The Department of Physical Therapy (DPT) at the Nabi Ayla–Zahle Campus is organizing a seminar titled Physical Activity and Mental Health: Toward Optimal Well-being. The aim of this seminar is to raise participants’ awareness of the positive effects of physical activity on brain health and provide them with practical ways to integrate these activities into their daily lives.    

Research has established a strong link between physical activity and improved brain health, particularly in relation to cognitive function and neuroplasticity. This seminar offers an excellent platform for sharing the latest advancements and discoveries in this field.   

Event Details 

Audience: DPT students and faculty members  

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025   

Time: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM   

Location: Nabi Ayla–Zahle Campus   

Program  

10:00–10:30 AM | Registration   

10:30–11:00 AM | Opening Remarks   

• Fr. Raymond Hachem, Director of the Nabi Ayla–Zahle Campus   

• Dr. Elie Akoury, Head of UA’s Department of Physical Therapy  

11:00–11:20 AM | The Psychological Impact of Physical Exercise on the Psyche and Mental Health   

• Ms. Therese Farhat, Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist, and Bio-decoding Counselor   

11:20–11:40 AM | Effects of Physical Exercise on Mental Health   

• Dr. Pierre Kamleh, Physical Therapist and Head’s Delegate of the Department of Physiotherapy at the Mejdlaya–Zgharta Campus   

11:40 AM–12:00 PM | The Impact of Physical Activity on Addictive Behaviors   

• Mr. Hussein Farhat, Physical Therapist and Lecturer at the Lebanese University and the Islamic University   

12:00–12:20 PM | Q&A Session   

12:20–12:45 PM | Coffee Break   

12:45–1:15 PM | Maintaining a Healthy Brain Throughout Life   

• Prof. Ahmad Rifai, Physical Therapist and Director of the Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy at the Lebanese University   

1:15–1:40 PM | Moving Minds: The Impact of Physical Exercise on Improving Mental Health in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis   

• Ms. Eliane Rached, Physical Therapist and PhD Candidate at the Lebanese University and the Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France   

1:40–2:00 PM | Q&A Session   

2:00 PM | Conference Closing   

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn how physical activity can transform your mental well-being!