Brain WELLNESS CLUB
The Brain Wellness Club is an outreach activity promoted by the University of Seville, aimed at transferring research knowledge. We disseminate scientific information about strategies and treatments for preventing or addressing issues related to mental health and brain injury.
Annually, as part of Brain Awareness Week, the Wellness Neuroscience Group-CTS1129 organizes a series of activities at the Faculty of Psychology (University of Seville). These activities promote and disseminate neuroscience-backed strategies for the prevention, promotion, and comprehensive treatment of health.
The aim is to share knowledge about evidence-based approaches designed to improve the quality of life across various population groups, whether they are looking to maintain healthy balance, are affected by neuro-oncological conditions, or have neurological and/or mental disorders such as anxiety or stress.
BRAIN WELLNESS CLUB 2025. Second edition
The second edition of The Brain Wellness Club is structured around the following specific objectives:
Exploring Advances in Neuromodulation and Their Impact on Mental Health
- Disseminating the latest research on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and its application in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders.
- Analyzing the potential of neuromodulation in cognitive rehabilitation and motor control in individuals with neurological conditions.
- Showcasing the effectiveness of non-invasive neuromodulation in reducing stress and improving emotional well-being.
Promoting the Use of Brain Biomarkers in Clinical Practice
- Explaining how Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG) can detect brain alterations in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Addressing the relevance of brain biomarkers in early diagnosis and personalized treatments.
- Encouraging the use of neuroscience tools for the objective assessment of mental health.
Presenting Innovative Strategies for Stress Prevention and Management
- Introducing the BIMSTRESS Project, which focuses on stress prevention in work environments through heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF), mindfulness, and interoceptive training.
- Highlighting the role of physiological self-regulation and interoceptive training in stress reduction.
- Demonstrating how stress can be measured and managed using accessible neuroscientific technologies.
Disseminating the Relationship Between Nutrition and Brain Health
- Analyzing the impact of the Mediterranean and MIND diets on cognitive function and neurological deterioration prevention.
- Exploring the influence of the gut-brain microbiota axis in mood regulation and mental health.
- Promoting evidence-based dietary habits to optimize brain health.
Encouraging the Integration of Neuroscientific Practices into Daily Life
- Offering an experiential workshop on Organic Conscious Movement (MOC) as a strategy for emotional regulation and stress reduction.
- Raising awareness of the importance of movement, breathing, and body awareness in neurophysiological balance.
- Demonstrating how interoceptive training can enhance stress resilience and improve mental health.
Bridging the Gap Between Research, Knowledge Transfer, and Social Well-being
- Disseminating the latest neuroscience advancements applied to individual and organizational well-being.
- Promoting dialogue between researchers, health professionals, and the general public to enhance the transfer of scientific knowledge.
- Raising awareness about the importance of neuroscience research as a fundamental pillar for improving quality of life.
Activity Program
The event will take place on March 12–13, 2025, at the Faculty of Psychology, University of Seville.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
"Neuromodulation and Biomarkers: New Frontiers in Mental Health"
The first day will focus on advances in neuromodulation and brain biomarkers, two key areas in the research and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Innovative techniques such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG) will be discussed, as they are revolutionizing the way we understand and treat mental health conditions.
🕚 11:00 - 11:15 | Opening Session
🕚 11:15 - 12:00 | Neuromodulation in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Evidence and Applications
🎙️ Paloma Álvarez de Toledo, PhD (Andalusian Institute of Brain Health)
This session will present the latest research on the use of neuromodulation to treat treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, and other psychiatric conditions. The discussion will cover how these techniques improve patients' quality of life and how they are being integrated into clinical practice.
🕛 12:00 - 13:00 | Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Motor Control, and Neurological Disorders
🎙️ Alex Sel, PhD (University of Essex, UK)
This lecture will explore how TMS has become a key tool in neurological rehabilitation and movement disorder treatment. Applications in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and dystonia will be discussed, along with its potential for optimizing cognitive performance.
🕐 13:00 - 14:00 | Brain Biomarkers in Mental Health: The Role of Quantitative EEG in Clinical Practice
🎙️ Ana Buján, PhD (Imaya Medical Institute, Vigo)
Quantitative EEG (qEEG) has become a crucial tool for diagnosing psychiatric disorders. This talk will explain how brain electrical activity serves as a reliable biomarker for various pathologies and its usefulness in personalized treatments.
