Professor

Kourtessis Thomas

He is a Professor of Motor Coordination Disorders at the School of Social Sciences, Department of Early Childhood Education & Care at the International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece. In 1984, he was accepted as a distinguished athlete in the Department of Physical Education & Sport Science at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, where he completed his undergraduate studies with a major in Swimming Coaching (BSc’90). He completed his graduate studies at the Department of Physical Education at McGill University, Montreal, Canada in “Adapted Physical Activity” (MA’94). In 1997 he received his Doctoral Degree at the Department of Physical Education & Sport Science at Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece (PhD’97). His Doctoral Dissertation was titled “Results of an intensive intervention program in water for children with movement difficulties”. From 1998 until 2022, Dr Kourtessis has served as a Professor of Motor Coordination Disorders at the School of Physical Education & Sport Science at Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Greece. From 2015 until 2018 he has also served as the Director of the Interdepartmental Graduate Program of Studies “Exercise and Quality of Life”. He has authored and co-authored more than 100 scientific articles, more than 200 presentations and proceedings’ articles in international and world Scientific Congresses and numerous scientific book chapters. He has taught in numerous workshops and seminars regarding identification, assessment, and interventional management of movement difficulties in children and adolescents. Dr Kourtessis is the current President of the Hellenic Academy of Physical Education as well as a Member and Representative of Greece at the Working Board of the International Society of Research and Advocacy for Developmental Coordination Disorder (ISRA-DCD). His research interests are identification, assessment and interventional management of Developmental Coordination Disorder and Motor Learning Difficulties in early childhood, childhood, and adolescence. He also teaches Research Methods and Motor Learning in many Graduate Programs in various Greek Universities.

Research interests

  • Identification, assessment and interventional management of Developmental Coordination Disorder and Motor Learning Difficulties in early childhood, childhood, and adolescence.

Publications

  • Samara, S., Tsanaktsidis, K., Katartzi, E.S., Kontou, M.G., Kourtessis, T., & Tzetzis, G. (2022). Health and Skill Related Physical Fitness in Adolescents with Motor Difficulties Compared to their Peers without Motor Difficulties. Journal of Advances in Sports and Physical Education, 5(4), 58-67, DOI: 10.36348/jaspe.2022.v05i04.001

  • Syropoulou, A., Vernadakis, N., Papastergiou, M., & Kourtessis, T. (2022). Assessing the psychometric properties of the presence, enjoyment, mood experience, attitude and preference towards exergames scale in children with mild intellectual disability. Sport Sciences for Health, 18(1), 203-210. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-021-00794-z

  • Vernadakis, N., Syropoulou, A., Papastergiou, M., & Kourtessis, T. (2021). Psychometric evaluation of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale in primary school students with mild intellectual disability: First evidence. Research in Developmental Disabilities,114, 103964, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103964

  • Monastiridi, S.G., Katartzi, E., Kourtessis, T., & Vlachopoulos, S.P. (2021). A core stabilization program improves motor performance and health-related quality of life in adolescents with motor difficulties. Health and Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(1), 5-24, https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i1

  • Monastiridi, S.G., Katartzi, E., Kontou, M.G., Kourtessis, T., & Vlachopoulos, S.P. (2020). Positive Relations of Physical Fitness and Exercise Intervention Programs with Motor Competence and Health-Related Quality of Life in Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review. European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 6(2). Available on-line at: www.oapub.org/edu.

  • Graikinis-Evaggelinos, P, Tsitskari, E., Kourtesis, T., Alexandris, K. (2019). Exploring Service Quality Perceptions and Satisfaction of Athletes in Greek Disability Sports Clubs. Journal of Physical Education & Sport, Vol 19 Supplement issue 6, 2139-2146.

  • Kroupis, I., Kouli, O., & Kourtessis, T. (2019). The effect of school sport facilities on the physical education teachers’ job satisfaction and burnout. International Journal of Instruction, 12(4), www.e-iji.net

  • Vousiopoulos, S., Kouli, O., Kourtessis, T., Tsitskari, E., & Dimoulas, D. (2019). Job Satisfaction and Burnout among Greek Teachers and Physical Education Teachers. A Comparison in Minority and Public Sector Schools in Thrace. Annals of Applied Sport Science, 7(4), 52-60.

