Researcher spotlight: Josefa Domingos
Precision Motion
April 11, 2025
Josefa Domingos, Ph.D.
President of Parkinson’s Europe, Movement Disorders & Parkinson’s Physiotherapist Specialist, Researcher
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Q:
Would you please introduce yourself, your academic background and your research interests?
A:
My name is Josefa Domingos, I am a physiotherapist specializing in Parkinson’s disease (PD), with 20 years of experience working exclusively with people with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. My career has focused on developing and implementing specialized care for people living with Parkinson’s. In 2005, I played a key role in establishing specialized health services for Parkinson’s in Portugal and have since founded several specialized services nationwide. Currently, I serve as the National Health Coordinator at the Portuguese Parkinson’s Disease Patient Association (APDPk) and am the co-founder of Young Parkies Portugal (YPP).
As an educator, clinician, and researcher, I have a Ph.D. in the Practicalities of Implementing Community-based exercise in PD at Radboud University Centre (The Netherlands) under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Bas Bloem. I have authored several research publications, including co-authoring the European Guideline for Physiotherapy in Parkinson’s Disease (2010-2013) and the Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Guidelines (2021).
I also hold several international positions, including President of Parkinson’s Europe, a member of the Davis Phinney Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, and a member of the Movement Disorder Society (MDS) ‘s Wellness Group. Because I am commitment to staying at the forefront of knowledge and expertise in the Parkinson’s area I consistently pursuit additional education in specialized Parkinson’s courses.
Q:
Do you have a personal story that led to your interest in human movement/ neurodegenerative disease research? What continues to drive your ambitions as a scientist?
A:
As a scientist deeply engaged in the field of PD, my ambitions are driven by a profound commitment to advancing care and improving quality of life for those affected by movement disorders. I have dedicated my career to developing and implementing specialized care strategies. This journey began in 2005 when I helped establish specialized health services for Parkinson’s in Portugal and has continued through my work with the Portuguese Parkinson’s Disease Patient Association, Young Parkies Portugal and Parkinson’s Europe. My first contact with PD immediately showed me the potential for recovery that people with PD have, so I truly believe there is a lot that we can do to help people stay well and live well with PD.
My passion is fueled by the challenge of translating research into practical, community-based interventions that make a tangible difference in patients’ lives. The opportunity to contribute to pioneering guidelines, such as the European Guideline for Physiotherapy in Parkinson’s Disease and the Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Guidelines, underscores my dedication to ensuring that evidence-based practices are accessible to those who need them most.
Ultimately, my ambition as a scientist is driven by a desire to push the boundaries of knowledge and create meaningful, sustainable improvements in Parkinson’s care. Each new development, each new insight, and each success story reinforces my commitment to making a difference in the lives of those living with PD.
Q:
What research projects or questions are you currently working on?
A:
My research projects are motivated by my dedication to translating research into practical solutions that can have a real impact on the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease.
Currently, I am focused on research projects that aim to advance our understanding and non-pharmacological treatment of PD. One major area of my research is exploring innovative, community-based exercise interventions tailored to the unique needs of individuals with Parkinson’s. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of different exercise modalities in improving motor function, reducing symptoms, and enhancing overall quality of life; such as trampoline, climbing, ping pong, & walking football adapted to PD.
Another key project involves examining the implementation of interdisciplinary care models in PD management. By assessing how integrated approaches involving physiotherapy, neurology, and other specialties can work together to impact patient outcomes, we aim to optimize care strategies and improve coordination among healthcare providers.
Additionally, I am investigating the role of digital health technologies and telemedicine in expanding access to specialized care and monitoring disease progression. This research is particularly relevant in the context of making high-quality, personalized care more accessible to patients in remote or underserved areas.
Q:
Where do you see the use of wearable IMU’s in human movement research going in the next 5 years?
A:
In the next five years, the use of wearable Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) in human movement research is expected to revolutionize how we monitor and analyze movement. Advances in IMU technology will improve precision, allowing for highly personalized movement assessments and interventions. The integration of machine learning and AI will further refine data analysis, improving diagnostic accuracy and outcome prediction. Real-time monitoring and feedback will enable dynamic adjustments in treatment and exercise regimens, optimizing care. As IMUs become more accessible and affordable, their broader adoption across diverse research and clinical settings will democratize data collection and analysis. Additionally, wearable IMUs will promote greater patient engagement by empowering individuals to monitor and understand their own movement patterns, leading to improved adherence to treatment plans and enhanced overall health.
Q:
Fill in the blank: When I’m not working on a research project, you can find me…
A:
When I’m not working on a research project, I am either at the clinic working with people with Parkinson’s, or I am enjoying activities such as dancing and swimming or spending quality time with my family. I also love engaging in PD community events and educational outreach to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and advocate for improved patient care.