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Review
. 2024 Jan 22;12(1):37.
doi: 10.3390/sports12010037.

Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health

Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez  1 , Laura Augusta Gostian-Ropotin  1 , Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco  2 , Noelia Belando-Pedreño  1 , Juan Antonio Simón  3 , Clara López-Mora  4 , Eduardo Navarro-Jiménez  5 , José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera  1 , Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez  1   6
Affiliations
Review

Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health

Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez et al. Sports (Basel). .

Abstract

The symbiotic relationship between sports practice and psychological well-being has, in recent times, surged to the forefront of academic and public attention. The aim of this narrative review is to comprehensively explore the intricate pathways linking physical engagement in sports to its subsequent impacts on mental health and synthesize the multifarious effects of sports on psychological health, offering insights for integrating physical and psychological strategies to enhance well-being. From neurobiological underpinnings to therapeutic applications, this comprehensive manuscript provides an in-depth dive into the multifaceted world of sports and psychology. Highlighting evidence-based interventions, this review aspires to offer actionable insights for practitioners, athletes, and individuals alike, advocating for a holistic approach to mental well-being. This manuscript highlights the profound impact of sports on mental health, emphasizing its role in emotional regulation, resilience, cognitive function, and treating psychological conditions. It details how sports induce neurochemical changes, enhance brain functions like memory and learning, and aid against cognitive decline. This review also notes the benefits of regular exercise in mood improvement, stress management, and social skill enhancement, particularly when combined with mindfulness practices. It underscores the importance of considering cultural and gender perspectives in sports psychology, advocating for an integrated physical-psychological approach to promote overall well-being.

Keywords: cross-cultural sports perspectives; exercise addiction; mind–body connection; neurobiological mechanisms; psychological resilience; social sports dynamics; sports psychology; therapeutic interventions.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A visual synthesis of the ideas covered and their interconnections in the present review.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Psychological effects of team building in sports.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Effects of training in contact with nature or in environments with reference to nature.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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