  • Dimitropoulou, D., Evaggelinou, C., Kourtessis, T., Mouratidou, K., Tsigilis, N., & Ellinoudis, T. (2019). Concurrent validity of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children Checklist-2: A Greek Population-Based Study. European Psychomotricity Journal, 11(1), 19-38

  • Andreadou, A., Derri, V., Kourtesis, T. & Michalopoulou, M. (2018). Gross motor skills of primary school children with and without dyslexia. International Journal of Current Research, 10 (6), 70509-70513.

  • Anastasiadis, M., Kourtessis, T., & Zachopoulou, E. (2017) Educator’s ability to identify students with coordination disorders: A review of literature. Arab Journal of Nutrition and Exercise, vol. 2, issue no. 3, 139–151. DOI 10.18502/ajne.v2i3.1218 https://www.knepublishing.com/index.php/AJNE/article/view/1218/3118

  • Techlikidou, E., Michalopoulou, M., Kourtessis, T., Skordilis, E. (2017). The effect of Nintendo Wii on physical fitness of adolescents and young adults with mild and moderate intellectual disability,” PANR Journal, June 22, http://www.panr.com.cy/?p=1567.

  • Kroupis, I., Kourtessis, T., Kouli, O., Tzetzis, G., Derri, B., Mavromatis, G. (2017). Job satisfaction and burnout among Greek P.E. teachers. A comparison of educational sectors, level and gender. Cultura Ciencia Deporte, 12, 5-14. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12800/ccd.v12i34.827.
    https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?origin=resultslist&authorId=6603307865&zone=

  • Bounova, Α., Michalopoulou, Μ., Agelousis, Ν., Kourtessis, Τ., & Gourgoulis, V. (2016). The parental role in adolescent screen related sedentary behavior. Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, DOI 10.1515/ijamh-2016-0031. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?origin=resultslist&authorId=6603307865&zone=

  • Kouli, O., Kourtessis, T., Tzetzis, G., Karkaletsi, F., Skordilis, E. & Bonti, E. (2015). Job Satisfaction and Burnout of Greek Secondary Special Education Teachers. Journal of Physical Activity, Nutrition and Rehabilitation, June 8, http://www.panr.com.cy/index.php/article/job-satisfaction-and-burnout-of-greek-secondary-special-education-teachers/

  • Asonitou, K., Tsiganos, G., Kourtessis, T., Strofylla, G., & Koutsouki, D. (2014). Assessment of Cognitive Abilities in Preschool Children with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder. International Journal for Cross-Disciplinary Subjects in Education, 5(1), 1571 – 1576. http://infonomics-society.org/ijcdse/published-papers/volume-5-2014/

  • Konstantinidou, E., Michalopoulou, M., Ageloussis, N. & Kourtesis, T. (2013). Primary physical education perspective on creativity: The characteristics of the creative student and their creative outcomes. International Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences,3(3), 234-247. Διαθέσιμο: http://www.ijhssnet.com/journals/Vol_3_No_3_February_2013/23.pdf

  • Asonitou, K., Koutsouki, D., Kourtessis, T. & Charitou, S. (2012). Motor and cognitive performance differences between children with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Research in Developmental Disabilities, 33(4), 996–1005. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?origin=resultslist&authorId=6603307865&zone=

  • Tziva-Kostala, V., Kourtessis, T., Kostala, M., Michalopoulou, M. & Evaggelinou, C. (2011). Coordination Disorder in Children with Dyslexia. European Psychomotricity Journal, 4(1), 29-37. https://psychomotor.gr/contents/volume-4-2011.html

  • Avgerinos, Α., Kourtessis, T. & Damaskopoulou, Α. (2011). Comparison of physical activity level between overweight and non-overweight adolescent girls. European Psychomotricity Journal, 3(1), 45-53. https://psychomotor.gr/contents/volume-3-2010.html

  • Ellinoudis, Τ., Evaggelinou, C., Kourtessis, T., Konstantinidou, Z., Venetsanou, F. & Kambas, A. (May-June 2011). Reliability and Validity of Age Band 1 of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children – Second Edition. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32(3), 1046-1051. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?origin=resultslist&authorId=6603307865&zone=

  • Venetsanou, F., Kambas, A., Ellinoudis, T., Fatouros, I., Giannakidou, D. & Kourtessis, T. (January-February 2011). Can the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Test be the “gold standard” for the motor assessment of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder? Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32(1), 1-10. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?origin=resultslist&authorId=6603307865&zone=

