Graduated from Christian Medical College Vellore, masters from Texas Womans University and PhD from Manipal University. Working as academic since 1999
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Rehabilitation, cerebral palsy
43
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Impact of adapted folk games on activity and participation in individuals with cerebral palsy–an exploratory proof of concept study Mansoor Rahman A, Jagadish Kumar, Kavitha Raja Disability and Rehabilitation Assistive Technology, 2026 PURPOSE: This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary impact of adapted traditional Indian folk games on physical activity (PA) and participation in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) in low-resource settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ) using the CHANGE IT framework, tailoring equipment and rules to functional levels (GMFCS I-IV). In Phase II, 36 participants with CP (GMFCS I-IV) underwent a structured intervention using these adapted games. Outcome measures included are Brockport Physical Fitness [BPFT], Gross Motor Function Measure 88 and a functional HRQoL questionnaire covering physical, emotional, social, and school domains. RESULTS: < 0.05), and school functioning. Qualitative feedback from parents and teachers corroborated these findings, noting improved activities of daily living (e.g. buttoning, brushing) and social interaction. Subgroup analysis indicated that while all levels benefitted, those at GMFCS Levels I-III showed the most pronounced gains in motor-related tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Adapted traditional folk games serve as a feasible, culturally relevant, and cost-effective form of assistive technology and rehabilitation. This approach effectively bridges the gap in accessible physical education for individuals with CP in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC's), providing a scalable model for inclusive activity and participation.
STOPS approach to individualised physiotherapy versus usual physiotherapy care for chronic low back pain in India: A randomised controlled trial protocol Andrew J. Hahne, Mohini Shah, Muhammed Rashid, Kavitha Raja, Musa Sani Danazumi, Jon Ford Plos One, 2025 Background Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as India. Many treatment approaches fail to address the multidimensional nature of LBP, leading to suboptimal outcomes. The Specific Treatment of Problems of the Spine (STOPS) approach addresses biological, neurophysiological, and psychosocial factors to deliver individualised physiotherapy for LBP, yet its effectiveness in India has not been explored. Objective This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of individualised physiotherapy using the STOPS approach compared to usual physiotherapy care in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) in India. Methods This is a parallel-group superiority randomised controlled trial with blinding of participants, outcome assessors, and the data analyst. A total of 154 participants in India with CLBP will be recruited and randomised to receive 11 sessions of either individualised physiotherapy via the STOPS approach or usual physiotherapy care. The primary outcome is activity limitation measured using the Oswestry Disability Index at 26 weeks. Functional MRI and qualitative interviews will assess brain functional changes and participant experiences, respectively. Data will be analysed using intention-to-treat principles. Conclusion This study will provide insights into the effectiveness of the STOPS approach to delivering individualised physiotherapy for CLBP in India, in comparison to usual physiotherapy care. Trial registration This trial is prospectively registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India: CTRI/2024/08/072259, https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?EncHid=MTAyNjY2&Enc=&userName=2024/08/072259
Early intervention guidelines for infants at risk of neurodevelopmental delay using traditional childcare practices from India Tanochni Mohanty, Mallikarjunaiah H S, Umme Uzma M, Kavitha Raja BMJ Paediatrics Open, 2025 Background India is witnessing a growing concern around neurodevelopmental disorders, with nearly one in eight children potentially affected. The early years of life, especially the first 1000 days offer a crucial window to support brain development and positive long-term outcomes. Global early intervention (EI) strategies focus on caregiver involvement, enriched environments and learning through meaningful repetition. However, applying these approaches in everyday community settings remains challenging due to the need for specialised training which is inaccessible for grassroots-level workers. Interestingly, many traditional Indian caregiving practices echo these global principles, though they remain undocumented in scientific literature. Objective This study aimed to explore traditional Indian child-rearing practices aligned with evidence-based EI and developing culturally rooted, easy-to-follow video resources to train grassroots-level workers (Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA)). Methods We conducted 11 focus group discussions with 121 mothers and grandmothers from varied regions and cultural backgrounds across India. Using open-ended prompts, we gathered insights into daily caregiving routines for infants under 1 year of age. Conversations were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed by age group (0–3, 3–6, 6–9 and 9–12 months). Based on recurring patterns, a series of EI videos was created and validated through community and expert feedback. Results Findings revealed that many common Indian practices—such as massage, floor play, lullabies and face-to-face interaction—align closely with global EI principles. The videos developed from these practices were well-received by caregivers and experts for their clarity, cultural relevance and practical usefulness. Conclusions Indian families already practise many nurturing routines that support early development. By capturing these practices in simple, accessible videos, we can bridge traditional wisdom with modern science—empowering parents and ASHA workers to support children’s development meaningfully in the home environment.
