Institute of Sport Sciences, at Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland.
Dr. habilitowana Joanna Cholewa is a distinguished expert in physiotherapy, specializing in the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease. With a strong foundation in academic research and clinical practice, she serves as an Associate Professor at the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice and runs a private physiotherapy clinic. 🌿 Her work bridges innovative therapeutic techniques and evidence-based rehabilitation strategies. Over the years, she has contributed significantly to medical science, education, and patient care through her multifaceted roles as a lecturer, researcher, and mentor. Passionate about advancing motor rehabilitation, she integrates her academic background with modern neuroeducation to support patient-specific therapy programs. 💡 Her commitment to empowering people with Parkinson’s through functional mobility training and her active participation in conferences and public engagement solidify her role as a leader in the physiotherapy community.
Professional Profile
Scopus
ORCID
🎓 Education
Dr. Joanna Cholewa’s academic journey reflects her unwavering dedication to excellence in physiotherapy. 🎓 She earned her Master’s degree in Physiotherapy with distinction from the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, showcasing academic excellence early in her career. She then pursued doctoral studies at the same institution, where she received her Ph.D. in Physical Culture Sciences in 2010. Her doctoral dissertation, titled “The impact of physical rehabilitation on the severity of symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease,” laid the foundation for her future scientific contributions. 📚 Following this, she successfully completed her habilitation, based on a series of research publications focused on innovative motor rehabilitation programs for Parkinson’s disease. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge is also evident in the additional professional training she undertook in neuroeducation and educational kinesiology, enhancing her interdisciplinary approach to physiotherapy and research. 🌟
👩🏫 Experience
Dr. Joanna Cholewa’s professional experience spans academia, research, and clinical physiotherapy. 🏥 She has served in various academic roles—from lecturer to assistant professor—at the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, where she currently holds the position of Associate Professor. For more than a decade, she has combined her teaching expertise with hands-on therapeutic practice, specializing in neurorehabilitation. 🧠 She is also the founder and operator of a private physiotherapy clinic that provides individualized treatment for people with Parkinson’s disease. In academia, she supervises diploma and doctoral theses, delivers specialized lectures, and plays an active role in faculty development. Her dual career in research and practice ensures that her therapeutic approaches are grounded in the latest scientific findings, making her a respected figure in both academic and healthcare communities. 🤝
🔬 Research Interests
Dr. Joanna Cholewa’s research is focused on advancing motor rehabilitation for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. 🧬 Her work explores the efficacy of functional, task-based training programs that aim to alleviate key motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and postural instability. She is particularly interested in the long-term impact of medium-intensity rehabilitation on neuroplasticity and quality of life. 🧠 Additionally, she investigates biomarkers such as BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels in response to physical therapy, contributing to a deeper understanding of neurorehabilitation mechanisms. Her interdisciplinary approach incorporates educational kinesiology and neuroeducation, blending cognitive and physical therapy techniques to optimize patient outcomes. Dr. Cholewa’s goal is to personalize rehabilitation by aligning physical therapy with individual functional goals, thereby enhancing mobility, independence, and mental well-being in patients with Parkinson’s disease. 🔍 Her work is both innovative and transformative within the field of neurophysiotherapy.
