Ahsen Büyükaslan

Ahsen Büyükaslan is a physiotherapist and researcher specializing in scoliosis and spine disorders, clinical biomechanics, gait analysis and prosthetic and orthotics biomechanics& rehabilitation. She graduated with the highest honors from Halic University (Istanbul), Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation (BSc. 4-year program) 2012-2016. She holds an MSc from Istanbul Medipol University, Health Sciences Institute, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, 2016-2018 and is also a qualified PhD candidate at the same university. Currently, in addition to clinical practice, she works as a young researcher at the Institute of Kinesiology, University of Ljubljana, and is pursuing a second PhD there. She is a lecturer on clinical research methodology. Her professional affiliations include membership in SOSORT (International Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment), the Scoliosis Research and Treatment Association Turkey (founding member and vice president, 2017–2021), and the Turkish Physiotherapy Association. She won a female researcher award at the MSA Congress in 2023.

Building Evidence: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Essentials

Course Description:

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to systematic reviews and meta-analyses, focusing on their importance in evidence-based research. Participants will learn how to design, conduct, and interpret systematic reviews using essential frameworks like PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study Design).

Key tools and guidelines, such as PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) for reporting standards and PROSPERO for systematic review registration, will be covered. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to critically appraise literature, synthesize data, and apply these methodologies in their research projects.

Damir Sekulic

Damir Sekulić, PhD, is a tenured professor at the Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Croatia, where he has been serving since 2014. He holds a PhD in Kinesiology, an MSc in Physical Education, and an MEd in Physical Education, all earned from the University of Zagreb. Over the years, he has progressed through various academic positions, including Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Full Professor, before obtaining his current role. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Damir has been actively involved in research and academic mentorship. His teaching expertise includes topics such as training fundamentals, analysis and methods in sport and exercise, and research techniques in kinesiology. He has supervised over ten doctoral students and led several national and international research projects, focusing on topics like agility development, COVID-19’s impact on physical fitness, and the detection of prohibited substances in sports. Damir’s scientific interests lie in public health in sport, the development of performance measurement protocols, and the issue of substance misuse in athletics. His professional career extends beyond academia, with notable contributions as a strength and conditioning coach for the Croatian Olympic sailing team (2000–2008) and the Croatian national water polo team (1996–1999), where he contributed to significant medal achievements, including a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Recognized for his contributions to science and sports, Damir has received multiple awards, including the University of Split’s Award for Science and Arts and the prestigious Rector’s Award from the University of Zagreb. He is also an active member of the European College of Sport Science and the National Strength and Conditioning Association in the USA.

Building Evidence: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Essentials

Course Description:

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to systematic reviews and meta-analyses, focusing on their importance in evidence-based research. Participants will learn how to design, conduct, and interpret systematic reviews using essential frameworks like PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study Design).

Key tools and guidelines, such as PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) for reporting standards and PROSPERO for systematic review registration, will be covered. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to critically appraise literature, synthesize data, and apply these methodologies in their research projects.