About

I am a Senior Lecturer and Program Leader in Physiotherapy at the University of Derby, where I teach on the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy program. My clinical expertise primarily focuses on Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Health Promotion, Preventive Rehabilitation, and Physical Activity, working with a diverse range of patients in both outpatient and elective orthopaedic settings. I have gained extensive experience within hospitals, private clinics, and rehabilitation centres, delivering physiotherapy services to various patient populations across different age groups.

My professional interests include the integration of physical activity into rehabilitation, physiotherapy education, and the application of evidence-based practice in clinical settings. I am passionate about mentoring students and supporting their development into skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.

Teaching responsibilities

A variety of undergraduate physiotherapy programmes modules.

Professional interests

• Clinical rehabilitation and musculoskeletal physiotherapy
• Preventive rehabilitation strategies
• The impact and implementation of physical activity intervention
• Evidence-based practice in physiotherapy
• Physiotherapy education
• Mentoring students in physiotherapy
• Interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare settings
• International collaboration in physiotherapy education

Research interests

• Physical activity and exercise
• Telerehabilitation
• Dual-task training
• The impact of physical activity on chronic disease management
• Preventive rehabilitation strategies

Membership of professional bodies

I am registered with the Health and Professions Council.

Qualifications

I hold a BSc in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation from Dokuz Eylul University (2009), an MSc from Marmara University (2012), and a PhD from Istanbul Medipol University (2016). 

Experience in industry

Between 2009 and 2015, I worked in various hospitals, private clinics, and rehabilitation centres, delivering physiotherapy services to diverse patient populations across different age groups. My academic career spans from 2015 to 2025 and encompasses a wide range of responsibilities within physiotherapy education and academic leadership. Throughout this period, I have actively contributed to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching while holding key leadership positions at both departmental and faculty levels.

My work has involved curriculum development, research supervision, institutional accreditation, quality assurance, and international collaboration through the Erasmus programme. I led curriculum reform initiatives, designed and implemented a faculty-wide clinical practice guideline, and established a research and development laboratory to promote evidence-based education and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Recognising the importance of institutional quality and continuous improvement, I served on the university’s Quality Board and Accreditation Committee, contributing to strategic planning and evaluation processes. As a member of the Faculty Education Committee, I was involved in curriculum review, academic regulation development, and the enhancement of teaching and learning practices.

In my role as Erasmus Coordinator, I facilitated international academic partnerships and mobility programmes, supporting cross-cultural experiences for students and faculty. A key part of my academic leadership has also been mentoring and staff development. I supervised twelve undergraduate theses, delivered institutional workshops on the National Core Education Programme and accreditation processes, and supported the professional development of academic colleagues.

International experience

As part of the Erasmus staff mobility programme, I delivered guest lectures at the University of Porto, sharing insights on physiotherapy education and clinical practice. Earlier in my academic journey, I also studied in Finland as an Erasmus student, which broadened my perspective on physiotherapy training across different healthcare systems.

I have served as a senior academic in Istanbul. My role as a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a full-time academic has allowed me to contribute not only to the development and delivery of physiotherapy education but also to wider institutional, national, and international educational strategies. 

Recent publications

1. Karaduman, C. and Atas Balci, L. 2023. The effects of in-person-supervised, tele-supervised, and unsupervised stabilization exercises on pain, functionality, and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized, single-blind trial. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. 40 (11), p. 2492–2502. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2023.2263554
2. Atas Balci, L., Soğukkanli Kadak, K., Erdogan, S. B. and Hanoğlu, L. 2021. Effects of single-task, dual-task and successive physicalcognitive training on fall risk and balance performance in older adults: a randomized trial. Journal of Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation. 9 (1), pp. 1-11. 
3. Şansal, KE., Atas Balci, L., Çinar, F., Karagözoğlu Çoşkunsu, D., Tanriöver, S. H. and Uluengin, M. B. 2021. Relationship of daily time spent outdoors with sleep quality and emotional well-being among community-dwelling older adults during covid-19 restrictions. Turkish Journal of Geriatrics. 24 (3), pp. 424-432. 
4. Eren, E. U., Atay, D, Atas Balci, L., Sevim, Y and Eti Asan, F 2025. The English language needs of health sciences students in Turkey. Western Anatolia Journal of Educational Sciences. 15 (2), pp. 1948-1968. 
5. Atas Balci, L., Polat, S., Karagözoğlu Coşkunsu, D., Altuncevahir, I., Meral Koç, B. and Özkul, E. 2024. Relationship between coronaphobia, cognitive functions, sleep quality, and diet quality in older adults during COVID-19. European Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology. 6 (2), pp. 125-130.