🏆 Awards
Dr. Joanna Cholewa’s contributions to the field of physiotherapy have earned her significant academic recognition and several award nominations. 🏅 While her academic achievements culminated in a successful habilitation based on an impactful series of publications, she is also widely recognized for her role in science popularization, teaching excellence, and dedication to clinical innovation. Her work developing personalized rehabilitation programs for Parkinson’s patients stands out as a major contribution to both research and practice. 🌟 She has been actively involved in the organization of scientific conferences, underscoring her leadership within the academic community. Furthermore, her efforts in supervising research and mentoring young scientists have been acknowledged by peers and institutions alike. Her ongoing commitment to advancing physiotherapy science and improving patient care makes her a highly deserving nominee for distinguished awards in the field of healthcare and rehabilitation. 🥇
📚Top Noted Publications
Dr. Joanna Cholewa’s publications focus on developing and evaluating functional motor rehabilitation programs tailored for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Notable among these is:
1. The Influence of Nonpharmacological Complex Therapy Conducted at a Community Day-Care Center on Cognitive Function and Mood in Older Adults
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Journal: Risk Management and Healthcare Policy
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Date: September 2020
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DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S262030
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Authors: Agnieszka Gorzkowska, Izabela Zacharska-Quaium, Joanna Cholewa, Jaroslaw Cholewa
2. Fall-Related Measures in Elderly Individuals and Parkinson’s Disease Subjects
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Journal: PLOS ONE
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Date: August 13, 2020
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DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236886
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Authors: Justyna Michalska, Manabu Sakakibara, Anna Kamieniarz, Anna Brachman, Wojciech Marszałek, Joanna Cholewa, Grzegorz Juras, Kajetan J. Słomka
3. Declared and Real Recreational Physical Activity with Parkinson’s Disease Women Patients
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Journal: Journal of Physical Education and Sport
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Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.7752/jpes.2019.s6313
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Authors: Cholewa, J.; Witkowski, M.; Cholewa, J.
4. Senior Fitness Test in Assessing the Effectiveness of Physical Rehabilitation in the Context of Parkinson’s Disease Patients’ Quality of Life
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Journal: Physical Activity Review
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Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.16926/par.2018.06.15
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Authors: Urgacz, K.; Cholewa, J.; Uher, I.; Sahin, B.; Cholewa, J.
5. Differential Scanning Calorimetry Study of Early and Advanced Stages in Parkinson’s Disease Using Human Blood Serum
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Journal: Thermochimica Acta
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Date: April 2018
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DOI: 10.1016/j.tca.2018.02.014
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Authors: Anna Michnik, Ewa Sadowska-Krępa, Joanna Cholewa, Izabela Schisler, Agnieszka Kiełboń, Zofia Drzazga
6. Can Rehabilitation Influence the Efficiency of Control Signals in Complex Motion Strategies?
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Journal: BioMed Research International
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Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1155/2017/3631624
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Authors: Cholewa, J.; Cholewa, J.; Gorzkowska, A.; Malecki, A.; Stanula, A.
7. Quality of Life of People with Parkinson’s Disease in the Context of Professional Work and Physiotherapy
(Polish: Jakość życia osób z chorobą Parkinsona w kontekście pracy zawodowej i rehabilitacji ruchowej)
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Journal: Medycyna Pracy
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Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.13075/mp.5893.00590
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Authors: Cholewa, J.; Gorzkowska, A.; Nawrocka, A.; Cholewa, J.
8. Continuation of Full-Time Employment as an Inhibiting Factor in Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
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Journal: Work
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Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162305
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Authors: Cholewa, J.; Gorzkowska, A.; Kunicki, M.; Stanula, A.; Cholewa, J.
9. Influence of Functional Movement Rehabilitation on Quality of Life in People with Parkinson’s Disease
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Journal: Journal of Physical Therapy Science
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Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1589/jpts.26.1329
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Authors: Cholewa, J.; Gorzkowska, A.; Szepelawy, M.; Nawrocka, A.; Cholewa, J.
10. Influence of Physiotherapy on Severity of Motor Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
(Polish: Wpływ systematycznie prowadzonej fizjoterapii na nasilenie objawów ruchowych oraz jakość życia u osób z chorobą Parkinsona)
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Journal: Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska
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Date: 2013
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DOI: 10.5114/ninp.2013.35774
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Authors: Cholewa, J.; Boczarska-Jedynak, M.; Opala, G.
Conclusion
Dr. habilitowana Joanna Cholewa is a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her focused expertise in Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation, innovative functional therapy programs, and translational approach from research to practice demonstrate significant scientific merit and societal impact.