Effect of Physical Activity Interventions for Improving Depression, Anxiety and Distress

Dear Colleagues,

The relationship between physical activity and mental health has long been studied, with research revealing that regular exercise can significantly improve depression, anxiety, and mood. Historically, interventions have evolved from anecdotal evidence to, more recently, rigorous scientific research emphasizing their therapeutic potential. Physical activity varies from competitive sport to physical activity. Here, we do not provide a definition of physical activity intervention, as this could be the focus of a paper in itself, but instead, we argue the need for an inclusive approach—one that includes self-regulation.

The aim of this Special Issue is to explore the impact of physical activity interventions on mental health, specifically targeting depression, anxiety, and mood improvement. It seeks to gather diverse research findings, practical applications, and theoretical advancements to provide comprehensive understanding of how exercise can serve as a therapeutic tool for mental well-being.

Thus, this Special Issue will highlight cutting-edge research, emphasizing multi- and interdisciplinary approaches to physical activity interventions for mental health. This includes collaborative studies, integrating fields such as psychology, neuroscience, kinesiology, and digital health. Innovative projects may explore the synergistic effects of combining exercise with cognitive behavioral therapy, technological advancements in monitoring mental health through wearable devices, and the role of social and environmental factors in enhancing the efficacy of physical activity on depression, anxiety, and mood.

This Special Issue will feature a diverse range of contributions, including theory papers providing in-depth analyses and papers developing theoretical frameworks that explain the mechanisms through which physical activity affects mental health. Case studies that include detailed examinations of individual or group experiences with physical activity interventions, providing practical insights and real-world applications, will also be included. A range of different research methods will be selected to address the utility of the intervention used, including ethnography—qualitative research exploring the cultural and social contexts influencing the adoption and effectiveness of physical activity for mental health. We encourage papers that test theory-led hypothesis interventions. Additionally, we encourage exploratory studies such as investigative research aimed at both uncovering new insights and generating hypotheses about the relationships between physical activity and mental health.

Prof. Dr. Andrew M. Lane
Guest Editor

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• physical activity interventions
• mental health
• depression and anxiety
• mood improvement
• therapeutic exercise
• interdisciplinary research
• behavioral health
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• wearable technology
• qualitative and quantitative research