Dr. Rafael Zapata-Lamana | Children – IP at Santo Tomás University, Chile
Dr. Rafael Zapata Lamana is an accomplished academic and interdisciplinary researcher based in Chile, recognized for his impactful work across the domains of public health, physical activity, and digital health education. With a prolific academic output and extensive teaching experience, he has emerged as a leader in promoting healthy lifestyles, advancing educational psychology, and leveraging technology for community well-being. He is deeply involved in fostering inclusive, science-driven solutions that bridge academia and real-world public health needs, positioning him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Academic Profile
ORCID
Education
Dr. Zapata holds dual doctoral degrees that anchor his expertise in both education and health sciences. He earned a Ph.D. in Physical Activity and Sport from the Universidad Europea de Madrid, Spain, where he focused on optimizing physical performance through evidence-based interventions. He further completed a Ph.D. in Health and Sport Psychology at the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain, which enriched his understanding of behavioral sciences and the psychological underpinnings of health behavior, especially in educational settings. These robust academic credentials have equipped him with a unique interdisciplinary lens that blends physical activity, psychology, and pedagogy.
Experience
Throughout his career, Dr. Zapata has held academic positions at two of Chile’s leading institutions: the University of Concepción and the University of Santo Tomás. Currently serving as an Associate Professor, he has played a pivotal role in research supervision, curriculum development, and doctoral program leadership in both education and psychology. He is also an executive committee member of the Center for Healthy Life, where he contributes to strategic initiatives that integrate research, policy, and practice. His active involvement in institutional and governmental projects demonstrates his ability to translate research findings into socially impactful programs.
Research Interest
Dr. Zapata’s primary research interests lie in the promotion of healthy lifestyles within educational contexts, digital transformation in health and learning environments, and the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. His work frequently explores how physical activity, sleep hygiene, and digital tools can be integrated into school systems to enhance academic performance, emotional resilience, and community health. He is particularly passionate about mobile health (mHealth) solutions and the use of ecological momentary assessment methods to track and influence behavior in real time, ensuring relevance in both developed and underserved populations.
Award
Dr. Zapata’s work has earned him competitive research funding from several regional and international agencies, including the Regional Government of Biobío and Generalitat Valenciana in Spain. His studies on telerehabilitation, school mental health, and mHealth-based exercise interventions have positioned him as a trusted expert in applied health sciences. These recognitions are not only acknowledgments of scholarly merit but also a testament to the practical utility of his research. His projects have consistently aimed at underserved communities, emphasizing inclusivity, scalability, and long-term health promotion.
Selected Publications 📚
📘 Effectiveness of School-Based Active Breaks on Classroom Behavior, Executive Functions and Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents – Frontiers in Public Health, 2025 — Cited by 23 articles.
📗 Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3) – Behavioral Sciences, 2025 — Cited by 17 articles.
📙 Conceptual and Evidence Update on Incidental Physical Activity: A Scoping Review – Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 2025 — Cited by 19 articles.
📕 Effects of Video-Guided Active Breaks with Curricular Content on Mental Health in Chilean Schoolchildren – Frontiers in Physiology, 2024 — Cited by 12 articles.
📒 Effectiveness of Resistance Training Program on Body Composition in Adults Following Vegan Diet vs. Omnivorous Diet in mHealth Modality – Nutrients, 2024 — Cited by 26 articles.
📔 Low Sleep Hygiene Is Associated with Less Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Chilean Schoolchildren – Children, 2023 — Cited by 15 articles.
📓 Brisk Walking Pace Is Associated with Better Cardiometabolic Health in Adults – International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2023 — Cited by 30 articles.
Conclusion
In summary, Dr. Rafael Zapata Lamana represents the embodiment of a modern, community-focused researcher who excels in multidisciplinary scholarship and public service. With strong academic foundations, diverse international collaborations, and a prolific publication record, he has significantly contributed to the advancement of public health, education, and behavioral sciences. His innovative use of technology and dedication to improving mental and physical health in educational settings underscore his visionary leadership. Dr. Zapata’s work not only enriches academic literature but also delivers practical interventions that influence health outcomes at scale. His nomination for the Best Researcher Award is both well-earned and highly meritorious, promising further contributions that bridge the gap between knowledge and impact.