Project Details
Description
Engaging in physical activity is crucial for a healthy body and mind. It is increasingly recognised that activities ranging from gardening to competitive sports positively impact mood, mental health, and psychological well-being. However, much remains to be understood about these links, such as the mechanisms behind these benefits and how to encourage more participation in physical activity.
This project aimed to explore several issues related to the connection between physical activity, mental health, and psychological well-being, including whether social relationships formed during activity contribute significantly to these benefits. It also investigated the links between physical activity and mental health in specific populations, such as children, adolescents, the elderly, and the overweight.
Additionally, the project evaluated existing initiatives, like those by professional football clubs, to promote greater physical activity engagement. Through original research using various methodologies, the project sought to enhance the understanding of the mental health benefits of physical activity.
This project aimed to explore several issues related to the connection between physical activity, mental health, and psychological well-being, including whether social relationships formed during activity contribute significantly to these benefits. It also investigated the links between physical activity and mental health in specific populations, such as children, adolescents, the elderly, and the overweight.
Additionally, the project evaluated existing initiatives, like those by professional football clubs, to promote greater physical activity engagement. Through original research using various methodologies, the project sought to enhance the understanding of the mental health benefits of physical activity.
Key findings
Our research has demonstrated that engaging in physical activity has a number of positive effects on mental health in a wide variety of populations. For example, university students who are active have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression than those who are not active. We have also found that children and adolescents value the opportunity to engage in activities, particularly football, and that professional football clubs play an important role in encouraging physical activity via their community trust programmes. Our current research activities have focused on the benefits of Walking Football, and specific football initiatives for overweight males. Preliminary findings here have indicated physical, psychological, social and familial benefits in engaging in this type of activity.
Recommendations
Engaging in physical activity should be encouraged and facilitated for all individuals as it has been shown to exert mental health benefits in both clinical and non-clinical populations. The precise mechanism of action for the positive impact is yet to be clearly determined, but an important component is the social aspect of ‘getting together’ which appears to be a key motivator for exercise participation. Further work should consider the comparative effects of different types of physical activity in a wide variety of populations and contexts.
Recommendations
Engaging in physical activity should be encouraged and facilitated for all individuals as it has been shown to exert mental health benefits in both clinical and non-clinical populations. The precise mechanism of action for the positive impact is yet to be clearly determined, but an important component is the social aspect of ‘getting together’ which appears to be a key motivator for exercise participation. Further work should consider the comparative effects of different types of physical activity in a wide variety of populations and contexts.
| Status | Active |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 1/01/22 → … |