  • Michalopoulou, M., Gourgoulis, V., Kourtessis, T., Kambas, A., Dimitrou, M., Gretziou, H. (2011). Step counts and body mass index among 9-14 years old greek schoolchildren. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 10 (1) , 215-221. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?origin=resultslist&authorId=6603307865&zone=

  • Maheridou, M., Antoniou, P., Kourtessis, T., & Avgerinos, A. (2011). Blogs in Distance Education: An analysis of physical educators’ perceptions of learning. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education-TOJDE, January 12, (1), 95-107. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?origin=resultslist&authorId=6603307865&zone=

  • Derri V., Kourtessis T., Goti-Douma E., & Kirgiridis P. (2010). Physical Education and Language Integration: Effects on Oral and Written Speech of Pre-school Children. The Physical Educator. V. 67, n. 4, oct. 2010. ISSN 0031-8981. Available at: http://js.sagamorepub.com/pe/article/view/2100

  • Kellis, I., Vernadakis, N., Albanidis, E., Derri, V., & Kourtesses, T. (2010). The development of a student’s behaviors’ self-evaluation scale (SBSS) in multicultural physical education class settings. Educational Research and Reviews, 5 (11) , 637-645. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?origin=resultslist&authorId=6603307865&zone=

  • Michalopoulou, M., Kourtessis, T., Ioannidou, F., Aggelousis, N. & Avgerinos, A. (2009). Concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of the Greek version of the 3-Day Physical Activity Record in 13-15 yrs old Greek adolescents. European Psychomotricity Journal, 2(1), 35-45. https://psychomotor.gr/contents/volume-2-2009.html

  • Kourtessis T., Tsigilis N., Maheridou M., Ellinoudis, T., Kiparissis M., & Kioumourtzoglou E. (2008). The influence of a short intervention program on early childhood and physical education teachers’ ability to identify children with developmental coordination disorders. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, 29, 276-286. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?origin=resultslist&authorId=6603307865&zone=

  • Kourtessis, T., Tsougou, E., Maheridou M., Tsigilis, N., Psalti, M. & Kioumourtzoglou, E. (2008, April-June). Developmental coordination disorder in early childhood – A preliminary epidemiological study in Greek schools. Archives: International Journal of Medicine, 1(2), 95-99. https://intermedjournal.page.tl/ARCHIVES_-Volume-1-k1-2008-k2-.htm

  • Kourtessis T., Thomaidou E., Liveri-Kantere A., Michalopoulou M., Kourtessis A., & Kioumourtzoglou E. (2008). Prevalence of developmental coordination disorder among Greek children with learning disabilities-A preliminary study. European Psychomotricity Journal, 1(2), 10-17. https://psychomotor.gr/contents/volume-1-2008-first-issue.html

  • Ellinoudis, T., Kourtessis, T., Kiparissis, M., (2008). Suitability of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children in Greece: Comparison between a Greek sample and a North-American normative sample of 9 and 11 year old children. International Journal of Health Science, 1(4), 132-137. https://interhealthjournal.page.tl/Home-IJHS.htm

  • Ellinoudis, T., Kourtessis, T., Kiparissis, M., Kampas, A. & Mavromatis, G. (2008). Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC): Measuring the construct validity for Greece in a sample of elementary school aged children. International Journal of Health Science, 1(2), 56-60. https://interhealthjournal.page.tl/Home-IJHS.htm

  • Katartzi, E., Kontou, M., Kourtessis, T., & Tzetzis, G. (2005). Sport participation profile of Greek female athletes with motor impairments. Japanese Journal of Adapted Sport Science, 3(1), 12-21.  https://doi.org/10.20796/jjadss.3.1_12 https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jjadss/3/1/3_KJ00005130493/_article

  • Kourtessis, T., Tsiggilis, N., Tzetzis, G., Kapsalas, Th., Tserkezoglou, S., & Kioumourtzoglou, E. (2003). Reliability of the “Movement Assessment Battery for Children Checklist” in Greek school environment. European Journal of Physical Education, 8, 202-210. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?origin=resultslist&authorId=6603307865&zone=

  • Efstratopoulou, M., Simons, J., & Kourtessis, T. (2003). Measuring thinking creatively in action and movement in mentally retarded and non-retarded children. Journal of Human Movement Studies, 44, 417-431. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?origin=resultslist&authorId=6603307865&zone=

