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Dr. Saima Zaki

Dr. Saima Zaki

Assistant Professor, Allied Health Sciences

saima.zaki@sharda.ac.in

About

Dr. Saima Zaki is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiotherapy at Sharda School of Allied Health Sciences, Sharda University, and a Gold Medalist in MPT (Cardiopulmonary) from Jamia Millia Islamia. With her PhD thesis submitted on the modulation of cardiac autonomic control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, she has authored over 20 research papers in reputed peer-reviewed journals and actively reviews for leading international journals such as Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, F1000Research, and Journal of Medical Internet Research. Dr. Zaki has been recently honored with both national and international awards, including the Homi J. Bhabha Research Award and the “Significant Contribution” award at PhysioGuide, recognizing her excellence in cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, research, and education.

Experience
  • During PhD from 2019-2024
  • In Sharda University from 1-08-2024 onward
Qualification
  • MPT
Award & Recognition

  • Gold Medal for securing first rank in MPT (2019), awarded by the Honble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and the Former Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia.
  • Homi J. Bhabha Research Award (Senior) at PhysioConnect 5, Sharda University, 2025.
  • UGC-NET Qualified, December 2019.
  • Scientific Committee Member, PhysioConnect 5 Scientific Session, Sharda University, February 2025.
  • Scientific Chairperson, PhysioConnect 5 Scientific Session, Sharda University, February 2025.
  • Best Paper Award by GaitON®Auptimo for publication in Sensors (2024) on gait and posture analysis.
  • Significant Contribution Award by PhysioGuide at the national level for impactful work in physiotherapy research.

