Artemis Drosou, PT, MSc Physiotherapist – Paediatric & Neurorehabilitation Special interest: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Profile Experienced physiotherapist with more than 30 years of clinical, educational, advisory, and research activity in pediatrics and neurorehabilitation. Strong expertise in ICF-based disability assessment, Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT/Bobath), and long-standing clinical and research focus on Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), including quality of life outcomes, family perspectives, participation, and inclusion across the lifespan. Education

• MSc in Advanced Physiotherapy (2020–2022) University of Thessaly Thesis: Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life in children (0–18 years) with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in Greece
• BSc in Physiotherapy (1990–1994) Technological Educational Institute of Athens, School of Health and Welfare Professions

Professional Experience

• Private Clinical Practice (2001–present) Home-based and consultative physical therapy for infants, children, adolescents, and adults; individualized rehabilitation programs, family counselling, school and environmental adaptations.
• Institute for Children with Motor Disorders “Anaptyxi”, Athens (1994–2002) Physiotherapist in individual and group programs for infants, children, and adolescents with developmental disabilities.
• Physiotherapy Centers (Athens) (1994-1998) Clinical practice with pediatric and adult populations.

Special Clinical & Research Focus

• Extensive clinical practice over nine years providing specialized care to children and adolescents (0–18 years) diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
• Experience in the rehabilitation field with children participating in clinical trials of disease-modifying SMA therapies, in collaboration with international clinical trial team (Rome)
• Specialization in NDT/Bobath for children with cerebral palsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders
• Dynamic Movement Intervention Introductory Level A Course, Athens, 5–6 February 2024
• Over thirty years of advanced clinical experience in the management of children and adolescents (0-18 years) with Cerebral Palsy and other neurodevelopmental cases
• Emphasis on quality of life, participation, functional outcomes, and family-centered care across childhood and adulthood

Research, Policy & European Programmes

• Greek Ministry of Health & Institute of Social Protection (2004–2008) Scientific advisor for the development and nationwide implementation of ICF-based disability and functioning assessment, including planning and organization of exclusive disability assessment centers and contribution to the implementation of the Disability Card.
• Cyprus Ministry of Labour & Social Insurance (2010–2014) Scientific advisor for the national adaptation and implementation of the ICF-based disability and functioning assessment system, focusing on functionality, environmental barriers, social inclusion, and access to the open labour market.
• Romanian Ministry of Labour (2014–2015) Policy and training support for ICF-based disability assessment; preparation of guides, protocols, and professional training material.
• Scientific support: OACTIVE – EU Horizon 2020 Project (GA No. 777159)

Teaching & Training Experience

• Trainer and lecturer in national and international ICF education programs (2004-2015)
• Participation in teaching within the MSc in Advanced Physiotherapy, University of Thessaly (ICF module, 2019-2022-2024)
• Seminar instructor in vocational and professional training programs promoting accessibility, inclusion, and disability awareness (e.g. Ministry of Education - “Accessibility for All”)
• Trainer for nationwide professional development seminars for teachers of special education (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens & Panteion University)

Selected Conference Presentations

• 35th EACD Annual Meeting, Ljubljana, 2023 – Oral presentation Quality of Life in Children with SMA in Greece: Parents’ and Children’s Perspectives

• Panhellenic Pediatric Neurology Conference, Crete, April 2024 - Oral presentation The Clinical Profile of Type I SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) in the New Era of Disease-Modifying Therapies. What about spinal deformities?

• Panhellenic Pediatric Neurology Conference, Thessaloniki, March 2023 – Oral presentation Quality of Life in Children with SMA (0–18 years) in Greece
• 2nd European Paediatric Physiotherapy Congress (EUPPT), Florence, 2022 – Oral presentation Measuring Quality of Life in Children with SMA in Greece
• 5th International Scientific Conference of Physiotherapy, 2023 – Roundtable SMA and Quality of Life: New Data from Greece, Perspective and experience through the MSc in Advanced Physiotherapy of the University of Thessaly

• 32nd Conference of the Hellenic Scientific Society of Physiotherapy, Athens, 2018

Building the Development of Independent Walking  

• 1st Scientific Workshop “Physiotherapy in Mental Health, Athens, 2017

ICF: An Alternative Approach to Depression  

• Scientific & Practical Conference, Russian Federation “Accessible Environment,” Saint Petersburg, Russia, 2016

Results and Needs Following ICF Implementation in Diverse Environments (Special Schools)  

• 27th Annual Panhellenic Conference of Hellenic Scientific Society of Physiotherapy, Athens, 2013

Selecting Appropriate Support Tools for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: The Role of ICF  

• Scientific Workshop, Hellenic Society of Neurodevelopmental Education, Larissa, 2012

 ICF: Importance for Physiotherapy and Functional Rehabilitation Professional Memberships

• Panhellenic Physiotherapists Association (PSF)
• Former Vice-President & General Secretary, Scientific Section of Paediatric Physiotherapy, Greece
• Member, Hellenic Neurodevelopmental Treatment Association (NDT/Bobath)

Languages Greek (native) | English (fluent, professional use)