China
Africa
Explore chapters and articles related to this topic
Keeping track of your mental health
Published in John Measey, How to Publish in Biological Sciences, 2023
The positive relationship between the amount of physical activity and higher mental wellbeing is well established (e.g. Grasdalsmoen et al. 2020; Gerber et al. 2014), but the kind of exercise required to achieve this improved result is varied. There are plenty of studies out there that suggest there are multiple benefits from physical activity (Williams, 2021). This does not have to be the most hectic exercise possible. You'll get huge benefits from simply taking a walk.
Emotional Wellness and Stress Resilience
Published in Gia Merlo, Kathy Berra, Lifestyle Nursing, 2023
Elizabeth R. Click, Alyssa Vela
Emotional resilience is enhanced through physical activity (Gil-Beltran et al., 2020); both occasional and regular activity facilitate emotional well-being (Bernstein & McNally, 2018). Physiological benefits are due to the increase in endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine that develop in response to physical activity practice. Those neurotransmitters are responsible for emotional regulation and stress reduction (Gil-Beltran et al., 2020). The bidirectional relationship between physical activity and stress was investigated by Schultchen et al. (2019). The literature also highlights the benefits of physical activity in decreasing psychological ill-health (i.e. depression, stress, negative affect, and psychological distress) and how physical activity increases psychological well-being (i.e. self-image, satisfaction with life and happiness, and psychological well-being) among adolescents and adults (Rector et al., 2019, Rodriguez-Ayllon et al., 2019, Meyer et al., 2020).
Alternative Approaches
Published in Ruth Chambers, Paula Stather, Tackling Obesity and Overweight Matters in Health and Social Care, 2022
There are many health benefits of physical activity in people who are obese. They include: Improved modification of their blood lipid levelsReduction in blood pressure, even in the absence of weight lossImproved management or prevention of type 2 diabetesEnhanced functional capacity, which is typically low in people who are obeseReductions in mild clinical depression and anxiety (both common in people who are obese)Improved self-esteem and general psychological well-being
Social support among older adults in group physical activity programs
Published in Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 2023
Chantelle Zimmer, Meghan H. McDonough, Jennifer Hewson, Ann M. Toohey, Cari Din, Peter R. E. Crocker, Erica V. Bennett
Facilitating opportunities for the growing older adult population to engage in life pursuits that enhance their health and quality of life, a key component of successful aging (Stowe & Cooney, 2015), is of critical importance. Physical activity can influence successful aging by providing opportunities for older adults to maintain or improve their physical and mental health, physical and cognitive functioning, independence, and quality of life (Baker et al., 2009; Netz et al., 2005). However, effective approaches for promoting and sustaining the engagement of older adults in physical activity are needed (Zubala et al., 2017). Many physical activity promotion efforts aimed at the aging population encourage increasing activity to prevent ill health (Almond, 2010). To experience the full health benefits of physical activity, it is recommended that older adults accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, 2020). More than 80% of older adults though do not meet these recommended levels (Clarke et al., 2019). Promotion efforts that encourage the aging population to engage in purposeful physical pursuits to experience holistic enrichment through movement may be more effective (Almond, 2010). As such, examining physical activity in a more holistic and positive manner, through the lens of physical literacy, may provide greater insight into supporting behavior change and maintenance among older adults.
Visual factors associated with physical activity in schoolchildren
Published in Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 2023
Síofra Harrington, John Kearney, Veronica O’Dwyer
In addition to vascular and neurological benefits, regular physical activity is associated with positive mental health, slower cognitive decline, reduced body fat and cancer prevalence.7 Physical activity benefits the nervous and visual systems due to shared embryological origins.8 Moreover, physical activity appears to offer a protective effect against myopia progression.9 By contrast, lower physical activity levels are associated with earlier onset age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy,8 depression and anxiety.10 Adults with amblyopia avoid visually demanding sports due to issues anticipating moving targets.11 Of further concern, visually impaired adults experience barriers to engaging in physical activities.12 Likewise, visually impaired children and adolescents are less likely to engage in physical activity,13 and sports.14
A Systematic Review of eHealth Interventions to Promote Physical Activity in Adults with Obesity or Overweight
Published in Behavioral Medicine, 2023
Seungmin Lee, Priya Patel, Nicholas D. Myers, Karin A. Pfeiffer, Alan L. Smith, Kimberly S. Kelly
Despite these benefits of physical activity, adults with obesity are less physically active and less likely to meet the public health guidelines for physical activity such as 150 min per week of moderate physical activity, compared to adults with normal weight.16,17 Moreover, there is evidence that adults with obesity tend to be physically active only when trying to lose weight.18 Simply understanding the variety of benefits accompanying an active lifestyle is, particularly for adults with obesity, insufficient to create a regularly active lifestyle.8 Therefore, behavioral interventions, of a typical format (i.e., face-to-face) or remote format (i.e., eHealth) that are designed to supplement the importance of being physically active and reinforce health promotion messages with effective and efficient approaches and strategies, are important to promote physical activity in adults with obesity.