Zbigniew Nowak | Cardiology and Physical Activity | Innovative Research Award

Prof. Zbigniew Nowak | Cardiology and Physical Activity | Innovative Research Award 

Prof. Zbigniew Nowak | Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education Katowice | Poland

Prof. Zbigniew Nowak is a distinguished Professor at the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice and currently serves as the Head of the Department of Physiotherapy in Internal Medicine. With over 19 years of clinical experience in cardiac diagnosis and rehabilitation, he has worked extensively in departments of cardiology, cardiac surgery for both adults and children, electrophysiology, and intensive care. Prof. Nowak is the author of 132 scientific publications in Polish and international journals and 11 monographs, contributing significantly to the fields of cardiology, physiotherapy, and cardiac rehabilitation. His scholarly work has earned him an h-index of 14 and over 1,200 citations, reflecting his substantial influence in medical and rehabilitation sciences. He has actively participated in 44 national and international conferences and successfully implemented eight major scientific programs in cardiology. His ongoing research focuses on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and the development of innovative cardiac rehabilitation programs that improve patient recovery and quality of life. As an academic mentor, Prof. Nowak has supervised 21 PhD dissertations and over 700 master’s and bachelor’s theses, fostering the next generation of medical professionals. His teaching expertise encompasses a broad range of subjects including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, congenital and acquired valvular diseases, hypertension, interventional cardiology, cardiac surgery, stress testing, and preventive cardiology. He is also an active member of the European Society of Cardiology, contributing to collaborative advancements in heart disease prevention and rehabilitation strategies. Prof. Nowak’s career exemplifies a balance of clinical excellence, educational leadership, and impactful scientific contribution in cardiovascular health.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Gloc, D., Plewa, M., & Nowak, Z. (2012). The effects of kyokushin karate training on the anthropometry and body composition of advanced female and male practitioners. Journal of Combat Sports and Martial Arts, 3(2), 63–71.

Nowak, Z., Plewa, M., Skowron, M., Markiewicz, A., Kucio, C., & Osiadło, G. (2010). Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire as an additional tool in clinical assessment of patients with coronary artery disease treated with angioplasty. Polish Heart Journal (Kardiologia Polska), 68(1), 32–39.

Nowak, A., Morawiec, M., Gabrys, T., Nowak, Z., Szmatlan-Gabryś, U., … (2020). Effectiveness of resistance training with the use of a suspension system in patients after myocardial infarction. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(15), 5383.

Grabara, M., Nowak, Z., & Nowak, A. (2020). Effect of Hatha Yoga on cardiac hemodynamic parameters and physical capacity in cardiac rehabilitation patients. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, 40(4), 263–267.

Nowak, Z., Plewa, M., Skowron, M., Osiadlo, G., Markiewicz, A., & Kucio, C. (2010). Minnesota leisure time physical activity questionnaire as an additional tool in clinical assessment of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. Journal of Human Kinetics, 23, 79–87.

Milewski, K., Małecki, A., Orszulik-Baron, D., Kachel, M., Hirnle, P., Orczyk, M., … (2019). The use of modern telemedicine technologies in an innovative optimal cardiac rehabilitation program for patients after myocardial revascularization: Concept and design. Cardiology Journal, 26(5), 594–603.

Mohammad Hemmatinafar | Exercise Physiology | Corporate Research Leadership Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Mohammad Hemmatinafar | Exercise Physiology | Corporate Research Leadership Award

Faculty Member, Shiraz University, Iran

Dr. Mohammad Hemmatinafar is a distinguished expert in Sport Physiology, with a Ph.D. from the University of Tehran. With over 30 published journal articles, he has significantly contributed to understanding the physiological adaptations in athletes, particularly through dietary supplements and exercise intensity. Fluent in English and equipped with extensive research and teaching experience, Dr. Hemmatinafar continues to advance knowledge in sports science, with a particular interest in the impact of nutrition and exercise on cardiac health.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Mohammad Hemmatinafar holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Sport Physiology from the University of Tehran, where he graduated with a GPA of 18.74/20.00 in 2015. His doctoral research focused on “The Impact of Exercise Intensity on Cardiac Regenerative Capacity in Rats with Myocardial Infarction,” under the supervision of Dr. Abbas Ali Gaeini, with Dr. Mohammadreza Kordi as his advisor. Prior to this, he earned his Master of Science in Sport Physiology from the same university in 2012, achieving a GPA of 18.86/20.00. His master’s project, supervised by Dr. Mohammadreza Kordi, examined “The Impact of Six Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Fibrinolytic and Inflammatory Factors in Sedentary Young Men.” Dr. Hemmatinafar completed his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Sports Science at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2010, with a GPA of 18.33/20.00.

Experience 💼

Dr. Hemmatinafar has more than seven years of experience in academic research and teaching, focusing on the physiological aspects of sports and exercise. His work primarily explores the effects of dietary supplements, exercise intensity, and training regimens on athletic performance and cardiac health. His extensive research background is supported by his leadership in multiple studies and his contribution to over 30 peer-reviewed publications.

Research Interests 🔬

Dietary Supplements: Investigating the impact of caffeine, beetroot juice, proteins, and sports drinks on athletic performance and physiological adaptations.

Exercise and Diet: Exploring the effects of various diets, such as ketogenic diets, on athletes’ performance.

Cardiac Adaptations: Studying the molecular, structural, and functional adaptations of the heart in response to exercise.

Awards 🏅

Dr. Hemmatinafar has been recognized for his outstanding academic performance throughout his educational journey, including ranking 1st in his Master’s and Bachelor’s programs. His research contributions have also garnered significant attention in the field of sport physiology.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Niknam, Alireza, et al. (2024) “Low and high doses of espresso coffee improve repeated sprint performance and eye-hand coordination following fatigue status in male basketball players.” Current Developments in Nutrition: 104427. Link

Ahmadpour, Alireza, et al. (2024) “Consuming Beetroot Juice Improves Slalom Performance and Reduces Muscle Soreness in Alpine Skiers Under Hypoxic Conditions.” Current Developments in Nutrition: 104408. Link

Safa, Ghazal, et al. (2024) “Effect of off-season iron supplementation on aerobic capacity of female handball player.” Current Developments in Nutrition: 103767. Link