  • Tzetzis, G., Amoutzas, K., & Kourtessis, T. (2003). A multidimentional analysis of teacher and students’ interactions and physical activity in physical education classes. Journal of Human Movement Studies, 44, 339-351. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?origin=resultslist&authorId=6603307865&zone=

  • Tzetzis, G., Goudas, M., Kourtessis, T., & Zisi, V. (2002). The relation of goal orientations and physical activity in physical education. European Physical Education Review, 8(2), 177-188. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?origin=resultslist&authorId=6603307865&zone=

  • Karabourniotis, D., Evaggelinou, Ch., Tzetzis, G., & Kourtessis, T. (2002). The effect of curriculum enrichment with self-testing activities on the development of fundamental movement skills in first grade children in Greece. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 94, 1259-1270 . https://doi.org/10.2466/pms.2002.94.3c.1259

  • Kourtessis, T., Tzetzis, G., Kioumourtzoglou, E., & Mavromatis, G. (2001). The effects of an intensive recreational intervention program on children with movement difficulties. New Zealand Journal of Disability Studies, 9, 120-139.

  • Kourtessis, T., & Reid, G. (1997). Knowledge and skill of ball catching in children with cerebral palsy and related disabilities. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 14, 24-42. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?origin=resultslist&authorId=6603307865&zone=

  • Derri, V., Kourtessis, T., Papaioannou, A., & Papadimitriou, K. (1997). Affective characteristics of awkward school-children, Journal of Police Academy, 2(2), 43-52.

Book chapters

  • Kourtessis, T. (2023). Developmental Coordination Disorder and motor learning difficulties in childhood and adolescents. In Ch. Kotzamanidis (Editor), Child-Exercise-Health (pp. 651-672). Thessaloniki Kiriakidis Bros. Publishing. https://www.afoikyriakidi.gr/el/paidi-proponhsh-ygeia

  • Kourtessis, T., Avgerinos, G.A., Tsiantis, H., Liberi, M. & Goufas, E. (2018). Cloud-Based Personalized Movement Student Learning: An In-School Case Study. In K.C. Koutsopoulos, K. Doukas & Y. Kotsanis (Eds.) Handbook of Research on Educational Design and Cloud Computing in Modern Classroom Settings (pp. 395-309). IGI Global, Hershey, PA, USA.

  • Albanidis Ε. & Kourtessis, T. (2007). Racism & Xenophobia. Editors: Kioumourtzoglou E., Theodorakis I., Taratori E., Papaioannouuu A., Stravakou P., Kokaridas D., Kellis I., Bernikouu B. Teacher’s Book (pp. 56-72). Implementation of programs that promote equality in society-KALLIPATEIRA (Y.P.E.P.T.H., OLYMPIC EDUCATION OFFICE)

  • Theodorakis, I., Goudas, M., Albanidis, Ε., Derri, V., Chroni, S., Zachopoulou, E., Hasandra, M., Avgerinos, A., Kourtessis, T., Kosmidou, E., Zisi, V., Chatzigeorgiadis, A., Kouli, O., Nikopoulou, M.. (2007). Student’s Activity Book – Grades 1, 2 & 3. Implementation of programs that promote equality in society-KALLIPATEIRA (Y.P.E.P.T.H., OLYMPIC EDUCATION OFFICE)

  • Theodorakis, I., Goudas, M., Albanidis, Ε., Derri, V., Chroni, S., Zachopoulou, E., Hasandra, M., Avgerinos, A., Kourtessis, T., Kosmidou, E., Zisi, V., Chatzigeorgiadis, A., Kouli, O., Nikopoulou, M.. (2007). Student’s Activity Book – Grades 4, 5 & 6. Implementation of programs that promote equality in society-KALLIPATEIRA (Y.P.E.P.T.H., OLYMPIC EDUCATION OFFICE)

  • Theodorakis, I., Goudas, M., Albanidis, Ε., Derri, V., Chroni, S., Zachopoulou, E., Hasandra, M., Avgerinos, A., Kourtessis, T., Kosmidou, E., Zisi, V., Chatzigeorgiadis, A., Kouli, O., Nikopoulou, M.. (2007). Student’s Activity Book – High School Grades 1, 2 & 3. Implementation of programs that promote equality in society-KALLIPATEIRA (Y.P.E.P.T.H., OLYMPIC EDUCATION OFFICE)

