The PhD course in Health Promotion and Cognitive Sciences, established in the 33^rd cycle, is characterized by an active synergy between the disciplinary areas of physical exercise and sport sciences, biomedical sciences, psychological sciences, and educational and pedagogical sciences. 

The area of physical exercise and sports sciences focuses on the development and maintenance of motor skills and physical fitness in childhood, adulthood, and old age, with the goal of preventing and managing chronic noncommunicable diseases. Accordingly, it plays a key role in promoting healthy lifestyles and implementing school-based physical education or physical activity programs adapted to age, gender, disability, health conditions, and other factors. In the field of sports, it is concerned with the validation of new physical performance tests and innovative technologies, as well as the personalization of training protocols to optimize sports performance and prevent musculoskeletal injuries.  

The biomedical field deals with evaluating the biomolecular changes induced by physical exercise in healthy and pathological subjects and directing towards a correct diet related to the physical and sports activity practiced. It also investigates the metabolic pathways and bioenergetics of motor and sports activities and the effects of nutrition and supplementation on performance. 

The psychology area is devoted to the analysis of processes that influence behavior and adaptation in individuals, groups, and communities, with the goal of designing and implementing psychological-clinical, psychosocial and lifelong wellness promotion interventions.  

The educational and pedagogical area focuses on epistemological, historical, and philosophical aspects of educational research and the relationship between strictly pedagogical sciences and other applied sciences in education. It is engaged in the study, design and implementation of professional development processes for primary and early childhood teachers, as well as adult education pedagogues, in order to contribute to the improvement and innovation of the school and education system.