Thursday, March 13, 2025
"Applied Neuroscience for Stress and Well-being: From Research to Practice"
On this day, we will explore innovative strategies for stress management, including biofeedback and interoceptive training techniques, as well as the impact of nutrition on brain health.
🕚 11:00 - 12:00 | New Frontiers in Workplace Stress Prevention: The BIMSTRESS Project
🎙️ Francisco Manuel Ocaña Campos, PhD (University of Seville)
Work-related stress is a growing concern in today’s society. This talk will present the BIMSTRESS Project, a pioneering initiative at the University of Seville that employs heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF), mindfulness, and interoceptive training to reduce stress in students and workers.
🕛 12:00 - 13:00 | Nutrition and Brain Health: The Impact of MIND and Mediterranean Diets on Cognition and Gait in Neurological Disorders
🎙️ Alejandro Galvao Carmona, PhD (Loyola University)
The link between diet and brain function is becoming increasingly evident. This session will analyze the effects of the Mediterranean and MIND diets in preventing cognitive decline, promoting neural health, and supporting brain aging.
🔹 13:00 - 14:00 | Organic Conscious Movement Workshop: An Example of Interoceptive Training for Stress Management
🎙️ Víctor Morera (Pranamanasyoga School)
In this practical workshop, participants will experience Organic Conscious Movement (MOC), a technique based on interoceptive training to enhance emotional regulation and reduce stress.
BRAIN WELLNESS CLUB 2024. First edition
The first edition of the Brain Wellness Club took place in March 2024. Throughout the week, various presentations were given by researchers from our group and collaborating guest speakers, all focused on the Neuroscience of Well-being—a discipline dedicated to the interrelationship between brain health and physical-mental well-being.
The specific objectives of the Brain Wellness Club I edition were:
- Highlighting the significant contribution of Neuropsychology to the well-being and quality of life of patients with neuro-oncological conditions, through comprehensive evaluation of cognitive and emotional processes.
- Disseminating scientific evidence showing how healthy nutritional habits serve as a powerful strategy for promoting brain health.
- Presenting research that demonstrates how physical exercise and meditative practices are fundamental elements in brain health promotion strategies, influencing emotions, behavior, and cognition.
- Showcasing the results of non-invasive intervention techniques, such as Biofeedback and eurofeedback, which have proven to be highly effective in reducing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms associated with various disorders (ADHD, brain injury, epilepsy, autism, depression, anxiety, among others).
Participants:
- Isabel María Martín Monzón, PhD. Psychobiology Area, Department of Experimental Psychology.
- Francisco Manuel Ocaña Campos, PhD. Psychobiology Area, Department of Experimental Psychology.
- Emilio Durán García, Psychobiology Area, PhD. Department of Experimental Psychology.
- Mr. Antonio Burgos Rodríguez, High School Teacher.
- Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, PhD. William J. and Charles H. Mayo Professor; Monica Flynn Jacoby Endowed Chair; James C. and Sarah K. Kennedy Dean of Research, Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic (Florida, USA); President and Co-founder of Mission Foundation.
- Juan Pablo Navarro-García de Llano, PhD. Global Outreach Coordinator, Mission: BRAIN Foundation; Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Brain Tumor Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery (Florida, USA).
- Javiera Oyarzun, PhDPostdoctoral Researcher, The Phelps Lab, Department of Psychology, Harvard University (USA).
- Ms. Isabel Rizo Frezo, Director and Principal Researcher of the National Pilates Method Institute.
Mr. Eusebio Pérez Infante, Biology Graduate, Administrative Staff at the University of Seville; Certified Trainer in Meditation and Yoga.
VIDEOS:
All videos from the outreach talks organized by The Brain Wellness Club are available in the idUS repository of the University of Seville.
1. "What is Awake Brain Surgery and What Does It Reveal About How Our Brain Works?"
Speaker: Isabel Martín Monzón, PhD
This talk, presented by Isabel Martín Monzón, explores awake brain surgery guided by the study of the connectome, which helps preserve critical brain networks involved in cognitive functions like language, memory, and emotion. Neuropsychologists and neurosurgeons play a key role, assessing and monitoring these functions in real-time to ensure essential areas are protected during tumor removal. Working with a multidisciplinary team, this approach not only safeguards patient outcomes but also provides valuable insights into the brain's connectivity and how different regions contribute to complex behaviors.
