These are the members of our team:
Javier Martinez-Calderon (PhD, PT) is Assistant Professor at the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of Seville, Spain. He leads the research group (UMSS). He holds a degree in Physiotherapy and an international doctorate from the University of Malaga (Spain) and the University of Antwerp (Belgium). He is currently pursuing a second PhD in Psychology at the University of Seville whose research topic is the analysis of spiritual well-being and some of its factors (e.g. meaning and purpose in life) in the perception of different outcomes relevant to people with cancer (e.g. fatigue, well-being, happiness and life satisfaction). He is the recipient of several academic and research grants and awards. He is on the Editorial Board of Disability & Rehabilitation, British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM), Journal of Pain, and Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT). Javier’s main research focus is on the synthesis of evidence on methodological aspects and inequalities in fields such as pain, sport, mental health and conology. In addition, Javier has extensive experience in developing reviews on exercise or the role of psychological and spiritual factors in the aforementioned clinical conditions. He is a dog lover and his hobbies include reading, cinema, physical exercise and yoga.
Alberto Marcos Heredia-Rizo (PhD, PT) is a professor of physiotherapy at the University of Seville, Spain. He was trained in physiotherapy in Spain and Finland and received his PhD in Health Sciences from the University of Seville, Spain. He has been awarded with some academic and research grants, including a Fulbright scholarship at the University of Iowa, United States, where he has been exploring the role of different rehabilitation techniques in animal pain models. He has also enjoyed the opportunity to do research at Aalborg University, Denmark, and at the University of South Australia. Currently, Alberto’s main research focus is the role of physical activity, exercise, and self-management strategies in people with chronic conditions, especially chronic musculoskeletal pain. Other research interests include the use of mind-body approaches (yoga, tai-chi, and qigong) and e-health technologies, and what factors may have an influence on the clinical impact of these strategies. Alberto is a passionate or rowing, and he eventually enjoys running (no more than a half-marathon). He also loves music and living with his partner Belen and their cat, Winter.
Mª Jesús Casuso-Holgado (PhD, PT) is a full professor of physiotherapy at the University of Seville, Spain. He was trained in physiotherapy and received his PhD in Health Sciences from the University of Málaga, Spain. She has also a degree in cultural and social anthropology. He has been awarded with some academic and research grants. Currently, her main research focus is the factors associated with women´s health, mainly in breast cancer. The role of physical exercise and health education are key factors of her research. María Jesús loves animals and she enjoys reading and having a walk with her son Eduardo.
Lourdes Mª Fernández Seguín (PhD, PT) is an assistant professor of physiotherapy at the University of Seville since 2005. She was trained in Physical Therapy at the University of Seville and in Podiatry at the University of Seville and the Escola Superior de Saúde do Norte (Portugal). She received her PhD in Health Sciences from the University of Seville, Spain. She obtained a Certificate in Osteopathy from the Madrid School of Osteopathy. She worked as assistant professor of podiatry for 4 years at the University of Extremadura, Spain. Her research focus is based on the outcomes of manual therapy in musculoskeletal dysfunctions. She leads a peaceful life, enjoying time with her family and friends between Sevilla and Córdoba. She likes to read and engage in indoor exercise.
Hermann Fricke-Comellas (PT, MSc) is a physiotherapist currently pursuing his Doctorate studies in Health Sciences. He completed his undergraduate studies and Master’s degree in Physiology and Neuroscience at the University of Seville (2016 – 2021). In his last studying years, he collaborated on projects with the Department of Physiotherapy thanks to a scholarship from the Ministry. After a period working in Switzerland as a physiotherapist in the clinical practice, he began his doctoral studies in 2023 with a predoctoral contract (PIF) thanks to a scholarship from the VII Own Research and Transfer Plan of the University of Seville. His main research interest lies in the effect that both exercise and mindfulness practices, as well as altered states of consciousness, have on chronic pathology. The thesis studies specifically focus on the effectiveness of mindful exercise in reducing fatigue and other symptoms present in dysautonomia, as well as the possible regulatory effect on the balance between the two branches of the autonomic nervous system. In his case, scientific interest is fueled by a personal interest in the functioning of his own mind and the relationship between mind and reality. He enjoys exploring the various possibilities that the world offers, both physically and mentally.
Cristina García-Muñoz (PhD, PT) is a Professor of Physiotherapy in the Loyola University of Andalucia, Spain. In her educational and research career she has also worked at the University of Seville, while in her clinical career she had experience in geriatric and neurologic physiotherapy. She is part of the Uncertainty, Mindfulness, Self, and Spirituality (UMSS) group (SICA ID: CTS-1110). Her research focuses on the generation and translation of knowledge that informs self-management, motivation, adherence, new technologies and symptoms-improvements target to chronic conditions. Her hobbies are new technologies (mainly virtual reality systems), and she is really interested in how these systems could help in healthcare problems and the stakeholders.
Marta Isabel Infante Cano
She is Physiotherapist and Yoga Teacher and has special interest in women’s health as well as lifestyle and mind-body style therapies. She studied a Degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Seville (2019 – 2023) and will soon start a Master in Medicine, Nutrition and Hormonal Health in women at the Catholic University of Murcia. Currently, she works in several centers teaching Yoga classes. In her free time she likes to read, train and enjoy the beach.