  • Theodorakis, I., Goudas, M., Albanidis, Ε., Derri, V., Chroni, S., Zachopoulou, E., Hasandra, M., Avgerinos, A., Kourtessis, T., Kosmidou, E., Zisi, V., Chatzigeorgiadis, A., Kouli, O., Nikopoulou, M.. (2007). Supportive educational material. Implementation of programs that promote equality in society-KALLIPATEIRA (Y.P.E.P.T.H., OLYMPIC EDUCATION OFFICE)

  • Kourtessis, T. (2004). Students with Movement learning Difficulties in Mainstream School Environment. Ε. Kioumourtzoglou (Editor), Physical Education in the beginning of the 21st Century. Aims-Goals-Pursuits (pp. 83-94). Thessaloniki: Hellenic Academy of Physical Education.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS

  • Educational program “FUTURE LEADERS SUMMER SERIES-THRACE” (D.P.E.S.S.- D.U.TH._ALBA G.B.S._)

  • BE-NEW: Exercise for diabetes: beneficial effect of new educational and physical activity programs (Erasmus+ Sport, Agreement Nr. 622371-EPP-1-2020-1-IT-SPO-SCP)

  • Project “Training of ICT Trainers B’ Level, in University Training Centers (PAKE)”. Operational Program “In-service Training of Teachers in the utilization and application of Digital Technologies in teaching practice” (B-Level ICT Teacher Training), of the Operational Program “Human Resources Development, Education and Lifelong Learning”, NSRF (2014-2020).

  • Education and Lifelong Learning [EDULLL34-AA: 1901] “Support of researchers with emphasis on young researchers” NSRF 2014-2020. MIS project code: 5006293: 1.1 – Development, testing and application of tools for systematic observation/evaluation of the didactic effectiveness of physical education teachers

  • Program “Heraclitus: Research fellowships with priority to basic research” (Subproject entitled “Strategies of self-regulation and self-effectiveness to address problems that hinder participation in sports”) (D.U.TH._E.P.E.A.E.K.)

  • System for the diagnosis, prevention, and rehabilitation of balance disorders in the elderly using virtual reality technology (D.U.TH._G.S.R.I)

  • Dual Career of Athletes, in the framework of the operational project “Education and Lifelong Learning”, NSRF, co-funded by European Social Resources and national resources University of Peloponnese (MIS 482356 NSRF 2007-2013_P.C.: 0240).

  • Design and implementation of training programs for Physical Education Teachers of Olympic Education-Development/Elaboration on a curriculum, training, educational material and Action Plan of School Pilot Programs-Teacher Training Programs-Implementation of programs that promote equality in society-KALLIPATEIRA (YPEPTH, E.P.E.A.E.K.K. II.)

  • Research Project Comenius, Action 2.1 “Physical and Spotive Activities: Media of General and Scientific Culture” (2003-2006) “Physical and Sports Activities: Media of General and Scientific Culture” (EU-CRITT)

  • THENAPA (Thematic Network Educational and Social Integration of Persons with a Disability through Adapted Physical Activity) titled: “Ageing and Disability – A new crossing between physical activity, social inclusion and life-long well-being” (Socrates-Erasmus, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven_S.C.)

  • Coexistence of motor difficulties and oral and written language disorders in school-age children: Detection, evaluation and intervention (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.E.N.E.D)

  • Attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors: 1) In the lesson of physical education, 2) Of exercise areas and 3) as a healthy lifestyle, of people who differ in gender, age, social class, religion and degree of motor difficulty-imperfection (DUTH, E.P.E.A.E.K)

  • Exercise as a means of improving health & productivity (D.U.Th., P.R.E.N.E.D)

  • Motor clumsiness in post-adolescence and career prospects (D.U.Th., P.R.E.N.E.D.)

  • Internships for students in employees (factories, handicrafts, industries, various services) as well as in special groups of people from hospitals, institutions and schools with the aim of improving their physical condition and health (D.U.Th._E.P.E.A.E.K.)

  • Control of independent living and self-service for the elderly (D.U.Th., O.P.A.P.)

  • Children with movement difficulties in Primary School: Conditions and Methods of Treatment (D.U.Th._P.R.E.N.E.D.)

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