Research

  • Zaki, S., Alam, M.F. and Sharma, S., 2025. Evaluating the internal reliability and convergent validity of the 19-item Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL-19) questionnaire in Indian patients with type 2 diabetes. International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, pp.1-9. IF: 3, Cite Score: 0.7.
  • Alam, M.F., Zaki, S., Sharma, S., Ghareeb, M. and Nuhmani, S., 2025. Intra-rater reliability and validity of navicular drop test for the assessment of medial longitudinal arch in patients having pronated feet with chronic low back pain. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 32, p.101939. IF: 2.3, Cite Score: 4.6.
  • Zaki, S.; Alam, M.F.; Sharma, S.; El-Ashker, S.; Ahsan, M.; Nuhmani, S. Impact of Concurrent Exercise Training on Cardiac Autonomic Modulation, Metabolic Profile, Body Composition, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetes with Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Med 2024, 13, doi:10.3390/jcm13133910. IF: 3, Cite Score: 5.7.
  • Aysha, T., Zaki, S., Alam, M.F., Sharma, S. and Raza, A., 2025. Effectiveness of retro and forward walking on cardiac autonomic function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition in overweight female university students: a randomized-controlled trial. Sport Sciences for Health, pp.1-15. IF: 1.2, Cite Score: 2.6.
  • Zafar, T., Zaki, S., Alam, M.F., Sharma, S., Babkair, R.A. and Nuhmani, S., 2024. Effects of progessive vs. constant protocol whole-body vibration on muscle activation, pain, disability and functional performance in non-specific chronic low back pain patients: a randomized clinical trial. PeerJ, 12, p.e18390. IF: 2.7, Cite Score: 4.7.
  • Alam, M.F.; Zaki, S.; Sharma, S. RESPONSE TO THE LETTER TO THE EDITOR REGARDING: Alam MF, Ansari S, Zaki S, Sharma S, Nuhmani S, Alnagmoosh A, Alsubaiei ME 2024 Effects of physical interventions on pain and disability in chronic low back pain with pronated feet: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 3: 1-15. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 2024, 40, 1910-1911, doi:10.1080/09593985.2024.2381918. IF: 2, Cite Score: 3.1.
  • Zaki, S.; Alam, M.F.; Sharma, S.; Naqvi, I.H.; Nuhmani, S. Impact of Concurrent Training Sequence on Heart Rate Variability, Glycemic Control, Body Composition, Lipid Profile, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health 2024, doi:10.1016/j.cegh.2024.101747. IF: 2.3, Cite Score: 4.6.
  • Aysha, T.; Zaki, S.; Alam, M.F.; Sharma, S.; Alnasser, S.M.; Alqahatn, A.S.; Mujaddadi, A.; Raza, A.; Nuhmani, S. Effectiveness of backward gait training on body composition, cardiopulmonary fitness, inflammation, and metabolic marker in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Critical Illness and Injury Science 2024, 14, 101-111, doi:10.4103/ijciis.ijciis_74_23 Cite Score: 1.4.
  • Ahmed, M.; Zaki, S.; Alam, M.F.; Sharma, S.; Al Salman, A.A.; Altaweel, A.; Alkhadrawi, N.; Nuhmani, S.; Khan, H. The impact of intrinsic foot muscle strengthening exercises in asymptomatic athletes with normal foot structure: A systematic review. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health 2024, 101597. IF: 2.3, Cite Score: 4.6.
  • Zaki, S.; Alam, F.; Faizan, M.; Sharma, S.; Naqvi, I.H. Association between heart rate variability and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise 2024, 19, 779-791, doi:10.55860/eazehg56. Cite Score: 2.2.
  • Alam, M.F.; Ansari, S.; Zaki, S.; Sharma, S.; Nuhmani, S.; Alnagmoosh, A.; Alsubaiei, M.E. Effects of physical interventions on pain and disability in chronic low back pain with pronated feet: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 1-15 2024, doi:10.1080/09593985.2024.2325581. IF: 2, Cite Score: 3.1.
  • Mujaddadi, A.; Zaki, S.; M Noohu, M.; Naqvi, I.H.; Veqar, Z. Predictors of Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in Obesity-Related Hypertension. High Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Prevention 2024, 31, 77-91, doi:10.1007/s40292-024-00623-7. IF: 3, Cite Score: 5.7.
  • Raza, A.; Zaki, S.; Alam, M.F.; Sharma, S.; Aysha, T.; Khiyami, A.T.; Althobaiti, A.J.; Alnefaie, H.A.; Nuhmani, S. Effects of facilitatory and inhibitory Kinesio taping on lateral gastrocnemius muscle activity, motor neuron excitability, and countermovement jump height in university athletes from multiple sports: A randomized controlled trial. Heliyon 2023, 9, e23230, doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23230. IF: 4, Cite Score: 4.5.
  • Zafar, T.; Zaki, S.; Alam, M.F.; Sharma, S.; Babkair, R.A.; Nuhmani, S.; Pandita, S. Effect of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Pain, Disability, Balance, Proprioception, Functional Performance and Quality of Life in People with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2024, 13, doi:10.3390/jcm13061639. IF: 3, Cite Score: 5.7.
  • Zaki, S.; Sharma, S.; Vats, H. Effectiveness of concurrent exercise training in people with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy Theory Practice 2023, 1-22, doi:10.1080/09593985.2023.2225717. IF: 2, Cite Score: 3.1.
  • Zaki, S.; Moiz, J.A.; Mujaddadi, A.; Ali, M.S.; Talwar, D. Does inspiratory muscle training provide additional benefits during pulmonary rehabilitation in people with interstitial lung disease? A randomized control trial. Physiotherapy Theory Practice 2023, 39, 518-528, doi:10.1080/09593985.2021.2024311. IF: 2, Cite Score: 3.1.
  • Zaki, S.; Moiz, J.; Bhati, P.; Menon, G. Efficacy of high-intensity interval training on cardiac autonomic modulation in cardiovascular diseases and lifestyle disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Comparative Exercise Physiology 2022, 18, 37-51. IF: 0.9, Cite Score: 1.5.
  • Aysha, T.; Zaki, S.; Alam, M.F.; Sharma, S. Effectiveness of Retro and Forward Walking on Cardiac Autonomic Function, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Body Composition in Overweight Female University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial 2024, Sports Sciences for Health. IF: 1.2, Cite Score: 2.6.
  • Alam, M.F.; Azharuddin, M.; Zaki, S. Effectiveness of shoulder mobilization combined with muscle energy technique in the management of adhesive capsulitis: A randomized control trial. Saudi Journal of Sports Medicine 2024, 24, 35-42.

