Dr Praveen Kumar

• Qualifications:PhD – University of the West of England, Bristol (2012) PG Cert in HE - University of the West of England, Bristol (2004) MSc Physiotherapy – Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh (1999) BSc Physiotherapy, Mangalore University, India (1995)
• Position:Associate Professor in Stroke Rehabilitation
• Department:Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences (HAS)
• Telephone:+441173288829
• Email:Praveen.Kumar@uwe.ac.uk
• Social media:

About me

Dr Praveen Kumar is an Associate Professor in Stroke Rehabilitation at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol.  Praveen completed his BSc Physiotherapy from Mangalore University, India in 1995 and joined Apollo Multi-speciality Hospital, Hyderabad to work as a clinical physiotherapist. In 1998, Praveen went to Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh to pursue his Master in Physiotherapy. After gaining his masters, Praveen worked in India as a Vice-Principal at the Swantara Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, AP and then as Principal (in-charge) at the College of Physiotherapy, Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital, Hyderabad. Praveen joined UWE in 2003 as lecturer / Senior lecturer in physiotherapy.  Praveen completed his PhD from UWE in 2012.  Currently, Praveen is the Board member for Publication and Knowledge Dissemination, Association of Chartered physiotherapist in Neurology (ACPIN), Editor for Synapse - Oficial Journal of ACPIN. 

Praveen is an internationally recognised expert in stroke rehabilitation whose research has shaped national clinical policy and global neurorehabilitation practice. His work is cited in the 2023 National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke, and he provides international leadership through the World Federation of Neurological Rehabilitation (WFNR) and Global Constorium of Stroke Rehabilitation (GCSR), advancing equitable, technology‑enabled rehabilitation worldwide. He has secured £14.9M funding (both a principal and co-investigator) and has grown a strong publication profile, with rising citations and selection for the UWE REF 2029 longlist.

Nationally, he leads the research agenda for over 3,500 physiotherapists as ACPIN Research Lead, edits Synapse, and contributes to policy and national guideline development. At UWE, he founded the Ethnic Health Inequality Research Group, delivered the first Inclusive Research Cultures Conference in Nov 2025, and mentors doctoral and early‑career researchers. His knowledge‑exchange leadership has produced 80+ culturally tailored rehabilitation resources adopted across health systems. 

Special Awards, Honours and Distinctions:

Nominated for the Best award organised by British Indian Allied Health Professionals Association (BIAHPA) -Oct 2025 

Finalists for the AI and Robotics Research Awards, Royal Society London - 12th March 2025 for the collaborative work led by University College London.

Short-listed for the UWE “Community Impact Staff Awards 2024”.  Nov 2024

Included in the Cultural Excellence ‘Hall of Fame’ @UWE Frenchay Campus (2023-2024).  

Poster award Council for Allied Health Professions Research conference (2021)

Poster Award (2nd)- British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) conference October 2018 – Lycra sleeve – Mechanistic study

Poster Award (3rd)- British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) conference Nov 2017 – Lycra sleeve – A preliminary study.

Best Abstract Award – National ACPIN Conference, 22nd March 2014

British Stroke Research Group (BSRG) award for the best abstract in the poster category at the UK Stroke Conference, Harrogate, Dec 3rd-5th 2013

Awarded 1st place in the III Semester University examination conducted by Mangalore Universiy in December 1992.

Area of expertise

My research interests lie in stroke rehabilitation and older population and includes addressing upper limb problems, physical activity (individual and group exercises), telerehabilitation and robotics in rehabilitation, health inequalities (ethnic minority communities), co-development of complex interventions.

I have special interest in the assessment approaches for shoulder pain and subluxation and co-development of interventions to improve functional outcomes for people with stroke living in the community.

I have been involved with technology-based interventions for upper limb impairments including Electrical Stimulation, Virtual Reality, GripAble Gaming device, Lycra Arm sleeve, Wearable Sensors, Digital resources, exercise videos, development of remote based interventions (Telepresence robots), Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve functional independence and enhance physical activity in older people, people with stroke and other neurological conditions.

Currently working on an NIHR funded project to co-develop an AI algorithm for personalised Exercise programme to enhance community-based rehabilitation in people with stroke.

Recently completed a range of externally funded projects including UKRI funded project – FitBees, providing digital solutions for the under-represented groups, BNSSG Research fund to improve self-management opportunities and increase the intensity time for people with stroke.   

Currently supervising three PhD students and supporting 4 research associates.

Publications

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