Asst.Prof.Weerasak Tapanya

Lecturer

  • 0869236141
  • weerasak.ta@up.ac.th

Work Address

  • School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao Phayao, Thailand 56000

Contact address

  • School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao Phayao, Thailand 56000

about us

I am currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Phayao, Thailand. My academic and research interests lie at the intersection of human movement science, biomechanics, and clinical application. I am particularly drawn to understanding how movement patterns affect physical performance, rehabilitation outcomes, and long-term musculoskeletal health. My research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise interventions, with special attention to aging populations and individuals suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders. I am also deeply engaged in the field of ergonomics, exploring its potential to prevent injuries and enhance occupational well-being. Through applied biomechanics, I aim to improve movement efficiency and minimize the risk of injury. Ultimately, my work seeks to contribute to the advancement of evidence-based physiotherapy, promote better quality of life among the elderly, and encourage interdisciplinary approaches in rehabilitation and functional assessment.

Education

  • 2018-2021

    ปรัชญาดุษฎีบัณฑิต (วิทยาศาสตร์การเคลื่อนไหวของมนุษย์)

    มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น

  • 2012-2013

    วิทยาศาสตรมหาบัณฑิต (วิทยาศาสตร์การเคลื่อนไหวและการออกกำลังกาย)

    มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่

  • 2007-2010

    วิทยาศาสตรบัณฑิต (กายภาพบำบัด) เกียรตินิยมอันดับ 1 เหรียญทอง

    มหาวิทยาลัยนเรศวร (พะเยา)

Research main interests

Human Movement Analysis Therapeutic exercise Work related Musculoskeletal disorder Ergonomics Biomechanics Physiotherapy

Published papers

Sangkarit, N., & Tapanya, W. (2026). Age-related structure-function decoupling: A Neuromechanical hypothesis of functional mobility. Medical Hypotheses, 112159.

Tapanya, W., & Sangkarit, N. (2026). The Pseudo-stability paradox: a compensatory neuromechanical stiffening hypothesis in Dynapenic older adults. Medical Hypotheses, 112153.

Thinlampang, W., Tapanya, W., Intajak, W., Karaket, S., & Sangkarit, N. (2026). Radial shockwave therapy versus short-wave diathermy for pain, neuromechanical, and functional outcomes in older adults with lumbar spondylosis: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rheumatology, 1-15.

Amput, P., Tapanya, W., Sangkarit, N., Ladawan, S., & Wongphon, S. (2026). Clinical predictors of impaired pulmonary diffusing capacity in patients recovering from COVID-19: A secondary analysis of multicentre datasets. Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy: CJRT= Revue Canadienne de la Thérapie Respiratoire: RCTR, 62, 127.

Jeamtrakool, S., Tapanya, W., Sangkarit, N., Wongphoek, J., & Chotjaroenrat, M. (2026). Biomechanical constraints of excessive adiposity on smartphone-derived directional acceleration and dynamic balance during unilateral sit-to-stand transitions in young adults. Scientific Reports.

Tapanya, W., & Sangkarit, N. (2026). The systemic-postural vulnerability hypothesis: physiological burden and domain-specific motor delays in preterm infants. Medical Hypotheses, 112062.

Fapinyo, C., Tapanya, W., Sinnathakorn, N., Sukson, P., Ngiamphaisan, W., & Sangkarit, N. (2026). Smartphone-Derived Movement Analysis for Musculoskeletal Assessment: Smartphone-Estimated Relative Vertical Power During the Sit-to-Stand Test as an Accessible Predictor of Knee Extensor Strength in Older Adults. Medicina, 62(6), 1195.

Sangkarit, N., & Tapanya, W. (2026). Multidimensional biomechanical modulation of walking reveals a threshold decline in distal ankle propulsion across aging. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 1-15.

Sangkarit, N., Tapanya, W., Amput, P., & Poncumhak, P. (2026). Environmental mechanics shape segmental trunk control in moderate-to-late preterm infants: A longitudinal analysis examining predictions of the environmental-sensorimotor cascade. Infant Behavior and Development, 83, 102204.

Sitthiracha, P., Siripunya, A., Tabtimlek, S., Tohlu, R., Pattaranit, P., Sangkarit, N., & Tapanya, W. (2026). Acute effects of chest binding on respiratory mechanics and cervicothoracic kinematics in healthy females: a randomized crossover study. Retos, 81, 192-202.

Poncumhak, P., Duangsanjun, W., Tapanya, W., & Thammachai, A. (2026). Diagnostic accuracy of the Fast Timed Up and Go test for identifying low lower-limb functional power in community-dwelling Thai older women: a cross-sectional study using sit-to-stand-derived muscle power as the reference standard. Korean Journal of Family Medicine.

