The impact of physical activity on mental health
This article critically evaluates the interconnectedness of physical activity and mental health, drawing on a diverse body of evidence from observational studies, controlled trials, and emerging neuroscientific research. We explore how engaging in regular exercise is associated with improved mood re...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Quality in Sport |
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| Online Access: | https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/57234 |
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| author | Natalia Myśliwiec Aleksandra Ciesielska Marta Wojtczak Aleksandra Sieradzka Alicja Kot Adrian Różycki Michał Pniak Maciej Mawlichanów Paweł Miklis Krzysztof Szerej |
| author_facet | Natalia Myśliwiec Aleksandra Ciesielska Marta Wojtczak Aleksandra Sieradzka Alicja Kot Adrian Różycki Michał Pniak Maciej Mawlichanów Paweł Miklis Krzysztof Szerej |
| author_sort | Natalia Myśliwiec |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This article critically evaluates the interconnectedness of physical activity and mental health, drawing on a diverse body of evidence from observational studies, controlled trials, and emerging neuroscientific research. We explore how engaging in regular exercise is associated with improved mood regulation, reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms, and better coping strategies under stress. By examining a range of exercise modalities, intensities, and durations across various age groups and demographic contexts, we shed light on the differential impacts of physical activity on mental well-being. Neuroscientific findings including those from neuroimaging and biomarker analyses offer insights into the biological mechanisms behind these improvements, revealing alterations in neural circuits and neurotransmitter systems that underpin emotional resilience and cognitive functioning. We further consider the psychological and social benefits that accompany regular physical activity, such as enhanced self-esteem, feelings of belonging, and the establishment of positive routines. Finally, we identify gaps in existing research, including the need for more tailored, evidence-based exercise prescriptions and an improved understanding of how to optimize interventions for individuals with specific mental health profiles. Overall, this review underscores the imperative of incorporating strategic physical activity programs into mental health prevention, treatment, and policy initiatives.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-715dd50f9d7141d18816a8968ea80a95 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2450-3118 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Quality in Sport |
| spelling | doaj-art-715dd50f9d7141d18816a8968ea80a952025-01-12T08:22:52ZengNicolaus Copernicus University in ToruńQuality in Sport2450-31182025-01-013710.12775/QS.2025.37.57234The impact of physical activity on mental healthNatalia Myśliwiec0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4359-9899Aleksandra Ciesielska1https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5015-6140Marta Wojtczak2https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0032-7520Aleksandra Sieradzka3https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2281-7617Alicja Kot4https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2999-6775Adrian Różycki5https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9110-5443Michał Pniak6https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2982-6078Maciej Mawlichanów7https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6543-8105Paweł Miklis8https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4578-233XKrzysztof Szerej9https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7581-4965Państwowy Instytut Medyczny MSWiA w WarszawieMazovian Rehabilitation Center "STOCER" Sp. z o.o. Railway Hospital in Pruszków, Poland County Health Center in Otwock Sp. z o.o. Otwock, Poland Medical University of Warsaw Medical University of Warsaw, PolandMedica Plus Family Clinic Sp. z o. o., Gdańsk, Poland John Paul II Memorial Masovia Provincial Hospital in Siedlce, Poland Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw Poland University Clinical Center of the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland District Hospital in Sochaczew, PolandThis article critically evaluates the interconnectedness of physical activity and mental health, drawing on a diverse body of evidence from observational studies, controlled trials, and emerging neuroscientific research. We explore how engaging in regular exercise is associated with improved mood regulation, reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms, and better coping strategies under stress. By examining a range of exercise modalities, intensities, and durations across various age groups and demographic contexts, we shed light on the differential impacts of physical activity on mental well-being. Neuroscientific findings including those from neuroimaging and biomarker analyses offer insights into the biological mechanisms behind these improvements, revealing alterations in neural circuits and neurotransmitter systems that underpin emotional resilience and cognitive functioning. We further consider the psychological and social benefits that accompany regular physical activity, such as enhanced self-esteem, feelings of belonging, and the establishment of positive routines. Finally, we identify gaps in existing research, including the need for more tailored, evidence-based exercise prescriptions and an improved understanding of how to optimize interventions for individuals with specific mental health profiles. Overall, this review underscores the imperative of incorporating strategic physical activity programs into mental health prevention, treatment, and policy initiatives. https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/57234Mental disordersMental healthExercisesSportPhysical activity |
| spellingShingle | Natalia Myśliwiec Aleksandra Ciesielska Marta Wojtczak Aleksandra Sieradzka Alicja Kot Adrian Różycki Michał Pniak Maciej Mawlichanów Paweł Miklis Krzysztof Szerej The impact of physical activity on mental health Quality in Sport Mental disorders Mental health Exercises Sport Physical activity |
| title | The impact of physical activity on mental health |
| title_full | The impact of physical activity on mental health |
| title_fullStr | The impact of physical activity on mental health |
| title_full_unstemmed | The impact of physical activity on mental health |
| title_short | The impact of physical activity on mental health |
| title_sort | impact of physical activity on mental health |
| topic | Mental disorders Mental health Exercises Sport Physical activity |
| url | https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/57234 |
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