Dr Marcia Zambelli

Senior Lecturer

PhD in School of Public Health, (The University of Sydney, Australia) 2015.

BPT Bachelor of Physiotherapy, (Pontifical University Catholic of Minas Gerais, Brazil) 2006.

Medicine & Health
School of Health Sciences

I am a Physiotherapist and Senior Lecturer in the School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health. I was awarded my PhD from The University of Sydney in 2015. My research and teaching experience are focused on ageing, physical activity, and musculoskeletal health.

My research includes clinical trials, systematic reviews, cross-sectional and qualitative studies, aiming to improve musculoskeletal health among older adults.

  • Journal articles | 2025
    Magalhães DS; McAuley JH; Maher CG; Ferreira EDMR; Oliveira TEP; Mastahinich MER; de Jesus-Moraleida FR; Fukusawa L; Franco MR; Pinto RZ; Zambelli M, 2025, 'An e-learning program improves low back pain beliefs of physiotherapists: a randomised trial', Journal of Physiotherapy, 71, pp. 35 - 41, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2024.11.014
    Journal articles | 2025
    Smit F; Van Zwieten A; Sherrington C; Franco MR; Cullati S; Blyth FM; Khalatbari-Soltani S, 2025, 'Socioeconomic position across the life course and falls among middle- and older-aged adults: protocol for a systematic review', BMJ Open, 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087971
    Journal articles | 2024
    Diniz LM; Lemes ÍR; Freire APCF; Guimarães AF; Ferreira LAC; Franco MR; Verhagen AP; Simoneau G; Pinto RZ, 2024, 'Beliefs regarding the use of imaging among patients with low back pain: A cross-sectional study in the context of a middle-income country', PM and R, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pmrj.13237
    Journal articles | 2024
    Esposito E; Lemes IR; Salimei PS; Morelhão PK; Marques LBF; Martins MDS; Cynthia G; Franco MR; Pinto RZ, 2024, 'Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain is Associated With Depressive Symptoms in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Independent of Physical Activity. Experimental Aging Research', Experimental Aging Research, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0361073X.2024.2397322
    Journal articles | 2024
    Lemes ÍR; Morelhão PK; Verhagen A; Gobbi C; Oliveira CB; Silva NS; Lustosa LP; Franco MR; Pinto RZ, 2024, 'Does the Number of Comorbidities Predict Pain and Disability in Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain? A Longitudinal Study With 6- and 12-Month Follow-ups', Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 47, pp. 21 - 27, http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JPT.0000000000000400
    Journal articles | 2024
    da Cruz MMA; de Melo Ghisi GL; Grigoletto I; Vanzella LM; da Cruz MRA; Gonzaga LA; Franco MR; Vanderlei LCM, 2024, 'Perceptions of physiotherapists about virtual reality using exergames in cardiovascular rehabilitation: a qualitative study', International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 31, http://dx.doi.org/10.12968/ijtr.2024.0043
    Journal articles | 2023
    Silva NS; Elkins MR; Lemes ÍR; Stubbs PW; Franco MR; Pinto RZ, 2023, 'Clinical trial registration has become more prevalent in physical therapy but it is still inadequate: A meta-research study', Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 67, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102854
    Journal articles | 2023
    da Silva Martins MD; Lemes ÍR; Esposito E; Morelhão PK; Narciso PH; Franco MR; Pinto RZ, 2023, 'Association Between Domain-Specific Physical Activity and Chronic Low Back Pain in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study', Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 31, pp. 798 - 805, http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/japa.2022-0279
    Journal articles | 2023
    de Souza JM; Tebar WR; Delfino LD; Tebar FSG; Gobbo LA; Franco M; da Silva CCM; Oliveira CBS; Christofaro DGD, 2023, 'Association of Musculoskeletal Pain With Sedentary Behavior in Public School Teachers: The Role of Habitual Physical Activity', Pain Management Nursing, 24, pp. 196 - 200, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2022.08.005
    Journal articles | 2022
    Aoyagi GA; Pinto RZ; Lemes ÍR; Pastre CM; Eto BY; Faria MS; Morelhão PK; Franco MR, 2022, 'Fear of falling does not predict self-reported physical activity: an observational study with community-dwelling older adults', Physiotherapy (United Kingdom), 116, pp. 50 - 57, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2022.02.006
    Journal articles | 2022
    Diniz LM; Oliveira CB; Machado GC; Maher CG; Verhagen AP; Fernandes DAM; Franco MR; Souza TR; Pinto RZ, 2022, 'Effectiveness of brief patient information materials for promoting correct beliefs about imaging and inevitable consequences of low back pain: A randomised controlled trial', Clinical Rehabilitation, 36, pp. 527 - 537, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/02692155211065974
    Journal articles | 2022
    Fernandes DAM; Freire APCF; Santos JM; Lemes IR; Diniz LM; Franco MR; Ocarino JM; Pinto RZ, 2022, 'The Modified Back Beliefs Questionnaire as a tool to screen for incorrect beliefs regarding back pain: Cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties', International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 44, pp. 9 - 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijosm.2022.04.001
    Journal articles | 2022
    Hisamatsu TM; Oliveira CB; Lira FS; Morelhão PK; Azevedo BR; Lemes ÍR; Franco MR; Pinto RZ, 2022, 'Occupational Physical Activity Was Associated With Disability Levels at 6-Month Follow-Up of Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Prospective Cohort Study', Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 19, pp. 409 - 416, http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2021-0798
    Journal articles | 2022
    Morelhão PK; Gobbi C; Christofaro DGD; Damato TM; Grande GD; Frange C; Andersen ML; Tufik S; Franco MR; Pinto RZ, 2022, 'Bidirectional Association Between Sleep Quality and Low Back Pain in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Observational Study', Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 103, pp. 1558 - 1564, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2021.11.009
    Journal articles | 2022
    OLIVEIRA CB; CHRISTOFARO DGD; MAHER CG; FRANCO MR; Tiedemann A; SILVA FG; DAMATO TM; NICHOLAS MK; PINTO RZ, 2022, 'Adding Physical Activity Coaching and an Activity Monitor Was No More Effective Than Adding an Attention Control Intervention to Group Exercise for Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain (PAyBACK Trial): A Randomized Trial', Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 52, pp. 287 - 299, http://dx.doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2022.10874
    Journal articles | 2022
    da Cruz MMA; Grigoletto I; Ricci-Vitor AL; da Silva JM; Franco MR; Vanderlei LCM, 2022, 'Perceptions and preferences of patients with cardiac conditions to the inclusion of virtual reality-based therapy with conventional cardiovascular rehabilitation: A qualitative study', Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 26, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2022.100419
    Journal articles | 2021
    Damato TM; Oliveira CB; Franco MR; Silva FG; Gobbi C; Morelhão PK; Christofaro DG; Pinto RZ, 2021, 'Characteristics Associated With People With Chronic Low Back Pain Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines and Recommendations for Sedentary Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study', Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 44, pp. 378 - 388, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2021.03.005
    Journal articles | 2020
    Franco MR; Sherrington C; Tiedemann A; Pereira LS; Perracini MR; Faria CSG; Negrão-Filho RF; Pinto RZ; Pastre CM, 2020, 'Effect of Senior Dance (DanSE) on Fall Risk Factors in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial', Physical Therapy, 100, pp. 600 - 608, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzz187
    Journal articles | 2020
    Grande GD; Oliveira CB; Morelhão PK; Sherrington C; Tiedemann A; Pinto RZ; Franco MR, 2020, 'Interventions Promoting Physical Activity among Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Gerontologist, 60, pp. E583 - E599, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnz167
    Journal articles | 2020
    Oliveira CB; Maher CG; Franco MR; Kamper SJ; Williams CM; Silva FG; Pinto RZ, 2020, 'Co-occurrence of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis', Pain Medicine (United States), 21, pp. 1106 - 1121, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnz217
    Journal articles | 2020
    Oliveira CB; Pinto RZ; Saraiva BTC; Tebar WR; Delfino LD; Franco MR; Silva CCM; Christofaro DGD, 2020, 'Effects of active video games on children and adolescents: A systematic review with meta-analysis', Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 30, pp. 4 - 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/sms.13539
    Journal articles | 2020
    Oliveira JS; Sherrington C; R Y Zheng E; Franco MR; Tiedemann A, 2020, 'Effect of interventions using physical activity trackers on physical activity in people aged 60 years and over: A systematic review and meta-analysis', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54, pp. 1188 - 1194, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2018-100324
    Journal articles | 2020
    Silva FG; Oliveira CB; Hisamatsu TM; Negrão Filho RF; Rodrigues CRD; Franco MR; Pinto RZ, 2020, 'Critical evaluation of physical activity questionnaires translated to Brazilian-Portuguese: a systematic review on cross-cultural adaptation and measurements properties', Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 24, pp. 187 - 218, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2019.04.002
    Journal articles | 2019
    Carvalho FA; Elkins MR; Franco MR; Pinto RZ, 2019, 'Are plain-language summaries included in published reports of evidence about physiotherapy interventions? Analysis of 4421 randomised trials, systematic reviews and guidelines on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro)', Physiotherapy (United Kingdom), 105, pp. 354 - 361, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2018.11.003
    Journal articles | 2019
    Demarchi SJ; Oliveira CB; Franco MR; Morelhão PK; Hisamatsu TM; Silva FG; Damato TM; Pinto RZ, 2019, 'Association of perceived physical overload at work with pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a 6-month longitudinal study', European Spine Journal, 28, pp. 1586 - 1593, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00586-019-05986-3