Tapanya, W., & Sangkarit, N. (2026). Machine Learning Identifies Distinct Biomechanical Gait Phenotypes in Pediatric and Adolescent Ataxia: Establishing a Clinical Decision Model. Biomechanics, 6(2), 44.

Sangkarit, N., & Tapanya, W. (2026). The cognitive scaling decoupling hypothesis: Is Parkinsonian gait disruption a failure of internal physical model calibration rather than pure motor execution?. Medical Hypotheses, 111986.

Tapanya, W., Sangkarit, N., & Sitthiracha, P. (2026). The muscle power masking hypothesis: high mechanical capacity conceals non-muscular initiation delays in functional mobility assessment. Medical Hypotheses, 111990.

Tapanya, W., & Sangkarit, N. (2026). Speed as a compensatory stabilizer: the momentum-dependent hypothesis of pediatric gait maturation and its implications for hidden motor deficits. Medical Hypotheses, 111988.

Sangkarit, N., Tapanya, W., & Konsanit, S. (2026). Reliability and minimal detectable change of smartphone accelerometry for single-leg stability assessment in young adults. Retos, 78, 305-318.

Sangkarit, N., & Tapanya, W. (2026). Biomechanical Phenotyping of Forced Expiration for Precision Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Machine Learning Approach to Identify Structural and Kinetic Drivers. Advances in Respiratory Medicine, 94(2), 26.

Sangkarit, N., Tapanya, W., & Konsanit, S. (2026). Arm elevation as a compensatory neuromechanical strategy during smartphone use: a hypothesis on segmental reweighting for postural stability. Medical Hypotheses, 209, 111900.

Tapanya, W., & Sangkarit, N. (2026). The assistive force compensation hypothesis: from ankle weakness to postural instability through a neuromechanical adaptation pathway. Medical Hypotheses, 111955.

Tapanya, W., & Sangkarit, N. (2026). An environmental–sensorimotor cascade hypothesis: Spatial and mechanical affordances shape segmental trunk control in preterm infants. Medical Hypotheses, 111918.

Sangkarit, N., & Tapanya, W. (2026). A neuromechanical hypothesis of compensatory arm assistance as a biomarker of lower-limb weakness in aging. Medical Hypotheses, 111904.

Sangkarit N, Tapanya W, Poncumhak P, Amput P, Konsanit S. A multivariate logistic regression model for fall risk prediction based on physical performance in community-dwelling elderly. Retos. 2025;75:583-595. doi:10.47197/retos.v75.117848

Amput P, Tapanya W, Sangkarit N, Wongphon S. Minimal Detectable Changes by the 2-Minute Marching Test for Easy Evaluation of Cardiorespiratory Response in Youth Following COVID-19 Infection. COVID. 2026; 6(1):16. https://doi.org/10.3390/covid6010016

Sangkarit N, Tapanya W*. Does Speed-Normalized Double-Support Reflect Gait Stability in Parkinson’s Disease? A Model-Based Analysis. Biomechanics. 2025; 5(4):102. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomechanics5040102

Amput P, Tapanya W, Wongphon S, Naravejsakul K, Sritiyot T. Test-Retest Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change of the 6-Minute Step Test and 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test in Post-COVID-19 Patients. Adv Respir Med. 2025;93(5):33. Published 2025 Sep 8. doi:10.3390/arm93050033

Sangkarit N, Tapanya W*, Poncumhak P, Amput P, Konsanit S. Evaluating the test-retest reliability of knee extensor muscle strength measurement in older adults with nintendo wii balance board: A comparison of single, maximum, and averaged trials. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2025;45:206-214. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.08.024

Suwannakul, B., Sangkarit, N., Thammachai, A., & Tapanya, W.* (2024). Effects of Surya Namaskar yoga on perceived stress, anthropometric parameters, and physical fitness in overweight and obese female university students: A randomized controlled trial. Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal, 45(01), 23-33. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1013702525500027.

Tapanya, W., Sangkarit, N., Poncumhak, P., Konsanit, S. (2025). Evaluating fall risk in community-dwelling older adults through balance assessment with the Nintendo Wii Balance Board. Human Movement, 26(1), 161-171. https://doi.org/10.5114/hm/200086

Sangkarit, N., Tapanya, W., Amput, P., Muangchuen, C., Seeta, P., & Paleeta, W. (2025). Assessment of balance in overweight and obese young adults: utilizing centre of pressure displacement variables in the single leg sit-to-stand test. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 30(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2025.2470188

Tapanya, W., Sangkarit, N., & Amput, P. (2024). Exploring Nintendo Wii Balance Board as a Tool to Assess Lower Limb Muscle Strength for Fall Risk Screening in Elderly Women. Translational Medicine of Aging, 9. 

