Delena Caagbay

Lecturer - Physiotherapy

Email: delena.caagbay@nd.edu.au

  • Biography

    Delena Caagbay is a physiotherapist, educator, and researcher with expertise across clinical practice, higher education, and public health. She holds a PhD and Master of Public Health from the University of Sydney, and a Master of Science in Physiotherapy from Andrews University. Her doctoral research focused on developing an educational resource for Nepali women living with pelvic organ prolapse, reflecting her commitment to women’s health, health literacy, and health equity.

    Delena is a Lecturer in the Master of Physiotherapy program at the University of Notre Dame Australia, where she teaches musculoskeletal physiotherapy and evidence-based practice. Her teaching is informed by extensive experience in tertiary and vocational education, including curriculum design, blended learning, and educational innovation.

    In parallel with her academic role, Delena practises as a senior physiotherapist with expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, chronic pain, and women’s health. She adopts a biopsychosocial, person-centred approach to support individuals across the lifespan.  Her research interests include pelvic health, health equity, and health literacy, with publications contributing to both clinical practice and health education. Across her professional roles, Delena is committed to translating research into practice and improving health outcomes through education, collaboration, and evidence-informed care.

  • Teaching areas

    • Muscoskeletal physiotherapy
    • Evidence-based practice
    • Lifespan
    • Physiotherapy fundamentals

  • Research expertise and supervision

    • Pelvic health
    • Health literacy
    • Train-the-trainer
    • Reproductive health in low resource settings
    • Health Equity
    • Chronic pain

  • Journal articles and proceedings

      • Jeppson, P. C., Balgobin, S., Wheeler, T., Forner, L., Caagbay, D., Thompson, J., ... & Sung, V. (2025). Impact of Lifestyle Modifications on the Prevention and Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse. International Urogynecology Journal
      • Liebert, A., Pang, V., Caagbay, D., Arshinikova, L., & Kiat, H. (2022). Narrative Review of Russian, Ukrainian and English-Language Publications Investigating the Effects of Photobiomodulation on Red Blood Cell Physiology. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery.
      • Caagbay, D., Fatakia, F. T., Dietz, H. P., Raynes-Greenow, C., Martinho, N., & Black, K. I. (2020). Is pelvic floor muscle strength and thickness associated with pelvic organ prolapse in Nepali women?–A cross- sectional study. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy.
        Caagbay, D., Raynes-Greenow, C., Dangal, G., Mc Geechan, K., & Black, K. I. (2020).
      • Impact of an informational flipchart on lifestyle advice for Nepali women with a pelvic organ prolapse: a randomized controlled trial. International Urogynecology Journal
        Martinho, N., Botelho, S., Nagib, A., Jales, R. M., Turel, F., Caagbay, D., & Riccetto, C. (2020).
      • Four‐dimensional translabial ultrasound concordance with digital palpation and surface electromyography during dynamic pelvic floor muscles assessment: A cross‐sectional study. Neurourology and Urodynamics
      • Caagbay, D. (2019). Pelvic organ prolapse in Nepal: developing and evaluating an enhanced communication tool of conservative treatment strategies for women living in rural and remote communities. Doctor of Philosophy Thesis
      • Turel F, Caagbay D, Dietz HP (2018). Prevalence of maternal birth trauma in Nepali women. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine
        Caagbay, D., Black, K., Wattimena, J., & Raynes-Greenow, C. (2018). Teaching pelvic floor muscle training to local health workers in rural Nepal. International Journal of Health Promotion and Education
      • Turel F, Caagbay D, Dietz HP. (2017) OP28. 03: The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse in a Nepali gynecology clinic. Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
      • Turel F, Caagbay D, Dietz HP. (2017) Functional pelvic floor anatomy in Nepali women attending a general gynaecology clinic. International Urogynecology Journal
      • Caagbay D, Black K, Dangal G, Raynes-Greenow, C. (2017) Can a leaflet with brief verbal instruction teach Nepali women how to correctly contract their pelvic floor muscles? Journal of Nepal Health Research Council

  • Conference papers

      • International Urogynecological Association (NLD)
      • Australian Physiotherapy Association Conference (AUS)
      • World Confederation of Physical Therapy Congress (CHE)
      • Australian Public Health Conference (AUS)
      • Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Annual Scientific Meeting (AUS)
      • New Zealand Physiotherapy Conference (NZL)
      • Australasian Epidemiological Association Scientific meeting (AUS)
      • Australian and Pacific Rim Universities Global Health Program (AUS)

  • Professional affiliations

    • Australian Physiotherapy Association
    • Australasian Menopause Society
    • International Urogynecological Association
    • Australian Medical Photobiomodulation Association - Committee Member