Laboratory Teaching Staff at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens,
Greece 🎓
Dr. Katerina Asonitou, a highly accomplished academic and researcher, is part of the Laboratory Teaching Staff in the Adapted Physical Activity/Developmental & Physical Disabilities Lab at the School of Physical Education & Sports Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). Her research spans cognitive-motor behavior, intervention strategies for children with developmental coordination disorder, and the promotion of adapted physical activities to enhance social integration for children with disabilities. Dr. Asonitou has published over 60 works in international journals and books and actively contributes to various international research collaborations. Her academic background is distinguished by dual bachelor’s degrees in Physical Education and Pedagogy and a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology.
Professional Profile
Education 🎓:
Dr. Asonitou holds an impressive academic background rooted in multidisciplinary studies. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education & Sports Science, specializing in Adapted Physical Activity, from the School of Physical Education & Sport Science at NKUA, Greece. Her passion for early education led her to complete another Bachelor of Arts in Pedagogy for Preschool Education from NKUA’s Faculty of Early Childhood Education. She then pursued advanced studies, obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy in Cognitive Psychology, specializing in Special Physical Education, from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Greece. This unique blend of education equips Dr. Asonitou with a comprehensive understanding of physical activity, psychology, and education, forming a strong foundation for her impactful research and teaching career in cognitive-motor behaviors and developmental disorders.
Work Experience 💼:
Dr. Katerina Asonitou has established herself as an expert in Adapted Physical Activity through her multifaceted career at NKUA. As a member of the Laboratory Teaching Staff, she has influenced both undergraduate and postgraduate students, teaching courses in developmental disorders, special physical education, and adapted physical activities. Her professional experience is enriched by her active participation in over 30 international and national conferences, where she has shared her research findings on developmental coordination disorder and cognitive-motor skill development in children. Dr. Asonitou has also contributed to 30 educational seminars, emphasizing her commitment to disseminating knowledge and promoting inclusive education. Her professional collaborations with institutions like the University of Verona, UCR University of California Riverside, and Norwegian University of Science and Technology further amplify her impact, enabling her to drive research innovations in adapted physical activity and cognitive psychology across borders.
Awards and Honors 🏆
Dr. Asonitou’s contributions to adapted physical activity and cognitive psychology have earned her numerous recognitions. She is highly regarded for her work on developmental coordination disorder and cognitive-motor skills, which has attracted international recognition through her publications, books, and collaborative projects. In 2023, she received a prestigious academic grant for her research on adaptive physical education programs for children with developmental disabilities. She has also been honored with research partnerships from esteemed institutions worldwide, including Italy’s Centro di Ricerca Sullo Sviluppo Motorio nell’Infanzia and the University of California Riverside. Her works in cross-cultural physical literacy have received commendation, particularly her influential toolkit publications in multiple languages. Dr. Asonitou’s dedication and research excellence continue to make her a respected figure in adapted physical education and a role model in fostering inclusivity for children with special needs.
Research Focus 🔬:
Dr. Asonitou’s research is dedicated to advancing cognitive-motor behavior studies in children, especially those diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Her work aims to develop effective motor learning strategies and intervention programs tailored to support children with special needs. She also focuses on designing adapted physical activity programs to promote social integration, sports participation, and leisure for children with developmental disabilities in school and preschool settings. Her research explores the assessment of both motor and cognitive skills in children, regardless of disability, using innovative methodologies such as hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis to reveal DCD subtypes. Through her research, Dr. Asonitou advocates for evidence-based educational frameworks and has developed cross-cultural physical literacy toolkits in multiple languages. Her collaborations with global institutions reflect her commitment to creating inclusive, supportive environments for children with developmental challenges, positioning her as a leader in adapted physical education.
📚 Publications
Motor and cognitive performance differences between children with and without developmental coordination disorder (DCD)
Authors: K. Asonitou, D. Koutsouki, T. Kourtessis, S. Charitou
Citations: 205
Year: 2012
Effects of an adapted physical activity program on physical fitness of adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: K. Asonitou, T. Mpampoulis, H. Irakleous-Paleologou, D. Koutsouki
Citations: 80
Year: 2018
Sport orientations and goal perspectives of wheelchair athletes
Authors: E.K. Skordilis, D. Koutsouki, K. Asonitou, E. Evans, B. Jensen, K. Wall
Citations: 77
Year: 2001
Comparison of sport achievement orientation of male professional, amateur, and wheelchair basketball athletes
Authors: E.K. Skordilis, A. Gavriilidis, S. Charitou, K. Asonitou
Citations: 60
Year: 2003
Motor skills and cognitive abilities as a precursor of academic performance in children with and without DCD
Authors: K. Asonitou, D. Koutsouki, S. Charitou
Citations: 48
Year: 2010
Cross-cultural aspects: Exploring motor competence among 7-to 8-year-old children from Greece, Italy, and Norway
Authors: M. Haga, P. Tortella, K. Asonitou, S. Charitou, D. Koutsouki, G. Fumagalli, et al.
Citations: 47
Year: 2018
Cognitive process-based subtypes of developmental coordination disorder (DCD)
Authors: K. Asonitou, D. Koutsouki
Citations: 45
Year: 2016
Sport as a means of inclusion and integration for “those of us with disabilities”
Authors: I. Kamberidou, A. Bonias, N. Patsantaras
Citations: 43
Year: 2019
Cognition, intelligence, and achievement: A tribute to JP Das
Authors: T.C. Papadopoulos, R.K. Parrila, J.R. Kirby
Citations: 38
Year: 2015
Prediction of infant’s motor development
Authors: S. Charitou, K. Asonitou, D. Koutsouki
Citations: 32
Year: 2010