Tapanya, W., & Sangkarit, N. (2024). Effects of forward head posture on the centre of pressure sway during dual-task balancing with smartphone engagement. Human Movement, 25, 31-42. 

Sangkarit, N., Tapanya, W., Panmatchaya, C., Sangpasit, A., & Thatawong, K. (2024). Effects of 4 weeks of play in standing and walking on gross motor ability and segmental trunk control in preterm infants using a playpen: A randomized control trial. Early Human Development, 198, 106121. 

Tapanya, W., & Sangkarit, N. (2024). Smartphone Usage and Postural Stability in Individuals With Forward Head Posture: A Nintendo Wii Balance Board Analysis. Annals of rehabilitation medicine, 48. 

Sangkarit, N., & Tapanya, W. (2024). Factors influencing on gross motor skills in infants: Implications for walking development. Early Human Development, 195, 106076.

Suwannakul, B., Sangkarit, N., Thammachai, A., & Tapanya, W. (2024). Effects of Surya Namaskar yoga on perceived stress, anthropometric parameters, and physical¯tness in overweight and obese female university students: A randomized controlled trial. Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal, 1-11.

Tapanya, W., Sangkarit, N., Manoy, P., & Konsanit, S. (2024). Modified Squat Test for Predicting Knee Muscle Strength in Older Adults. Annals of geriatric medicine and research, 28.

Sangkarit, N., Tapanya, W., Srithawong, A., Amput, P., & Suwannakul, B. (2024). Predicting Age of Independent Walking in Preterm Infants: A Longitudinal Study Using Neonatal Characteristics and Motor Development Variables. Annals of rehabilitation medicine, 48.

Tapanya, W., Kumfu, S., Sangkarit, N., Amput, P., & Konsanit, S. (2023). Overweight in elderly increases postural instability during sit-to-stand test: a Kinect-based assessment. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 35, 1-8.

Amput, P., Tapanya, W., Sangkarit, N., Konsanit, S., & Wongphon, S. (2023). Balance Ability and Quality of Life in Older Adult with Recovery from Mild COVID-19. Annals of geriatric medicine and research, 27. 

Tapanya, W., Maharan, S., Sangkarit, N., Poncumhak, P., & Konsanit, S. (2023). Using a Standing Heel-Rise Test as a Predictor of Ankle Muscle Strength in the Elderly. Sports, 11.

Suwannakul, B., Sangkarit, N., Intapanya, C., Sompet, N., Chantakhat, P., & Tapanya, W. (2023). Stress and physical fitness among female university students who regularly exercise during the previous two months. Archives of Allied Health Sciences, 35(2), 35–45.

Tapanya, W., Maharan, S., Amput, P., Sangkarit, N., & Suwannakul, B. (2023). The Influence of Knee Extensor and Ankle Plantar Flexor Strength on Single-Leg Standing Balance in Older Women. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 8, 67.

Tapanya, W., Sangkarit, N., Amput, P., & Konsanit, S. (2023). Lower extremity muscle strength equation of older adults assessed by Five Time Sit to Stand Test (FTSST). Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal, 43, 1-10. 

Maharan, S., Sungkamanee, S., Tapanya, W., Srithawong, A., Poncumhak, P., Amput, P., Sangkarit, N., Hongluek, C., & Ladawan, S. (2023). Short-Term Effects of Home-Based Isometric Quadriceps Exercise Alleviated Pain and Improved Quality of Life in Elderly People with Dominant Symptomatic Pain of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Control Trial. Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, 26, 14-26. 

Suwannakul, B., Sangkarit, N., Manoy, P., Amput, P., & Tapanya, W. (2023). Association between Stress and Physical Fitness of University Students Post-COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 8, 33. 

Lwin, M., Puntumetakul, R., Sae-Jung, S., Tapanya, W., Chatchawan, U., & Chatprem, T. (2022). Physical Performance Tests in Adult Neck Pain Patients with and without Clinical Myelopathic Signs: A Matched Case-Control Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19, 10331.

Sangkarit, N., Siritaratiwat, W., Bennett, S., & Tapanya, W. (2021). Factors Associating with the Segmental Postural Control during Sitting in Moderate-to-Late Preterm Infants via Longitudinal Study. Children, 8, 851.

