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Thesis TitleKomal Malik

Experiences of physiotherapy management of neck pain in Aotearoa New Zealand: can a co-designed model of care improve outcomes?

Areas of Study

  • Neck pain
  • Model of care

Supervisors

  • Primary: Dr Cathy Chapple, Director, Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago
  • Co-supervisor: Dr Olivia, Lecturer, Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago

Biography

I served as an Assistant Professor at Prem Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation College in Panipat, India, for over seven years, where I was actively involved in both academic instruction and clinical training. My core area of expertise lies in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, with a particular research interest in evaluating the effectiveness of various therapeutic techniques aimed at improving muscle flexibility and function. I am passionate about helping students understand the practical and research aspects of physiotherapy, and I continue to explore new methods that support better patient outcomes.

Educational Background

  • 2014: Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Delhi (Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities), New Delhi, India.
  • 2017: Master of Physiotherapy, West Bengal University of Health Sciences (National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities), Kolkata, India

Publications

  • Pallavi Jindal, Komal Malik, Gaytri Kankerwal, Sharanjeet Saroa, Ravindra Sharma. Effectiveness of active release technique along with scapular stabilization exercises on pectoralis minor tightness and shoulder range of motion among college students: A Randomized Controlled Trail. International Journal of Health Sciences & Research. 2024; 14(5):435-441. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20240557
  • Ruchi Garg, Komal Malik, Neha Thakur, Ravindra Sharma, Manish Sharma. Comparison of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching and myofascial release technique in improving flexibility of calf muscle in sedentary housewives: A Randomised Control Trail. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews.2024;11(1):168-172.  http://www.ijrar.org/IJRAR24A2413.pdf.
  • Komal Malik, Vimal Tyagi. Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain due to online classes during covid-19 lockdown period among undergraduate students: an online survey. International Educational Scientific Research Journal. 2020; 6(8):7-12.
  • Malika Mondal, Bibhuti Sarkar, Sarfaraz Alam, Shreya Das, Komal Malik, Parveen Kumar, Pallavi Sahay. Prevalence of Piriformis Tightness in healthy sedentary individuals: A Cross Sectional Study. International Journal of Health Sciences & Research. 2017; 7(7):134-142.
  • Rajesh Kumar Das, Komal Malik, Bibhuti Sarkar, Sourav Saha. Efficacy of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Vastus Medialis Obliqus in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Double Blinded Randomized Controlled Trail. International Journal of Therapies and Rehabilitation Research. 2016;5(5):149-156. DOI:10.5455/ijtrr.000000198
  • Komal Malik, Pallavi Sahay, Sourav Saha, Rajesh Kumar Das. Normative Values of Modified - Modified Schober Test in Measuring Lumbar Flexion and Extension: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Health Sciences & Research.2016;6(7):177-187.

Awards and Recognitions

  • University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship, 2025
  • Best paper presentation award: “A study to find normative values of lumbar flexion and extension using Modified Modified Schober Test and their correlation with age and gender” in 1st National Sports Conference of physiotherapy "SPORTS CONNECT-2018" held at New Delhi, India on 18th February, 2018.
  • Best paper presentation award: “Normative Values of Modified Modified Schober Test in measuring lumbar flexion and extension: A cross-sectional study” in 1st National Conference of Physiotherapists (PHYSIO HARCON- 2016) at Rohtak (Haryana) held on 25th & 26th September, 2016
  • Second Position in Paper Presentation: “Short term effects of lumbar joint mobilization and prone press ups in mechanical low back pain” in 14th State Conference: The Indian Association of Physiotherapists at Kolkata held on 16th & 17th January, 2016.
  • Best paper presentation award: “Immediate effects of lumbar joint mobilization and prone press ups on pain intensity in mechanical low back pain” in Picon-2k15- National Physiotherapy Conference at Hi- Tech Medical College & Hospital, Bhubaneshwar held on 7th February, 2015.
  • Third Position in Poster Presentation “Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy” in 1st National Conference of Physiotherapists (PHYSIO HARCON- 2016) at Rohtak (Haryana) held on 25th & 26th September, 2016.
  • Best Poster Presentation Award in Picon-2k15- National Physiotherapy Conference at Hi- Tech Medical College & Hospital, Bhubaneshwar held on 7th February, 2015.

Why did you choose Otago?

Being in the teaching profession for the past seven years, I have long aspired to pursue a PhD. I completed my BPT and MPT from one of the top institutes in my country, and I wanted to continue my academic journey at one of the best universities in the world. After extensive research, I found the University of Otago, which is globally renowned for its excellence in education and research. This made it the ideal choice for my PhD.

Best things about study

I am truly grateful for the incredible experience of working with my supervisors, Dr. Cathy Chapple and Dr. Olivia Galea, along with the entire team. Even before I joined the university, they generously shared their knowledge, guided me through challenges, and supported me like true mentors and friends. I feel fortunate to have such supportive guides and co-guides, and I deeply appreciate their kindness and encouragement.

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