Unveiling a Comprehensive Game Classification System to Promote Physical and Psychosocial Health in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review Rahman A. Mansoor, Kumar Jagadish, Raja Kavitha Critical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 2025 Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) often face challenges in engaging in physical activities, necessitating tailored interventions. Existing game classification systems lack inclusivity as a whole, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive framework that integrates motor, cognitive, and social aspects. To synthesise the existing evidence on game classification systems and to identify the key health areas of concern for children with NDD. This scoping review followed the guidelines of the PRISMA-ScR and the framework of the Arksey and O'Malley Framework for the Assessment of Classification Systems for Games for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. A systematic search of PubMed and the Web of Science (from inception to January 2025) was carried out using the PCC. Data extraction was performed by two reviewers with expert consultations for a comprehensive analysis. This review analysed 14 game classification frameworks and found gaps in accessibility and therapeutic relevance for children with NDD's. The thematic analysis highlighted the lack of adaptive features, while the expert consultation highlighted key health determinants. The comprehensive review of game classification systems presented in this paper underscores the importance of developing a unique game classification system that addresses specific health needs of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Revitalising traditional Indian games: inclusive game adaptations for children with cerebral palsy A. Mansoor Rahman, Kavitha Raja, Jagadish Kumar Disability and Rehabilitation Assistive Technology, 2025 BACKGROUND Children with cerebral palsy (CP) present unique challenges to physical activity due to various factors. Despite the benefits of inclusive approaches and adapted physical education, low- and middle-income countries face specific barriers including environmental, equipment, personal, policy, social and professional barriers. Traditional Indian games, with their cultural significance and potential therapeutic benefits, offer a promising avenue for inclusive adaptations. At present we couldn't find any studies that explore's the method of adaptation of traditional Indian games for children with cerebral palsy of varying functional levels. PURPOSE The aim of the study was to explore the adaptation of traditional Indian games for children with CP of varying functional levels. METHODS Traditional Indian games were identified through ethnographic qualitative research, and adapted using the Delphi process involving experts from various fields. A total of 10 traditional games were selected based on their health benefits using an operationalised conceptual model. The CHANGE IT model of adapted physical activity was used to systematically adapt each game. Validation of the model was then performed on children with CP [a smaller sample size, n = 10] with different levels of functioning. RESULTS The games varied in playing positions, surfaces and phases. Modifications included changes in game rules, play environment, equipment and time duration. The study validation through informal interview among the parents of CP children revealed that adapted traditional game protocol shown improvements in their children's activity levels and participation. CONCLUSIONS While this is a preliminary exploration, no firm conclusion can be drawn. The model presented in this study lays the foundation for future randomised controlled trials to validate the effects of adapted traditional Indian games on children with cerebral palsy of different functional levels.
