Move Your Mind: Exploring the Impact of Exercise on the Gut–Brain Axis

Presented by Nelson Gonzalez

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Description

Are you aware of the powerful connection between exercise and mental health? The gut–brain axis plays a pivotal role in brain function, cognition, and emotional well-being, yet its relationship with physical activity remains vastly underexplored in clinical settings. This webinar bridges a crucial practice gap by diving deep into the science of how exercise can directly influence gut health, improve brain function, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.

As a healthcare professional—whether you’re a physical therapist, occupational therapist, nurse, speech therapist, or social worker—you play a vital role in guiding patients through holistic approaches to mental health and rehabilitation. This session will equip you with the latest evidence on the gut–brain connection and actionable strategies to incorporate exercise into patient care plans for optimal mental and physical outcomes. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in understanding how movement influences brain health—because if you’re not leveraging the gut–brain axis in your treatments, you’re missing out on a game-changing approach to patient well-being.

Join us for an hour of cutting-edge insights and practical strategies—because knowledge is power, and missing this webinar means falling behind in transforming patient care.

Instructor

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Nelson Gonzalez, OTR/L, CHHC, CCT, CPMT, CORE, CLT

Nelson been an occupational therapy practitioner for more than 19 years, with an array of certifications and specialties, including rehabilitation fitness specialist, certified holistic health coach, certified cupping therapist, certified pediatric massage therapist, certified oncology rehabilitation expert, LSVT-BIG, and…

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Learning Objectives

• Define the gut–brain axis and explain its role in mental and cognitive health

• Identify how exercise impacts the gut microbiome and its effects on mental well-being

• Recognize the benefits of exercise for improving cognitive function and mental health outcomes in patients

• List strategies to incorporate movement-based activities into meaningful occupations such as work, self-care, or social participation to support mental well-being

Agenda

All times in Eastern Time.

6:00pm–6:10pm
Understanding the Gut–Brain Axis and Its Role in Mental Health
6:10pm–6:30pm
The Science of Exercise and Neuroplasticity: The Role of BDNF and Neurotrophic Factors
6:30pm–6:50pm
Practical Strategies for Integrating Exercise Into Mental Health Interventions
6:50pm–6:55pm
Break
6:55pm–7:10pm
Q&A Session

Medbridge is committed to accessibility for all of our subscribers. If you are in need of a disability-related accommodation, please contact [email protected] . We will process requests for reasonable accommodation and will provide reasonable accommodations where appropriate, in a prompt and efficient manner.

Details

  • August 7, 2025
  • 6:00pm-7:10pm EDT
    • PTs/PTAs, Introductory
    • OTs/OTAs, Introductory
    • SLPs, Introductory
    • Nurses, Introductory
  • Register soon! Limited seats available.

* Available August 5

Disclaimer

Nelson Gonzalez, instructor for this educational event, receives compensation from Medbridge for this course. No one with the ability to control content has relevant relationship(s) to disclose.

Accreditation

Requirements

To receive CEU credit all disciplines must attend the webinar for the full duration, complete the quiz with a minimum score of 70%, and complete the participant survey.

"Live" CEUs

Even if this webinar is accredited for your discipline and location, it may not count as a “Live” CEU. of governing bodies that count our accredited webinars as “Live” CEUs.

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How to Prepare