Movement in the Shadow of Sadness: How Physical Activity Supports the Fight Against Depression

Physical activity plays a critical role in promoting physical and mental health, positively influencing the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and enhancing brain function. Research indicates that regular physical exercise, such as aerobic or strength training, aids in the prevention an...

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Main Authors: Agata Ossolińska, Patrycja Marta, Filip Huzarski, Gabriela Ferfecka, Klaudia Pawełek, Lucyna Stolarska, Magdalena Rosa-Bończak, Natalia Morawiecka, Olivier Carlton, Weronika Kłosowicz
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Kazimierz Wielki University 2025-02-01
Series:Journal of Education, Health and Sport
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Online Access:https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/57453
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author Agata Ossolińska
Patrycja Marta
Filip Huzarski
Gabriela Ferfecka
Klaudia Pawełek
Lucyna Stolarska
Magdalena Rosa-Bończak
Natalia Morawiecka
Olivier Carlton
Weronika Kłosowicz
author_facet Agata Ossolińska
Patrycja Marta
Filip Huzarski
Gabriela Ferfecka
Klaudia Pawełek
Lucyna Stolarska
Magdalena Rosa-Bończak
Natalia Morawiecka
Olivier Carlton
Weronika Kłosowicz
author_sort Agata Ossolińska
collection DOAJ
description Physical activity plays a critical role in promoting physical and mental health, positively influencing the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and enhancing brain function. Research indicates that regular physical exercise, such as aerobic or strength training, aids in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. The biological mechanisms associated with physical activity include improved cerebral blood flow, modulation of neurotransmitter systems, and increased levels of neurotrophic factors like BDNF. Exercise also affects the balance of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, contributing to improved mood, cognitive abilities, and quality of life. Additionally, physical effort reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting brain health and countering neurodegenerative processes. Regular moderate exercise is an effective method to prevent central fatigue and enhance the adaptability of the central nervous system. This paper explores the complex impact of physical activity on mental health and cognitive function, emphasizing its vital role in supporting the therapy of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2391-8306
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publishDate 2025-02-01
publisher Kazimierz Wielki University
record_format Article
series Journal of Education, Health and Sport
spelling doaj-art-c4d4b56592ce4c0188f8477b8fb877c22025-02-12T08:17:51ZengKazimierz Wielki UniversityJournal of Education, Health and Sport2391-83062025-02-017810.12775/JEHS.2025.78.57453Movement in the Shadow of Sadness: How Physical Activity Supports the Fight Against DepressionAgata Ossolińska0https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4941-7039Patrycja Marta1https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6972-8140Filip Huzarskihttps://orcid.org/0009-0002-3773-5388Gabriela Ferfeckahttps://orcid.org/0009-0001-2908-9171Klaudia Pawełekhttps://orcid.org/0009-0005-6166-6396Lucyna Stolarskahttps://orcid.org/0009-0009-0480-304XMagdalena Rosa-Bończakhttps://orcid.org/0009-0005-7266-6930Natalia Morawieckahttps://orcid.org/0009-0006-6043-8188Olivier Carltonhttps://orcid.org/0009-0001-1506-626XWeronika Kłosowicz2https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1452-7411Fryderyk Chopin University Clinical Hospital in Rzeszow, Fryderyk Chopin Street 2, 35-055 RzeszowFryderyk Chopin University Clinical Hospital in Rzeszow, Fryderyk Chopin Street 2, 35-055 RzeszowFryderyk Chopin University Clinical Hospital in Rzeszow, Fryderyk Chopin Street 2, 35-055 Rzeszow Physical activity plays a critical role in promoting physical and mental health, positively influencing the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and enhancing brain function. Research indicates that regular physical exercise, such as aerobic or strength training, aids in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. The biological mechanisms associated with physical activity include improved cerebral blood flow, modulation of neurotransmitter systems, and increased levels of neurotrophic factors like BDNF. Exercise also affects the balance of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, contributing to improved mood, cognitive abilities, and quality of life. Additionally, physical effort reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, supporting brain health and countering neurodegenerative processes. Regular moderate exercise is an effective method to prevent central fatigue and enhance the adaptability of the central nervous system. This paper explores the complex impact of physical activity on mental health and cognitive function, emphasizing its vital role in supporting the therapy of neurological and psychiatric disorders. https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/57453Depressionexercisephysical activity
spellingShingle Agata Ossolińska
Patrycja Marta
Filip Huzarski
Gabriela Ferfecka
Klaudia Pawełek
Lucyna Stolarska
Magdalena Rosa-Bończak
Natalia Morawiecka
Olivier Carlton
Weronika Kłosowicz
Movement in the Shadow of Sadness: How Physical Activity Supports the Fight Against Depression
Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Depression
exercise
physical activity
title Movement in the Shadow of Sadness: How Physical Activity Supports the Fight Against Depression
title_full Movement in the Shadow of Sadness: How Physical Activity Supports the Fight Against Depression
title_fullStr Movement in the Shadow of Sadness: How Physical Activity Supports the Fight Against Depression
title_full_unstemmed Movement in the Shadow of Sadness: How Physical Activity Supports the Fight Against Depression
title_short Movement in the Shadow of Sadness: How Physical Activity Supports the Fight Against Depression
title_sort movement in the shadow of sadness how physical activity supports the fight against depression
topic Depression
exercise
physical activity
url https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/57453
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