Certifications

  • WHO-ICOPE Workshop at GERICON 2023 - Attended the WHO-ICOPE Workshop as part of the 20th Annual Conference of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics (GERICON 2023) organized by the Department of Geriatric Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi. The event focused on successful aging and navigating the intersections of digital innovations, geriatric medicine, and person-centered care (September 30, 2023).
  • Delhi Physio Conference 2022 - Attended the conference organized by the Delhi branch of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists and Women Cell, held at the Centre for Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. The conference, themed "Exercise is Medicine," was accredited with 5 hours by the Delhi Council for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (November 6, 2022).
  • 3rd BRICSCESS Conference 2024 - Attended the 3rd BRICSCESS Conference in Delhi NCR, India, held from February 26-29, 2024. The conference focused on "Advances in Holistic Health and Sport for Children and Youth: Innovation, Integration, and Sustainability through Science," organized by the Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, in collaboration with various national and international organizations.
  • International Conference on Recent Advances in Electrical, Electronics & Digital Healthcare Technologies (REEDCON 2023) - Attended the conference organized by the Department of Electrical Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, focusing on advancements in electrical, electronics, and digital healthcare technologies (May 1-3, 2023).
  • Change Management in the Clinical Setting - Attended and completed the webinar offered by Vapotherm on June 2, 2020. This program was approved for 1 contact hour of Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) credit by the American Association for Respiratory Care.
  • Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Participated in a workshop by the World Health Organization (WHO) focusing on IPC measures for COVID-19, confirming expertise in infection control protocols (April 5, 2020).
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) Treatment Facility Design - Engaged in a seminar by the World Health Organization (WHO) on designing treatment facilities for SARI, enhancing knowledge in healthcare infrastructure for infectious diseases (April 5, 2020).
  • Successfully completed webinar on “Basics of Cardiovascular Autonomic Function Testing” organized by the Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences-Mangalagiri (AIIMS-MG), Andhra Pradesh in collaboration with AD instrument on 29th July 2020.
  • Publishing Ethics in Biomedicine & Life Sciences Research - Attended a webinar organized by Springer Nature in collaboration with DeLCON on publishing ethics, covering trends, nuances, tools, and ethics in scientific publishing (September 16, 2020).
  • Successfully completed webinar on “Web of Science Basic Series” on 27th November 2019.
  • Successfully completed webinar on “Web of Science Advance Series” on 23rd December 2019.
  • Successfully completed webinar on “Web of Science Journal Citation Report (JCR) Asian Training and Certification Program” on 3rd June 2020.
  • Successfully completed webinar on “Academic Publication and Enhancing Research Effectiveness” by Dr. Zakir Hussain Library, Jamia Millia Islamia on 29th June 2020.
  • Successfully completed webinar on Abstracting and Indexing-how to get indexed and how to increase research impact of a webinar series on All about Scientific Publishing-Trends, Nuances, Tool, Ethics etc. organized by Springer Nature in collaboration with DelCOn on 9th September 2020.
  • Successfully completed webinar on Statistical Application in Research: A Comprehensive Approach, 7-day faculty development program from July 25th to 31st July, 2020 by Banarasi Das Chandiwala Institute of Physiotherapy.
  • Attended “Fundamental of Pulmonary Rehabilitation” on 29th January, 2020 at Metro Centre for Respiratory Diseases, NOIDA, adapted content from the British Thoracic Society by Professor Shally Singh, Director of NIHR Global Research Group, Clinical lead, NACAP pulmonary rehabilitation workteam.
  • PACS PULMOCON  2018 conference on Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine organized by Metro Centre for Respiratory Diseases in association with API, Noida Chapter on 14 January 2018 at Stardom Convention, NOIDA.
  • Apollo Physiocon 2017 with the theme “together we grow with Emerging Innovations” on 9th and 10th September 2017 at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.
  • Sport CME on “Enhance Performance – Play Fit” on 23rd August 2015 at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.
  • Neuro Manual Therapy for Nerve Related Pain, Organized by Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapist (AOMPT inc., India) on 22nd – 23rd December 2015 at Centre for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
  • Hands-on workshop on “Theraband Workshop- Extensive Application of Theraband Modalities in Clinical Settings” held on 9th & 10th October, 2015 at Centre for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.

Area of Interest

Dr. Saima Zakis areas of interest include cardiopulmonary physiotherapy with a specialized focus on cardiac autonomic modulation in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, particularly those with cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Her research explores the effects of concurrent exercise training on heart rate variability, metabolic profile, and quality of life. She has a strong inclination toward inspiratory muscle training in interstitial lung disease, the use of non-invasive methods like HRV for autonomic assessment, and the integration of physiotherapy in managing chronic cardiometabolic conditions. Her academic pursuits are grounded in evidence-based physiotherapy, with active involvement in systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials.