● Experienced administrator and educator
● Strong leadership skills demonstrated by implementation and coordination of undergraduate and post-graduate level programs
● Possess in-depth knowledge of financial principles related to budgeting, resource allocation and funding Grants
● Over 20 years of experience in teaching for undergraduate and post-graduate students & guiding PhD scholars
• Assessor, NAAC (National assessment and accreditation council)
• Chairman - Institute Ethical Committee , Madhav University, Rajasthan
• Icon of Physiotherapy award from KG Hospital,coimbatore,India
• Member,Editorial board in Science journal of Public health
● Expertise in clinical assessment through hands-on experience in university hospitals, geriatric care
● 30 Research articles published in Thomson Reuters, Scopus and UGC indexed journals
● 2 Patents filed
● Reviewer in Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Burns, Sports Health, Indian Journal
Musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and their association with quality of life and mental health among poultry farm workers – an observational study Karthiga Rajasekaran, Manikumar Muthiah, Joewilson Pasteenraj Work, 2026 Background Poultry industry is vital to the Indian economy, significantly contributing to agriculture and providing low-cost animal protein. India ranks third globally in egg production, with southern states like Tamil Nadu, a major hub for egg and broiler production. Workers in poultry farms face serious health hazards because of their physically demanding jobs, which include handling heavy loads and performing repetitive motions. Individuals with mental stress often experience higher frequencies of musculoskeletal pain. The physically demanding nature of these jobs exacerbates musculoskeletal pain and fatigue that can affect one's QOL and mental well-being. Objective To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and fatigue and their associations with quality of life and mental health among poultry farm workers. Methods An observational study was conducted from May 2024 to July 2024, involving 369 poultry farm workers in southern Tamilnadu district. Data were collected using the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (Tamil version) to assess musculoskeletal pain, the Fatigue Assessment Scale to measure fatigue levels, the WHOQOL-BREF (Tamil version) to evaluate quality of life, and the GHQ-28 (Tamil version) to assess mental health status. Results Chi-square analysis showed significant associations between pain and physical QoL (χ² = 203.08), psychological QoL (χ² = 125.25), and mental health (χ² = 196.59) (p < 0.05). Fatigue was also significantly associated with physical QoL (χ² = 22.80), psychological QoL (χ² = 8.03), and mental health (χ² = 26.71) (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study highlights the high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and fatigue among poultry farm workers and their significant associations with QoL and mental health.
A protocol to study the effect of targeted parental education intervention to identify early childhood development disorder – multisite interventional study Vadivelan Kanniappan, Prakash Muthuperumal, P. Venkataraman, Anuradha Murugesan, Balaji Chinnasami, Manikumar Muthiah, Subramanian Sethuraman, Abishek J. R., Shrisruthi Suresh, Murali Krishnan Nambirajan, Angeline Grace G., Veeragoudhaman T. S., Kuberan Deivasigamani Archives of Public Health, 2025 Background In India, approximately 3.5 million children are affected by Developmental Delay (DD), often stemming from preterm births. These delays contribute to neurological and motor development delays, placing a significant financial burden on families. Maternal unemployment rates are also elevated in such cases. Delayed Developmental Milestones identification, often due to a lack of parental awareness, further compounds these challenges. This study introduces a multiphasic approach aimed at educating antenatal women on monitoring neurological maturation, with the overarching objective of assessing the effectiveness of a targeted multi-method parental education intervention in improving parents’ knowledge and early detection of developmental disorders in early childhood. Methods Antenatal women will be assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention group will undergo specialized training in a multiphasic study, while the control group will receive routine care. A meticulously developed intervention module for early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders will empower mothers to monitor their newborns for potential deficits. Outcomes will be assessed through questionnaires, analyzing knowledge improvement and early identification of DD using statistical methods such as chi-square tests. The study involves three phases: preparatory, implementation, and evaluation, aiming to empower mothers to detect developmental concerns early and improve maternal awareness of child development. The study was approved by the SRM Institutional Ethical Committee with the reference number 8688/IEC/2023. Discussion This study will identify DD and improve parental awareness by providing tools for early detection thereby empowers parents to identify developmental concerns early. The study supports policy goals to reduce the burden of DD, enhance early intervention, and improve long-term outcomes for children. It is anticipated that this intervention will complement existing health policies, contributing to better child health and developmental outcomes in India. Trial registration Trail is registered under Clinical Trails Registry - India (CTRI/2024/04/065008) registered on 01 April 2024.
A Systematic Review of Neurodevelopmental Tools for Preterm Infants during Infancy: Mapping the Components Across Infant Age Quarters Vadivelan Kanniappan, Manikumar Muthiah, J R Abishek, S Shrisruthi, Balaji Chinnasami, Subramanian Sethuraman, Prakash Muthuperumal, Manju Bashini Manoharan, Devendhiran Raja, Saranraj Selavaraj Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 2025 With an increasing rate of preterm birth (PTB) and survival rates, PTB-related impairments have become a critical concern that requires early screening and intervention. Though there are multiple neurodevelopmental tools available, their complexity in administration, limits their usage. This research intends to systematic review the available neurodevelopmental assessment tools to map their components in relevant domains in each age quarter of a preterm infant’s life to give a quick reference guide for clinical practice in India. A systematic review was undertaken using key keywords linked to preterm newborns and neurodevelopmental assessment in PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and gray literature published from 2000 to 2023. The initial search identified 30 neurodevelopmental tools, but only 10 were included in the analysis due to accessibility constraints. The first quarter concentrated on a great deal on primitive reflexes, which might serve as early warnings of a red flag. Although these tools are used in research, most lack extensive psychometric evaluations specific to preterm populations, raising concern validity and geographical sensitivity, especially in India. There is critical need to establish the psychometrics of the identified tools in preterm population. The components plotted over infant age quarters may be used by health care professionals for a quick reference. Inaccessibility of tools being the major hinderance in pediatric evaluation, these charted components may serve a practical reference frame work for establishing a comprehensive tool that might require less or minimal training suitable for low- and middle-income countries like India.
Impact of model physiotherapy centres in reducing the burden among the caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders in the rural area of Tamil Nadu: a study protocol Vadivelan Kanniappan, Prakash Muthuperumal, P. Venkataraman, T. S. Veeragoudhaman, Balaji Chinnasami, Manikumar Muthiah, Abishek Jayapal Rajeswari, Manju Bashini Manoharan, Shrisruthi Suresh, Ashok Natesan Journal of Health Population and Nutrition, 2024 Background Approximately 1 in 8 children under the age of 6 in Tamil Nadu are diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), yet only a fraction of these children receives proper medical care. The unequal distribution of healthcare services is mainly due to the lack of accessibility, especially in rural areas, leading to a significant burden on caregivers. This research aims to alleviate caregiver burden and reduce disability in preschool children by establishing model clinics or specialized outreach centers in rural villages, supported by SRM Institute of Science and Technology under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Scheme.(UBA-SRMIST). Methods The study will commence with screening all preschool children registered in Anganwadi in the designated villages. Tailored model clinics will be set up in these villages based on the prevalence of NDD. Once established, children diagnosed with NDD will undergo rehabilitation for a year. Baseline and endline assessments will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the model center on both the child's disability and the caregiver burden. Discussion This research will demonstrate the effectiveness of a model outreach center in rural villages in reducing disability levels in children and alleviating caregiver burden by eliminating the need for long travels to access rehabilitation services. The findings of this study will not only contribute to the objectives of UBA-SRMIST in uplifting villages but also facilitate the creation of registries and provision of data to the government for the implementation of policies that address the current disparities in healthcare access. Trial registration Trail has been registered under Clinical Trials Registry—India (CTRI/2024/06/069196).
Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and depression status among pregnant women in rural population in Kancheepuram District M Sandhya, M Manikumar, SJenifer Augustina, M Kamalakannan Journal of Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences University, 2022 Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition that lasts for a short period of time during pregnancy. It is usually diagnosed in the second trimester of gestational period and present in almost 12% of pregnant women. Aim: The main aim of the study is to find the prevalence of GDM and depression status among pregnant women in rural population in Kancheepuram district. Methodology: Total of 150 pregnant women belongs to rural area were selected for the study to find out the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus. Pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of fetal age were included in the study, and pregnant women below 24 weeks and above 28 weeks of the fetal age and women who refused to participate in the study were excluded. Detailed procedure was explained, and written consent was obtained from the subjects. The Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India criteria were used for the diagnosis of GDM, and Edinburgh postnatal depression assessment tool was used to measure the depression level among the pregnant women with GDM. Results: About 40% of the women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, in which out of 40%, 32% of the women with gestational diabetes were also suffered from depression during pregnancy. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is a high incidence of diabetes during pregnancy among women in rural population in Kancheepuram district. Age, gravida status, parity, and obesity are the main risk factors that are strongly related to gestational diabetes.
Does Strength training improve quality of life and balance related confidence in older adults? Sarulatha Haridass, Manikumar M., Vasanthan Rajagopalan, Vijayaraghavan R., Ramesh Kumar Jeyaraman Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 2022 Background: Individual above the age of 60 years belong to the rapidly raising proportion in Indian population. Aging results in decline in the performance of daily activities that rely on the mobility and balance represent a solemn drip in the functional status leading to the risk of institutionalization. Adopting a regular physical activity and targeting the muscle weakness through resistance training would produce greater benefits in this population. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of progressive strength training on balance related confidence and health related quality of life. Study design – Quasi experimental study. Method: This study was conducted in elderly between 60 to 75 years from residential care homes. Nearly 23 participants received progressive strengthening exercises for 8 weeks. The effect of strength training on balance confidence and quality of life were analysed using activity specific balance confidence (ABC) scale and Euro quality of life questionnaire (EQL-5D-5L) respectively. Result: Progressive strength training showed significant improvements in quality of life and balance related self confidence measure in elderly with impaired balance. Conclusion: Engagement of older adults in strengthening activities involving major muscle groups are essential component in elderly rehabilitation to maintain and control the age related wane in physical activity.
A comparative study on effectiveness of craniosacral therapy versus self sustained natural apophyseal glide (SNAG) in the management of cervicogenic headache A. Pahinian, M. Manikumar, R. Monisha, D. Devaki Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development, 2019 Background: Headache that is caused by the structures of the upper neck is called cervicogenic headache. It usually starts on one or both sides of the upper neck area and then spreads to different area in forehead and face , there is a continuous need for some non-pharmacological intervention in the management of headache. Objective: The aim of the study is to find the effectiveness of Craniosacral therapy and SNAG in cervicogenic headache patients to reduce the headache symptoms and improve the quality of life. Methodology: Total number of participants in this study in 30 subjects and randomly allocated to two groups, 15 patients with cervico-genic headache in group A receives Cranio-sacral therapy and 15 in group B receives SNAG. The period of intervention for each participant was 3 weeks alternative days and total study duration was 3 months. Discussion: From the statistical tool it has been analyzed the group A shows significant reduction of headache symptoms and the level of pain than compared with group B. Conclusion: It has been concluded that craniosacral therapy shows that more significant reduction of headache symptoms and pain in cervicogenic headache patients than compared with SNAG group.
Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among Indian population E. Shanmugananth, Sumitra Singh, Ritu Ahlawat, Gopal Nambi, G. Sperjan, Manoj Abraham, Manikumar, Kalindi Dev Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 2019 INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is now known as a distinct clinical entity with more consistent or consensus definitions in most international guideline documents such as the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COLD)1. The confusion remains in the minds of medical practitioners especially at the primary care levels2. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the COPD as a major public health problem in India and call for more research to be directed towards preventive measures and efforts. METHODS: A qualitative survey study design was used to find the prevalence of COPD among Indian population. Purposive samples of 1000 people of both male and female were selected in the India. The participants were selected through ‘cluster sampling’. The samplings were collected through all Indian residence into five zones and in each zone 200 COPD questionnaires were distributed by door to door visiting. Subjects were separated by inclusion and exclusion criteria. DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS: Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16 and level of significance CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that there is low prevalence of COPD (9%) among Indian population whereas this differs in region wise throughout India. COPD is one of major causes of disability. The one of the major cause of COPD are pollution and lack of awareness according to our study research.
Action of ultrasound therapy in altering motor nerve conduction velocity of ulnar nerve Prathap Suganthirababu, Jagatheesan Alagesan, Lavanya Prathap, M. Manikumar, A. Kumaresan, Naseema Banu Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal, 2019 Ultrasound therapy is one of the commonest and most popular modality used for tissue healing, pain reduction, tissue extensibility and in inflammation by physiotherapists all around the globe. Various sensitivity tests on peripheral nerves are done with ultrasound therapy, yet conclusions are still skeptical, which makes it inconclusive in progressing the modality further into management of nerve disorders. This study aimed to analyze efficiency of therapeutic ultrasound in influencing ulnar nerve conduction velocity. To Analyze the effect of ultrasound therapy in altering motor nerve conduction velocity of ulnar nerve with two therapeutic frequencies. 40 healthy individuals were included according to the selection criteria and they were explained about safety and simplicity of procedure and informed consent was obtained. All the participants were randomly assigned into two groups as 20 in each group. Group-A was given ultrasound therapy at specific site of elbow to target the ulnar nerve with 1MHz frequency and Group–B followed the same procedure with 3MHz frequency. Pre and Post to ultrasound therapy application Motor Nerve Conduction Velocity (MNCV) of ulnar nerve were recorded for both the groups. The posttest mean of MNCV for forearm segment and arm segment for Group A and Group B showed statistically significant difference (P Value <0.001).The analysis done by the statistical data also revealed that the MNCV at forearm segment showed an increase in velocity compared to its pretest values, whereas the post MNCV values at arm component showed a decrease in velocity when compared to its pretest values. Among comparison the data within the groups it is evident that group A with 1 MHz of ultrasound sonification is more capable of altering the MNCV values in comparison with the 3MHz. frequency. Findings of this study conclude that ultrasound therapy can be used effectively in altering conduction velocity of a nerve and it has a potential ability to facilitate or inhibit a nerve physiological function.
Efficacy of slump stretching in combinations with conventional therapy in chronic non-radicular low back pain - A randomized control trial Biomedicine India, 2018
