Exploring the Benefits of Sports and Physical Activity on Mental Health: A Review of the Research
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.2490Keywords:
Sports, Adolescent Mental Health, Aerobic vs. Anaerobic, Leisure vs. Competitive, Individual vs. TeamAbstract
Anxiety and depression have become widespread concerns among adolescents, with an increasing number of teens identifying mental health struggles as a significant issue among their peers. One of the most widely discussed treatments for mental health is physical activity, including organized sports and general exercise. While many studies confirm the overall benefits of sports, this paper seeks to identify which types of sports—or which combination of factors related to sports—produce the most significant positive impacts on mental health specifically. From the research reviewed, it was found that resistance training, aerobic exercise, team sports, individual sports, and competitive and leisure participation offer distinct benefits, no singular factor emerges as definitively superior. Instead, the key takeaway is that engagement in any form of physical activity benefits mental well-being. Individuals should focus on selecting a sport or exercise regimen that aligns with their preferences and lifestyle rather than searching for an objectively "best" option. Future research should delve deeper into sports participation's benefits and potential drawbacks. While much attention has been given to the positive aspects, there is a need to investigate the negative consequences, such as chronic stress, injury risks, and conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in contact sports, which require early detection and targeted interventions.
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