Physical Activity in Mental Health Disorders – Therapeutic Potential and Mechnisms

Authors

  • Maria Wachowska Podhale Specialist Hospital named after St John Paul II in Nowy Targ, ul. Szpitalna 14, 34-400 Nowy Targ, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2069-9469
  • Paweł Maciej Rycąbel Independent Public Health Care Center of the Polish Ministry of Interior and Administration in Lublin, ul. Grenadierów 3, 20-331 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4039-8312
  • Mateusz Romaniuk Independent Public Health Care Center of the Polish Ministry of Interior and Administration in Lublin, ul. Grenadierów 3, 20-331 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1486-5522
  • Marek Jarosław Molenda 4th Clinical University Hospital in Lublin, ul. Kazimierza Jaczewskiego 8, 20-954 Lublin https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7900-4970
  • Mateusz Paniak Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński Province Specialist Hospital in Lublin, ul. al. Kraśnicka 100, 20-718 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0110-9634
  • Wojciech Jan Sowiński 1st Military Clinical Hospital with the Outpatient Clinic, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2267-4773
  • Oliwia Brygida Woszczyńska Independent Public Health Care of the Ministry of the Internal Affairs, ul. Kartuska 4/6, 80-104 Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7724-544X
  • Marta Szymura Independent Public Healtcare Center No.1 in Rzeszów, ul. Tadeusza Czackiego 2 35-051 Rzeszów https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2776-8974
  • Agnieszka Ewelina Wojciechowska Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński Province Specialist Hospital in Lublin, ul. al. Kraśnicka 100, 20-718 Lublin https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3344-9115
  • Michał Brunon Krawczyk Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Department of Mikołaj Kopernik Hospital in Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9697-6548

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2025.41.60020

Keywords

phisycal activity, depression, anxiety, substance abuse;, adhd

Abstract

Introduction and Purpose: Mental health disorders are a global public health challenge, with rising emergency visits, especially among youth. Physical activity has gained recognition as an effective intervention for some mental disorders. PA positively affects mental health by enhancing neuroplasticity, neurotransmitter regulation, and reducing inflammation. Aerobic and resistance exercises, as well as yoga, are effective in alleviating depressive symptoms, anxiety, and PTSD, improving ADHD-related cognitive functions, and decreasing substance cravings. This study aims to analyze the influence of physical activity on mental disorders.

Research Objective: The primary aim of this literature is to evaluate the impact of physical activity (PA) on mental health, focusing on depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and substance use disorders.

Materials and Methods: A literature review of studies published from 2019–2024 in the PubMed database analyzed clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews on the effects of PA, using the following keywords: “physical activity” ; “depression” ; “anxiety” ; “substance abuse” ; “adhd”.

Conclusions: PA is an effective, accessible adjunct therapy for mental health conditions, providing significant physical and psychological benefits. Future research should prioritize optimizing intervention protocols, investigating long-term effects, and adapting treatments to the specific needs of diverse populations.

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2025-05-05

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1.
WACHOWSKA, Maria, RYCĄBEL, Paweł Maciej, ROMANIUK, Mateusz, MOLENDA, Marek Jarosław, PANIAK, Mateusz, SOWIŃSKI, Wojciech Jan, WOSZCZYŃSKA, Oliwia Brygida, SZYMURA, Marta, WOJCIECHOWSKA, Agnieszka Ewelina and KRAWCZYK, Michał Brunon. Physical Activity in Mental Health Disorders – Therapeutic Potential and Mechnisms. Quality in Sport. Online. 5 May 2025. Vol. 41, p. 60020. [Accessed 15 May 2025]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2025.41.60020.

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Vol. 41 (2025)

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Medical Sciences

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Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Wachowska, Paweł Maciej Rycąbel, Mateusz Romaniuk, Marek Jarosław Molenda, Mateusz Paniak, Wojciech Jan Sowiński, Oliwia Brygida Woszczyńska, Marta Szymura, Agnieszka Ewelina Wojciechowska, Michał Brunon Krawczyk

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