects highlight her ability to manage and drive significant research initiatives.
- Impactful Contributions to Sports Medicine:
- As Director of the Sports Medicine Laboratory, she oversees the largest sports cardiology center in Greece, contributing to the health and safety of over 30,000 athletes through cardiovascular pre-participation screenings.
- Educational Influence:
- Prof. Kouidi has successfully supervised numerous Master’s and PhD students, demonstrating her commitment to education and mentorship in the next generation of researchers and professionals in sports medicine.
- Professional Recognition:
- She has received multiple awards for her research, including the Research Excellence Award from AUTh and recognition from the European Renal Association, affirming her impact in the field.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- Her membership in various professional societies and her participation in international research initiatives reflect her commitment to collaboration and knowledge exchange within the global research community.
Areas for Improvement:
- Public Engagement:
- Increasing efforts to communicate research findings to the general public could enhance awareness and understanding of sports medicine and exercise’s benefits in chronic disease management.
- Interdisciplinary Collaborations:
- While her research is robust, further interdisciplinary collaborations with fields such as psychology or nutrition could provide a more holistic approach to exercise rehabilitation and health.
- Publication Diversity:
- Encouraging a wider range of publication types, such as systematic reviews or meta-analyses, could further elevate her research profile and provide comprehensive insights into her areas of study.
Education:
Prof. Evangelia Kouidi earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science from the School of Physical Education and Sports Science at AUTh in 1992. She completed her medical degree at AUTh in 1998, followed by a PhD focused on “Functional and Morphological adaptations of exercise rehabilitation in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis” in 1996. Prof. Kouidi pursued further specialization in Cardiology, completing her residency at the A’ University Cardiology Clinic, AHEPA Hospital, in 2006. Her educational background integrates both sports science and cardiology, providing her with a unique perspective on exercise’s impact on health. Through her teaching and leadership roles, she has shaped the next generation of professionals in sports medicine and health sciences, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to healthcare.
Experience:
Prof. Evangelia Kouidi has an extensive academic career at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, starting as a lecturer in 1993 and rising through the ranks to become a Professor of Sports Medicine in 2014. She has held numerous leadership roles, including Director of the Sports Medicine Laboratory and various postgraduate programs. Her research has been pivotal in developing cardiovascular pre-participation screening protocols, making the AUTh Sports Medicine Laboratory the largest Sports Cardiology center in Greece. Prof. Kouidi has led initiatives involving telemedicine, allowing for improved health monitoring of athletes and patients with chronic conditions. She has participated in significant EU-funded projects, focusing on physical activity promotion and health management. Prof. Kouidi’s work in supervising Master’s and PhD students underscores her commitment to advancing knowledge and research in sports medicine and cardiology.
Awards and Honors:
Prof. Evangelia Kouidi has received numerous accolades for her contributions to sports medicine and healthcare research. In 2008, she was awarded the 2nd prize for “Excellence and Innovation” in Health by the Research Committee of AUTh. Her commitment to research excellence was recognized again in 2020 when she received the Research Excellence Award from AUTh. Over the years, she has been honored multiple times by the European Renal Association for her impactful studies and innovative approaches. Additionally, she has received recognition from the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) and various medical associations. These awards reflect her dedication to improving health outcomes through research and education in sports medicine, cardiology, and exercise rehabilitation, making her a respected figure in the field.
Research Focus:
Prof. Evangelia Kouidi’s research primarily revolves around the cardiovascular responses and adaptations to exercise training, particularly in athletes and patients with chronic diseases. She is particularly interested in the effects of exercise rehabilitation on cardiac function and morphology, especially in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Her work includes developing effective pre-participation screening protocols for athletes, leveraging telemedicine to enhance health monitoring and rehabilitation. Prof. Kouidi has contributed significantly to understanding how exercise impacts quality of life and health outcomes in chronic conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases. She has actively participated in various EU projects focused on promoting physical activity and behavioral change among patients with chronic illnesses. With over 130 publications, her research findings have informed clinical practices and guidelines, significantly impacting the field of sports medicine and rehabilitation.
Publications Top Notes:
- DE-PASS best evidence statement (BESt): determinants of adolescents’ device-based physical activity and sedentary behaviour in settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Head and neck cooling enhance exercise tolerance in individuals with multiple sclerosis
- The role of exercise training on cardiovascular risk factors and heart disease in patients with chronic kidney disease G3-G5 and G5D: a Clinical Consensus Statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology of the ESC and the European Association of Rehabilitation in Chronic Kidney Disease
- Electrocardiographic characteristics of pediatric and adolescent football players
- Towards Automating Personal Exercise Assessment and Guidance with Affordable Mobile Technology
- Needs, barriers and facilitators for a healthier lifestyle in haemodialysis patients: The GoodRENal project
- The Attitudes of Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases towards Online Exercise with the Mobile Monitoring of Their Health-Related Vital Signs
- Validity of the CALERA Research Sensor to Assess Body Core Temperature during Maximum Exercise in Patients with Heart Failure
- Comparison of physical activity and quality of life between obese individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and individuals with obesity hypoventilation syndrome
- Blackcurrant Supplementation and Habitual Physical Activity Enhance Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Previously Sedentary Older Women
Conclusion:
Prof. Evangelia Kouidi is highly deserving of the Research for Best Researcher Award due to her extensive contributions to sports medicine, impressive research output, and leadership in both education and clinical practice. Her dedication to improving health outcomes through exercise and rehabilitation, combined with her significant involvement in national and international research projects, underscores her influence in the field. By addressing areas for improvement, particularly in public engagement and interdisciplinary collaborations, she can further enhance her impact and legacy in sports medicine and cardiology.