Javier Matías-Soto (PT, MSc) is a physiotherapist and has a master’s degree from University of Malaga. He devotes his time equally to clinical practice and research work, through UMMS group and his doctoral thesis project at University of Malaga. Currently, his main fields of research is psychosocial factors and interventions that can contribute to their improvement in people under chronic processes. In his free time, he tries to enjoy outdoor activities, concerts, and theatre. However, one of his greatest passions is traveling, and enjoy culture and gastronomy of the destinations.
Patricia Martínez Miranda (PT, MSc) is a physiotherapist graduated from the University of Seville and a PhD student in Health Sciences. She currently divides her time between direct patient care, completion of her doctoral studies, and research projects. In her clinical career, she has training and work experience in the areas of paediatrics, pain management, and therapeutic exercise. Her doctoral studies and the research projects that in which she has participated until now attend to a perspective person-focussed and on the improvement of his self-efficacy related to his state of health, focusing on cancer rehabilitation, pain management and therapeutic exercise. In her free time, Patricia always takes time for her hobbies: doing sport, going to the cinema or the theatre, taking a photography course and to travel.
Francisco José Montero Bancalero (Psych., PhD) is a psychologist and professor at the University School of Osuna. In his professional career there are two chronologically differentiated stages, the approach to psychosocial health problems and teaching innovation, the latter being the most recent. His research experience is framed in qualitative methodology. He is also interested in reflection on transcendental philosophical concepts and his hobbies include computer programming, artificial intelligence and podcasting. His teacher is his son, of whom he is a loyal follower. No one who mistreats an animal will be his friend.
María Jesús Muñoz Fernández (PT, PhD) is a physiotherapist specialized in pelvic floor physiotherapy. She has a doctorate (PhD) in health sciences, in the field of physiotherapy in breast cancer. In my clinical practice, I work in a multidisciplinary pelvic floor unit and I am dedicated to caring for patients with uro-gynecological-proctological problems, especially people with chronic pelvic pain. In addition, I worked in several physiotherapy clinics teaching therapeutic exercise classes in patients with different pathologies, and treating neurological problems. Currently, I combine my work as a clinical physiotherapist with research and teaching in the Physiotherapy degree at the Francisco Maldonado de Osuna University School (Centre attached to the University of Seville), Seville (Spain). In her free time, she loves traveling and discovering different cultures, listening to music, walking with her dog and doing functional exercise outdoors.
Saúl Pineda Escobar (PT, MSc) is a physiotherapist and has a Master’s degree in International Health from the University of Malaga. His main work is with patients and he combines it with research. He has extensive training in chronic pain, ultrasound and minimally invasive treatment techniques. In his free time, Saúl enjoys walking his dog Alpha, playing sports and reading books on philosophy and history.
Fernando Piña Pozo (PT, PhD) is an associate professor in the Department of Physiotherapy at the Escuela Universitaria de Osuna, attached to the University of Seville, who has been working as a physiotherapist for the Andalusian Health Service since 2002, always in the field of primary care. PhD from the University of Seville, he is currently the principal investigator in a research project related to the effectiveness of the application of dry needling of myofascial trigger points in chronic neck pain. His little free time is dedicated to his wife, his children , his dog and his mountain bike.
Pablo Rodríguez Sánchez-Laulhé (PT, MSc) is professor at the University of Seville and eHealth researcher specialized in Hand Therapy, self-management, mHealth and Digital Health. He studied physiotherapy degree at the University of Seville, has a master’s degree in new healthcare trends in healthcare sciences, and has been collaborator in the physiotherapy department in various research projects. He is part of the ReHand project since 2016, and part of Healthinn spin-off, aimed at the implementation and clinical validation of new technologies and telerehabilitation systems with artificial intelligence technologies, aimed at the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders. He is currently studying his PhD at the University of Seville, aimed at the clinical validation of mHealth systems in chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. He is also interested in biopsychosocial approach in chronic pain and exercise therapy, with a special focus on content creation, dissemination of scientific evidence and social media.
Jesús Salas-González (PT, MSc)is a full time lecturer at the Physical Therapy Department of Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Ecuador. As a student, he got involved in research and international cooperation projects in the frame of competitive scholarships. After two years of clinical work mainly carryed out as neurological physiotherapist, he studied an official masters degree in neurosciences and pain with the objective of redirecting his profesional activity towards chronic pain research. In his free time he enjoys practicing sport, being in the nature and learning about music production.Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5832-0056
Olga Villar-Alises (PT) is physiotherapist. Self-management, pain, movement and lifestyle factors are her research lines. She studied the Degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Seville (2018-2022) and is currently studying the Master in New Trends in Health Sciences at the University of Seville (2022-2023) with the aim of continuing her training towards a PhD. She is currently working as a physiotherapist at Healthinn. Her hobbies include physical activity (especially outdoors), speciality coffee, self-knowledge and nutrition.
