The Impact of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being
A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health-Related Quality of Life".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 696
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Physical activity, encompassing a wide range of bodily movements, has emerged as a potent non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing mental health and overall wellbeing across the lifespan. Scientific evidence robustly demonstrates that regular engagement in physical activity triggers a cascade of physiological and neurobiological changes that positively influence our mood, cognition, and stress regulation. These benefits are mediated through various mechanisms, including the release of endorphins, modulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, promotion of neurogenesis, and improvements in sleep quality. Furthermore, physical activity provides opportunities for social interaction and a sense of accomplishment, contributing to enhanced self-esteem and reduced feelings of isolation. This interdisciplinary field of research, the focus of this Special Issue, continues to explore the optimal types, intensities, and durations of physical activity for specific mental health conditions and populations, highlighting its significant potential as a preventative and therapeutic strategy.
Prof. Dr. Iransé Oliveira-Silva
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- physical activity
- mental health
- wellbeing
- exercise
- mood
- cognition
- stress
- neurobiology
- endorphins
- prevention
- therapy
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