Associate professor at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
Professional Profile:
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Summary:
Dr. Alaa Mohammed Albishi, PT, MSc, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and a Neurorehabilitation Consultant at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With over a decade of experience spanning clinical neurorehabilitation, academic leadership, and advanced neurological research, he is recognized for his significant contributions to stroke rehabilitation, neuroplasticity, and physiotherapy education. Dr. Albishi combines his global academic exposure with deep clinical insight to advance evidence-based practice and innovation in neurorehabilitation.
Educational Background
Dr. Albishi earned his Ph.D. in Biokinesiology (Neurology) from the University of Southern California (2015–2019), where he also gained experience in neuroimaging and brain stimulation techniques. He completed his Master’s in Rehabilitation Sciences (Neurological Rehabilitation) at the University of Pittsburgh (2012–2013) and received his Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy with Second Class Honors from King Saud University (2004–2010).
Professional Experience
Dr. Albishi currently serves as an Associate Professor and Neurorehabilitation Consultant at King Saud University (2023–present). He previously held roles as a Senior Physical Therapist in Neurorehabilitation at the same institution (2020–2023), and as a Neuro-Physiotherapist and brain stimulation specialist at the University of Southern California (2015–2020). He has also practiced neuro-physiotherapy at the University of Pittsburgh and completed internships at King Fahad Medical City, National Guard Hospital, and Saudi German Hospital in Riyadh. His academic teaching portfolio includes appointments at King Saud University and the University of Southern California.
Research Interests
Dr. Albishi’s research focuses on neurorehabilitation, stroke recovery, non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS, TMS), motor control, virtual reality therapy, and functional recovery assessment tools. He has led multiple clinical trials examining the synergistic effects of neurostimulation and task-based therapies on upper limb function post-stroke. He is also actively involved in scale validation, psychometric analysis, and cultural adaptation of rehabilitation assessment tools in Arabic.
Author Metrics
Dr. Albishi has published in high-impact peer-reviewed journals such as Annals of Medicine and Surgery, PLoS One, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Medicine, Disability and Rehabilitation, and NeuroImage. His recent works investigate motor cortical function, stroke impact scales, and physical activity in special populations. His author metrics reflect a growing international citation base, with multiple articles under review in prominent rehabilitation and neuroscience journals.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Albishi has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Best Rehabilitation Sciences Research Award (2023), the Second Best Research Award from the College of Applied Medical Sciences (2023), and the Faculty Distinguished Academic Career Award (2023). He is a recipient of Saudi Physical Therapy Association’s Research Grant (SPTA24002) and has secured national research funding from the Saudi NIH for his stroke rehabilitation projects involving tDCS and virtual reality-based therapies.
Publication Top Notes
1. Comparison Between Balance Performance Among Female Basketball Players and Non-Basketball Players in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Journal: Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
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Publication Year: 2025
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Type: Journal Article
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DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.25.16781-9
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WOSUID: WOS:001455133400001
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Author(s): Albishi, Alaa M.
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Summary: This study evaluated the differences in balance performance between female basketball players and non-athletic counterparts in Saudi Arabia. Results highlighted the superior postural stability and dynamic balance among athletes, contributing to injury prevention strategies and performance enhancement.
2. Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Version of the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LISAT-9) in Patients with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
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Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation
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Publication Year: 2025
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Type: Journal Article
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DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2025.2496353
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WOSUID: WOS:001476818400001
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Author(s): Almurdi, Muneera M.; Almutairi, Nehad M.; Alrushud, Asma S.; Alsubiheen, Abdulrahman M.; Albishi, Alaa M.; Alrashed, Fahad A.; Algabbani, Maha F.
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Summary: This article details the translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of LISAT-9 for Arabic-speaking populations with spinal cord injury, confirming its reliability and construct validity for assessing life satisfaction.
3. Thalamic Volume Differentiates Multiple Sclerosis from Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: MRI-Based Retrospective Study
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Journal: Frontiers in Neurology
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Publication Year: 2025
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Type: Journal Article
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DOI: 10.3389/FNEUR.2024.1491193
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WOSUID: WOS:001397525900001
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Author(s): Alosaimi, Manal; Alkanhal, Hatham; Aldeligan, Saleh; Alkhawajah, Nuha; Albishi, Alaa; Hilabi, Bander; Aljarallah, Salman
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Summary: This MRI-based study investigated volumetric differences in the thalamus between patients with MS and NMOSD, demonstrating that thalamic atrophy serves as a distinguishing biomarker between the two conditions.
4. Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Version of the Assessment Life Habits (LIFE-H 3.1) Scale for Patients with Stroke
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Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation
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Publication Year: 2025
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Type: Journal Article
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DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2025.2503957
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WOSUID: WOS:001492274700001
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Author(s): Alaa M. Albishi et al.
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Summary: This publication presents the Arabic version of the LIFE-H 3.1 scale, developed for post-stroke patients. It assesses participation and social inclusion, showing excellent psychometric properties for use in Arabic clinical contexts.
5. Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Therapy Homecare Services for Patients with Stroke in Saudi Arabia
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Journal: NeuroRehabilitation: An International, Interdisciplinary Journal
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Publication Date: May 2025
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Type: Journal Article
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DOI: 10.1177/10538135241311186
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Author(s): Alaa M. Albishi; Al-Shaima M. Howis; Adel A. Alhusaini
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Summary: This qualitative study explores systemic, personal, and environmental factors influencing the delivery and utilization of physical therapy homecare services for stroke patients in Saudi Arabia. It proposes actionable recommendations for improving home-based rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alaa M. Albishi embodies the qualities of a Top Researcher with his robust academic credentials, impactful research portfolio, leadership in neurorehabilitation, and strong commitment to culturally adapted clinical tools. His work bridges fundamental neuroscience, innovative therapies, and practical rehabilitation challenges, especially within Saudi Arabia and Arabic-speaking communities.
With strategic expansion of international collaborations, technology translation, and outreach, Dr. Albishi’s influence is poised to grow further. He is highly deserving of recognition by a Top Researcher Award for his demonstrated excellence, consistent productivity, and contributions to advancing neurorehabilitation science and practice in the region.