2. “Beyond borders: how Mission:BRAIN Foundation is revolutionizing global healthcare”
Speakers: Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, PhD; Juan Pablo Navarro-García de Llano, PhD
In this talk, Juan Pablo Navarro-García de Llano, a neurosurgeon specializing in awake brain surgery, discusses the importance of international cooperation projects that provide these surgeries to underserved populations. He highlights the current situation in disadvantaged regions, including South America, India, and Sub-Saharan Africa. During this conference, the work of the nonprofit organization Mission:BRAIN, founded by Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa and Dr. Michael Lawton, is presented; it aims to provide life-changing neurosurgical procedures to individuals lacking access due to financial constraints. The event also promotes opportunities for students at the University of Seville to participate in international cooperation projects, raising awareness of initiatives focused on creating a fairer and more sustainable world.
3. "Neurobiological Substrates of Mindfulness: Scientific Evidence"
Speaker: Emilio Durán García, PhD.
In this lecture, Emilio Durán presents scientific evidence on the neural basis of mindfulness meditation, emphasizing research that demonstrates how meditative practices serve as a key strategy for promoting brain health. He highlights how meditation positively influences emotions, behavior, and cognition. The presentation showcases the benefits of meditation in enhancing cognitive functions, particularly attention, memory, and learning.
4. "How to Improve Quality of Life: Science, Experience, and Vocation"
Speaker: Ms. Isabel Rizo Frezo
In this talk, Isabel Rizo Frezo, Director and Principal Investigator of the National Pilates Method Institute, highlights the importance of physical activity and its numerous benefits for brain health. She presents scientific evidence in a clear and accessible manner, demonstrating how Pilates can improve cognitive and emotional processes in both neurological patients and healthy individuals. Participants are guided through a series of exercises focused on core strength, posture, and body awareness, which they perform in the auditorium. This workshop offers a comprehensive experience, designed to enhance cognition and reduce stress.
5. “Breath and body awareness”
Speaker: Mr. Eusebio Pérez Infante
In this conference, mindfulness and meditation expert Mr. Eusebio Pérez Infante, a Philosophy graduate and instructor of meditation practice courses at the University of Seville, conducts a practical workshop where attendees learn mindfulness techniques to become more aware of the present moment. The goal is for participants to apply these techniques in their daily lives to reduce stress and improve concentration.
6. “The gut brain axis: how gut microbes modulate cognition and mental health”
Speaker: Javiera Oryazun, PhD
In this conference, the speaker, Javiera Oryazun, an expert researcher from Harvard University, presents a series of neuroscientific studies in which she has participated, providing evidence of improvements in cognitive, behavioral, and emotional processes in the adult brain resulting from proper nutrition. She also details the significance of the gut-brain axis and its implications for emotional disorders when this connection is disrupted or altered.
7. "Strengthening the Brain: Impact of Neurofeedback and Biofeedback on Mental Health."
Speaker: Dr. Francisco Manuel Ocaña Campos
In this session at the Faculty of Psychology, Dr. Francisco Manuel Ocaña Campos presented the effectiveness of non-invasive techniques like Biofeedback and Neurofeedback in improving symptoms of various disorders such as ADHD, brain injury, and anxiety, highlighting their potential to enhance patients' quality of life.
8. "Mental health and Interoception”
Speakers: Emilio Durán García, PhD.
In this session, Emilio Durán explains how the ability to perceive internal body signals, known as interoception, impacts mental health. He discusses the connection between interoception and disorders like anxiety and depression, emphasizing how enhancing this skill can strengthen psychological well-being. The session provides practical tools and innovative insights into body awareness and its role in emotional resilience.
9. “Workshop: Biofeedback for Better Emotional and Affective Well-being"
Speakers: Emilio Durán García, PhD; Francisco Manuel Ocaña Campos, PhD.
Emilio Durán García and Francisco Manuel Ocaña Campos led a practical workshop on Biobiofeedback, where attendees experienced how this technique helps regulate brain activity and manage stress in everyday life.