
PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND WELLBEING
There are consistent evidences that Physical Exercise has many benefits for people of any age, improving psychological wellbeing and quality of life.
- In children, is correlated with high levels of self-efficacy, tasks goal orientation, and perceived competence.
- In youth and adulthood, most studies evidenced an association with better health outcomes, such as better mood and self-concept.
- In the aging population, helps maintaining independence, favouring social relations and mental health.
Biological effects
• increased cerebral blood flow,
• maximal oxygen consumption and delivery of oxygen to cerebral tissue, reduction in muscle tension, increased serum concentrations of endocannabinoid receptors
• cerebral structural changes, increased levels of neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin, beta-endorphins)
Psychological benefits
Physical Exercise decreases:
• anxiety;
• depression;
• dysfunctional and psychotic behaviours;
• hostility;
• tension;
• phobias;
• headaches.
Physical Exercise increases:
• assertiveness;
• confidence;
• emotional stability;
• cognitive functioning;
• internal locus of control;
• positive body image;
• self-control
• sexual satisfaction
Mandolesi et al., 2018
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