    Journal articles | 2019
    Oliveira CB; Pinheiro MB; Teixeira RJ; Franco MR; Silva FG; Hisamatsu TM; Ferreira PH; Pinto RZ, 2019, 'Physical activity as a prognostic factor of pain intensity and disability in patients with low back pain: A systematic review', European Journal of Pain (United Kingdom), 23, pp. 1251 - 1263, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ejp.1395
    Journal articles | 2019
    Oliveira CB; Pinto RZ; Schabrun SM; Franco MR; Morelhão PK; Silva FG; Damato TM; Negrão Filho RF, 2019, 'Association Between Clinical Tests Related to Motor Control Dysfunction and Changes in Pain and Disability After Lumbar Stabilization Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain', Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 100, pp. 1226 - 1233, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2019.01.019
    Journal articles | 2018
    Franco MR; Grande GHD; Padulla SAT, 2018, 'Effect of pilates exercise for improving balance in older adults (PEDro synthesis)', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52, pp. 199 - 200, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097073
    Journal articles | 2018
    Franco MR; Pinto RZ; Delbaere K; Eto BY; Faria MS; Aoyagi GA; Steffens D; Pastre CM; Zambelli M, 2018, 'Cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties testing of the Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale (Icon-FES)', Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 22, pp. 291 - 303, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.01.003
    Journal articles | 2018
    Morelhão PK; Franco MR; Oliveira CB; Hisamatsu TM; Ferreira PH; Costa LOP; Maher CG; Pinto RZ, 2018, 'Physical activity and disability measures in chronic non-specific low back pain: a study of responsiveness', Clinical Rehabilitation, 32, pp. 1684 - 1695, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0269215518787015
    Journal articles | 2018
    Oliveira CB; Franco MR; Demarchi SJ; Smeets RJEM; Huijnen IPJ; Morelhão PK; Hisamatsu TM; Pinto RZ, 2018, 'Psychometric properties of the photograph series of daily activities-short electronic version (PHODA-SeV) in patients with chronic low back pain', Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 48, pp. 719 - 727, http://dx.doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2018.7864
    Journal articles | 2018
    Oliveira CB; Franco MR; Maher CG; Ferreira PH; Morelhão PK; Damato TM; Gobbi C; Pinto RZ, 2018, 'Physical Activity–Based Interventions Using Electronic Feedback May Be Ineffective in Reducing Pain and Disability in Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis', Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 99, pp. 1900 - 1912, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2017.10.013
    Journal articles | 2018
    Oliveira CB; Franco MR; Maher CG; Tiedemann A; Silva FG; Damato TM; Nicholas MK; Christofaro DGD; Pinto RZ, 2018, 'The efficacy of a multimodal physical activity intervention with supervised exercises, health coaching and an activity monitor on physical activity levels of patients with chronic, nonspecific low back pain (Physical Activity for Back Pain (PAyBACK) trial): Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial', Trials, 19, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13063-017-2436-z
    Journal articles | 2017
    Carvalho FA; Maher CG; Franco MR; Morelhão PK; Oliveira CB; Silva FG; Pinto RZ, 2017, 'Fear of Movement Is Not Associated With Objective and Subjective Physical Activity Levels in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain', Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 98, pp. 96 - 104, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2016.09.115
    Journal articles | 2017
    Carvalho FA; Morelhão PK; Franco MR; Maher CG; Smeets RJEM; Oliveira CB; Freitas Júnior IF; Pinto RZ, 2017, 'Reliability and validity of two multidimensional self-reported physical activity questionnaires in people with chronic low back pain', Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 27, pp. 65 - 70, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2016.12.014
    Journal articles | 2017
    Franco MR; Morelhão PK; de Carvalho A; Pinto RZ, 2017, 'Aquatic exercise for the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis', Physical Therapy, 97, pp. 693 - 697, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzx043
    Journal articles | 2017
    Morelhao PK; Oliveira CB; Franco MR, 2017, 'Interventions to increase physical activity among older adults (PEDro synthesis)', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51, pp. 1375 - 1376, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096859
    Journal articles | 2017
    Oliveira CB; Filho RFN; Franco MR; Morelhão PK; Araujo AC; Pinto RZ, 2017, 'Psychometric properties of the deep muscle contraction scale for assessment of the drawing-in maneuver in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain', Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 47, pp. 432 - 441, http://dx.doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2017.7140
    Journal articles | 2017
    Perracini MR; Franco MRC; Ricci NA; Blake C, 2017, 'Physical activity in older people – Case studies of how to make change happen', Best Practice and Research: Clinical Rheumatology, 31, pp. 260 - 274, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2017.08.007