Exploring Physiotherapy Students’ Experiential Learning With Physical Modalities and Their Relationship to Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices: A Mixed Methods Investigation Muhammed Rashid, Anoop Joy, Kavitha Raja, Jerin Mathew Health Professions Education, 2024 Purpose: An experiential learning approach (ExL) is imperative in physiotherapy education as it facilitates the conscious recognition and transformation of experiences in clinical practice. Thus, ExL can help reduce fear avoidance and apprehension behaviour by allowing students to gain hands-on experience and confidence in delivering optimal patient care. The primary objective of this study was to explore physiotherapy students' thresholds and tolerance to noxious thermal and pressure stimuli and how these factors correlate with their self-reported Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) outcomes. Methods: A mixed-method approach was employed, incorporating descriptive, qualitative, and exploratory research design methods to investigate the student’s experiences and perspectives on physical modalities. Fifty-four physiotherapy students underwent a cold-induced test and a tourniquet pressure test in phase one and completed a KAP questionnaire in phase two. A between-group analysis was performed for experimental pain outcomes, and a bivariate correlation analysis was conducted between the categorical variables of the KAP and the pain outcomes. Results: A significant difference in pain perception between males and females was found. Males reported a longer time to attain pain threshold in both the tourniquet pressure test (mean rank 76.42) and the cold-induced test (76.70). Students considered cold immersion and tourniquet as noxious, and even lower numbers on the scales conspired as pain, with females more likely to report pain earlier. There was no correlation between knowledge and practice or practice and pain experience. Conclusion: Student physiotherapists found cold immersion and the use of tourniquet tests to be unpleasant, and even lower scores on the Visual Analog Scale indicated the presence of pain. Notably, a sex difference in pain threshold and tolerance was observed, with females more likely to report pain at an earlier stage. There was no relationship between knowledge and practice or practice and pain perception
Development of e-learning resources to enhance the pain education curriculum in physiotherapy programs using an action research-guided approach Jerin Mathew, Muhammed Rashid, Priyanka Shirsath, Kavitha Raja Frontiers in Education, 2024 IntroductionAmong healthcare professionals, Physiotherapists (PTs) are important members of pain management teams and are often the first contact clinicians. PTs must stay informed about the latest advancements in pain management to ensure effective practice. India graduates around 15,000 physiotherapy (PT) students annually, with over 20,000 PTs working in various institutions. However, the current pain curriculum needs to be updated, and resources need to be aligned with internationally accepted standards to improve the PT pain education program.MethodsA three-phase action research methodology (nominal group technique process) was adapted to identify gaps in pain science within the PT curricula of 30 universities in India. Experts used consensus methods to develop e-learning resources (Online and Instructional Digital Versatile Disks; DVDs) to address the gaps in curricula, following the IASP Curriculum Outline on Pain for Physical Therapy.ResultsA total of 22 h of pain lectures were recorded, and four DVDs were produced and duplicated for distribution. These DVDs were mailed to all universities and 469 individual institutions, with a recommendation for integration into undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. The lecture series was made freely accessible online through the institutional library repository.ConclusionWe employed an innovative method for content development based on the IASP curriculum, which involved consulting with experts and undergoing external peer review, leading to the development of e-learning resources. This project has initiated a ripple effect by providing evidence-based knowledge to young therapists and teaching faculty, with e-learning resources and materials readily accessible online. The resources created through this project could support ongoing pain management education for academic professionals and practicing PTs. This could facilitate evidence-based clinical practice and improve patient care.
Comprehensive rehabilitation outcome measurement scale (CROMS): development and preliminary validation of an interdisciplinary measure for rehabilitation outcomes Muhammed Rashid, Sandeep Padantaya Harish, Jerin Mathew, Akshaiya Kalidas, Kavitha Raja Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 2022 Introduction Comprehensive and interdisciplinary measurement of rehabilitation outcome is an essential part of the assessment and prognosis of a patient. Thus, this requires substantial contributions from the patient, their family and the rehabilitation professional working with them. Moreover, the measurement tool should be comprehensive and must consider the cultural compatibility, cost efficiency and contextual factors of the region. Methods The Comprehensive Rehabilitation Outcome Measurement Scale (CROMS) was developed through consensus and followed the Delphi process incorporating inputs from various rehabilitation professionals. The domains and items were finalized using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The tool was validated in two native languages and back-translated considering the semantic equivalence of the scale. Intra-class correlation coefficient was performed to determine the agreement between the therapist and patient-reported scales. Results The final CROMS carries 32 comprehensive items that can be completed by the person with disability and the professional team. CROMS compares well to similar items on FIM (l ICC of 0.93) and has good internal consistency with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.92 for both patient and therapist reported measures. Conclusions The 32 item CROMS is a tool that can potentially be used to evaluate the functional independence of various patient populations, predominantly patients with neurological disabilities.