Tapanya, W., Puntumetakul, R., Neubert, M., Hunsawong, T., & Boucaut, R. (2021). Ergonomic arm support prototype device for smartphone users reduces neck and shoulder musculoskeletal loading and fatigue. Applied Ergonomics, 95, 103458.

Tapanya, W., Neubert, M., Puntumetakul, R., & Boucaut, R. (2021). The effects of shoulder posture on neck and shoulder musculoskeletal loading and discomfort during smartphone usage. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 85, 103175. 

Puntumetakul, R., Saiklang, P., Tapanya, W., Chatprem, T., Kanpittaya, J., Arayawichanon, P., & Boucaut, R. (2021). The Effects of Core Stabilization Exercise with the Abdominal Drawing-in Maneuver Technique versus General Strengthening Exercise on Lumbar Segmental Motion in Patients with Clinical Lumbar Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial with 12-Month Follow-Up. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18, 7811.

Tapanya, W., Puntumetakul, R., Neubert, M., & Boucaut, R. (2021). Influence of Neck Flexion Angle on Gravitational Moment and Neck Muscle Activity when using a Smartphone while Standing. Ergonomics, 64, 1-33.

Sangkarit, N. ., & Tapanya, W. . (2020). An immediate effects of an intervention program “segmental trunk control intervention with the pelvic and lower limbs exercises” in children with inadequate trunk control. Archives of Allied Health Sciences, 32(1), 15–27.

Tapanya, W. ., Maharan, S. ., & Sangkarit, N. (2020). Relationship between Plantar Flexor Muscle Strength and Standing Heel Rise Test in Community-dwelling Elderly. Archives of Allied Health Sciences, 32(1), 71–81.

Tapanya, W., Kumfu, S., Sangkarit, N., & Puntumetakul, R. (2020). Test-retest reliability of body center of mass sway during Five Time Sit to Stand Test; FTSST assessed by Kinect-Based Exergames device in healthy elderly. Srinagarind Medical Journal, 35(1), 79–84.

Tapanya, W., Manoy, P., Sangkarit, N., & Puntumetakul, R. (2019). Evaluation of body center of mass sway during sit to stand in healthy elderly and fall-risk elderly by Kinect-Based Exergames device. Archives of Allied Health Sciences, 31(3), 382–390.

Tapanya, W., Manoy, P., & Sangkarit, N. (2019). Test-retest reliability of kinematics assessment of body center of mass sway by Kinect-Based Exergames device in older adults. Archives of Allied Health Sciences, 31(3), 291–299.

Tapanya, W., & Puntumetakul, R. (2019). Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in smartphone users. Journal of Physical Therapy, 41, 148-163. 

Tapanya, W., Poncumhak, P., Sangkarit, N., Manoy, P., Kumfu, S., & Maharan, S. (2019). Balance ability, leg muscle strength and risks of falling among overweight older adult. Archives of Allied Health Sciences, 31(2), 130–139.

Tapanya, W., Sangkarit, N., & Konsanit, S. (2019). Predictive Equation of Knee Extensor Muscle Strength in Elderly Adults Determined by 5 Time Sit-to-Stand Performance. Srinagarind Medical Journal

Tapanya, W., Sangkarit, N., & Puntumetakul, R. (2019). Factors associated with dynamic balance in workers who frequently wear high heels. Archives of Allied Health Sciences, 31(1), 54–62.

Sangkarit, N., Tapanya, W., Kumfu, S., Prangkeaw, P., & Armat, A. (2019). Correlation of Segmental of Trunk Control and Functional Balance in Children with Inadequate Trunk Control. Journal of Physical Therapy, 41, 1-15. 
 

Puntumetakul, R., Chalermsan, R., Hlaing, S., Tapanya, W., Saiklang, P., & Boucaut, R. (2018). The effect of core stabilization exercise on lumbar joint position sense in patients with subacute non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 30, 1390-1395.

Tapanya, W., Sangkarit, N., & Konsanit, S. (2017). The Immediate Effects of Neck and Shoulder Muscle Massage Device Developingfrom Tennis Balls. Srinagarind Medical Journal, 32(2), 150–156.

Tapanya, W. (2016). Relationship between lower limb muscle strength and balance measured by Star Excursion Balance Test in obese young adults. Journal of Associated Medical Sciences, 49, 355-362.

Tapanya, W. (2016). The immediate effect of different calf muscle stretching techniques on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and dynamic balance in women workers wearing high-heeled shoes. Journal of Associated Medical Sciences, 49, 90-99.

Tapanya, W., & Chamnongkich, S. (2014). Relationship between lower limb muscle strength and single-leg sit-to-stand performance in young adults. Journal of Associated Medical Sciences, 47, 133.