    Journal articles | 2017
    Uzeloto JS; Moseley AM; Elkins MR; Franco MR; Pinto RZ; Freire APCF; Ramos EMC, 2017, 'The quality of clinical practice guidelines for chronic respiratory diseases and the reliability of the AGREE II: an observational study', Physiotherapy (United Kingdom), 103, pp. 439 - 445, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2016.11.002
    Journal articles | 2016
    Franco MR; Howard K; Sherrington C; Rose J; Ferreira PH; Ferreira ML, 2016, 'Smallest worthwhile effect of exercise programs to prevent falls among older people: Estimates from benefit-harm trade-off and discrete choice methods', Age and Ageing, 45, pp. 806 - 812, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afw110
    Journal articles | 2016
    Franco MR; Sherrington C; Tiedemann A; Pereira LS; Perracini MR; Faria CRS; Pinto RZ; Pastre CM, 2016, 'Effectiveness of Senior Dance on risk factors for falls in older adults (DanSE): A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial', BMJ Open, 6, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013995
    Journal articles | 2016
    Oliveira CB; Franco MR; Maher CG; Christine Lin CW; Morelhão PK; Araújo AC; Negrão Filho RF; Pinto RZ, 2016, 'Physical Activity Interventions for Increasing Objectively Measured Physical Activity Levels in Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review', Arthritis Care and Research, 68, pp. 1832 - 1842, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/acr.22919
    Journal articles | 2016
    Oliveira CB; Pinto RZ; Franco MR, 2016, 'Walking exercise for chronic musculoskeletal pain (PEDro synthesis)', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50, pp. 1346 - 1347, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096245
    Journal articles | 2015
    Franco MR; Howard K; Sherrington C; Ferreira PH; Rose J; Gomes JL; Ferreira ML, 2015, 'Eliciting older people's preferences for exercise programs: A best-worst scaling choice experiment', Journal of Physiotherapy, 61, pp. 34 - 41, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2014.11.001
    Journal articles | 2015
    Franco MR; Tong A; Howard K; Sherrington C; Ferreira PH; Pinto RZ; Ferreira ML, 2015, 'Older people's perspectives on participation in physical activity: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative literature', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49, pp. 1268 - 1276, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2014-094015
    Journal articles | 2014
    Franco MR; Pereira LSM; Ferreira PH, 2014, 'Exercise interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48, pp. 867 - 868, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2012-092065
    Journal articles | 2013
    Franco MR; Ferreira ML; Ferreira PH; Maher CG; Pinto RZ; Cherkin DC, 2013, 'Methodological limitations prevent definitive conclusions on the effects of patients' preferences in randomized clinical trials evaluating musculoskeletal conditions', Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 66, pp. 586 - 598, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2012.12.012
    Journal articles | 2013
    Franco MR; Ferreira ML; Howard K; Sherrington C; Rose J; Haines TP; Ferreira P, 2013, 'How big does the effect of an intervention have to be? Application of two novel methods to determine the smallest worthwhile effect of a fall prevention programme: A study protocol', BMJ Open, 3, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002355
    Journal articles | 2012
    Pinto RZ; Ferreira ML; Oliveira VC; Franco MR; Adams R; Maher CG; Ferreira PH, 2012, 'Patient-centred communication is associated with positive therapeutic alliance: A systematic review', Journal of Physiotherapy, 58, pp. 77 - 87, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1836-9553(12)70087-5
    Journal articles | 2011
    Ferreira PH; Ferreira ML; Nascimento DP; Pinto RZ; Franco MR; Hodges PW, 2011, 'Discriminative and reliability analyses of ultrasound measurement of abdominal muscles recruitment', Manual Therapy, 16, pp. 463 - 469, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2011.02.010
    Journal articles | 2011
    Pinto RZ; Ferreira PH; Franco MR; Ferreira MC; Ferreira ML; Teixeira-Salmela LF; Oliveira VC; Maher C, 2011, 'The effect of lumbar posture on abdominal muscle thickness during an isometric leg task in people with and without non-specific low back pain', Manual Therapy, 16, pp. 578 - 584, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2011.05.010
    Journal articles | 2011
    Pinto RZ; Ferreira PH; Franco MR; Ferreira ML; Ferreira MC; Teixeira-Salmela LF; Maher CG, 2011, 'Effect of 2 lumbar spine postures on transversus abdominis muscle thickness during a voluntary contraction in people with and without low back pain', Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 34, pp. 164 - 172, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.02.009
    Journal articles | 2011
    Pinto RZ; Franco HR; Ferreira PH; Ferreira ML; Franco MR; Hodges PW, 2011, 'Reliability and discriminatory capacity of a clinical scale for assessing abdominal muscle coordination', Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 34, pp. 562 - 569, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.08.003