Q: What inspired you to take on the new role of therapy expert at cereneo?

A: I’ve always been passionate about the intersection of science and clinical practice. My academic journey—from studying Sports Science in Spain to my PhD in Rehabilitation Science at McGill University in Canada—taught me the value of translating research into tangible benefits for patients. At cereneo, I saw the perfect opportunity to combine my love for cutting-edge research with direct patient impact in one of the world’s leading neurological rehabilitation centres.

Q: The position of therapy expert is a newly created role at cereneo, what does this role entail?

A: My primary task is to bring the latest scientific evidence and advanced technologies into our clinical practice. This involves filtering the signal from the noise, carefully analysing current research and innovations in the neurological field and identify the most relevant and effective findings our patients can truly benefit from. Once these are selected, I work with our clinical team to implement them, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to integrate these advancements into daily rehabilitation. While my current focus is on movement therapy, the scope could expand to other disciplines over time.

Q: How do you translate research into practical applications for patients?

A: It’s a multi-step process. First, I thoroughly review the current literature and new studies and assess their applicability to our clinical setting. If something holds promise, we discuss these findings with our multidisciplinary clinical team and, if necessary, even approach the study’s authors to share their insights with our group. In addition, I conduct hands-on training for our clinicians to ensure the research is seamlessly incorporated into patient care. At cereneo, patients receive an individualised therapy programme tailored to their specific needs. One of my goals is to complement these individualized programmes by combining cardiovascular exercises with task-oriented motor training to maximize recovery outcomes.

For combining the latest scientific evidence with the most advanced technologies, I collaborate closely with our rehabilitation engineer to explore which and how the latest technologies can support these findings in our therapies.

Q: What challenges do you foresee in this role?

A: Honestly, I see more opportunities than challenges. cereneo is already equipped with state-of-the-art technology and has strong ties to international researchers, making it an ideal environment for innovation. One challenge is the sheer volume of research to evaluate—but that’s a challenge I welcome. It’s about identifying what will make the greatest difference for our patients.

Q: Can you share a highlight from your previous experience that shapes your approach today?

A: During my PhD, under the supervision of Dr Marc Roig, I focused on understanding the neuroplasticity mechanisms underlying motor function and motor learning in stroke patients and whether interventions such as cardiovascular exercise can enhance brain plasticity and recovery in this clinical population. Among our findings, we found that lesion location plays a critical role in mediating brain reorganization after stroke, highlighting the need for individualized, targeted treatments. This taught me the importance of creating the right stimuli to support brain recovery and highlighted the power of individualized, evidence-based interventions. We also found that cardiovascular exercise significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness and functional capacity in individuals with stroke during the subacute stages. However, its impact on neuroplasticity was minimal, suggesting that it may need to be combined with other interventions to induce more substantial neuroplastic changes.

Q: What excites you most about working at cereneo?

A: It’s the perfect blend of resources, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of rehabilitation. I love that we focus on recovery rather than compensation—helping patients regain function rather than just adapting to limitations. The weekly interdisciplinary patient exchange ensures we’re always aligning on the best approach for each individual. With so much enthusiasm for innovation here, I feel empowered to bring science to life and make a real difference.

Q: Where do you see the future of neurological rehabilitation?

A: I envision a future where rehabilitation is more personalized than ever, integrating advanced technologies and evidence-based approaches. By staying at the forefront of research and technology, we can continue to revolutionize how neurological recovery is achieved.

Q: Finally, what drives your work?

A: For me, it’s all about making science accessible and impactful. I’ve always loved research, but what truly motivates me is seeing that research improves lives. At cereneo, I have the privilege of doing both—diving into the latest studies while ensuring our patients benefit from them. It’s incredibly fulfilling to bridge that gap and be part of a team dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for our patients.