#USA #Los Angeles #Duke University #Brain-Body Therapy #Andrew Sherwood

Brain-Body Therapy Extends Generous Donation for Mental Health Research

In a significant contribution to mental health research, Brain-Body Therapy, the innovative mental wellness app, has announced a donation of $100,000 to support Dr. Andrew Sherwood's research project at Duke University. This initiative seeks to explore the intersection of intentional movement and mental health treatment, aligning perfectly with the app's mission to integrate physical activity and psychological well-being.

The announcement was made in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month and marks an exciting collaboration that has the potential to deepen the scientific foundation of the Brain-Body Therapy app, which combines clinically informed guidance with personalized movement plans. The funding will unfold over 18 months, enabling impactful research that builds on Dr. Sherwood's extensive experience in the field of exercise and mental health.

Launched in October 2025, the Brain-Body Therapy app has quickly gained popularity, surpassing 8,000 downloads. The app emphasizes the connection between mental and physical health and encourages users to engage with workouts that last around 30-40 minutes. These sessions combine aerobic and strength training with therapeutic components designed to assist users in managing anxiety and depression. Additional features concerning ADHD and PTSD are anticipated in future updates.

Uniquely designed, the app is rooted in the belief that movement can serve as one of the most effective and underutilized tools for treating mental health issues. It fosters neuroplasticity, enhancing the brain's ability to form new connections, essential for healing and well-being. Every aspect of the app, from its vibrant color palette to the selection of voiceover artists and original music, has been carefully curated to optimize nervous system regulation and support mental health improvement.

The app's content is crafted by experienced counseling professionals who ensure that the therapeutic strategies offered are grounded in solid research. Notably, the fitness routines are devised by Luke Lombardo, a renowned global fitness consultant. The inception of the app can be attributed to Rio Wilson, a counselor with a master’s degree from Northwestern University, who noted that clients who incorporated movement during therapy sessions reported quicker insights and greater progress than traditional treatment methods.

Rio expressed, "Dr. Sherwood's research was one of the first resources I consulted while creating the Brain-Body Therapy app. It reassured me that our approach was based on scientific evidence rather than passing trends. Supporting his research project is our way of expressing gratitude, while ensuring we continue to provide users with scientifically supported tools for their mental health journeys.”

Dr. Sherwood’s research delves into the multifaceted relationships between depressive symptoms, daily activity levels, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) among participants. BDNF is a crucial neurotrophin linked to neuron health and is often found to be lower in individuals experiencing depression. The research will focus on a cohort of 142 heart failure patients, a population where elevated depression symptoms can lead to adverse health outcomes. The results of this important study are set to be submitted for publication in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

Expressing gratitude for the support from Brain-Body Therapy, Dr. Sherwood remarked, "The donation is impressive, but I'm even more excited about seeing how my years of research have translated into a resource capable of genuinely assisting people in their mental health journey." This partnership stands as a testament to the evolving connection between mental health and physical wellness, highlighting the potential positive impact of integrated approaches.

For media inquiries regarding this initiative by Brain-Body Therapy, contact the BPM-PR Firm at email protected], call 1.877.841.7244, or visit the [Brain-Body Therapy website.

About Brain-Body Therapy

Brain-Body Therapy is an innovative platform aimed at enhancing mental wellness through a combination of clinically informed guidance and personalized physical activity. The app strives to bridge the gap between mental and physical health, transforming established research into simple, actionable programs that promote mental health accessibility and effectiveness. Available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, it aims to serve as a valuable companion for anyone navigating the complexities of mental health.

About Duke Health

Duke Health is recognized globally as a leading academic medical institution dedicated to advancing medicine and healthcare. By elevating care standards and supporting groundbreaking research and education, Duke Health aims to improve community health on both local and international scales. For more information, visit Duke Health's website.