Carla Lourenço

Carla Lourenço is an Invited Assistant Professor at the University of Beira Interior with over a decade of academic experience in sports science and physical education. She also holds teaching positions at the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, where she has served as an Invited Adjunct Teacher. Her academic career spans from 2014 to 2025 across these institutions.

Education:

• Post-Doctorate in Sports Science, University of Coimbra Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education (2021)
• PhD in Sports Science, University of Beira Interior (2016)

Dr. Lourenço specializes in adapted physical education with particular expertise in autism spectrum disorder interventions. Her research focuses on motor proficiency development, inclusive sports practices, and universal design for learning in physical education settings. She has developed assessment tools like the "Individualized Teaching Plan Applied to Physical Education" validated for the Portuguese population and has conducted extensive research on trampoline training programs for children with autism.

Her recent scholarly output demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practices in adapted physical education, with publications spanning from motor assessment techniques to the psychological impacts of inclusive sports programs. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in educational settings.

Professional Contributions:

• Member of the Scientific Committee of the International Symposium on Special and Inclusive Education (SIEEI)
• Journal reviewer for International Journal of Active and Healthy Aging and JUMORA

Dr. Lourenço actively contributes to the academic community through conference presentations, research projects, and scholarly publications that advance the field of adapted physical education and inclusive practices.