PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MENTAL HEALTH: A NARRATIVE REVIEW WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND DIGITAL INTERVENTIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5463Keywords:
Physical Activity; Mental Health; Depression; Anxiety; Digital HealthAbstract
Mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, represent a major global health challenge and significantly affect quality of life and daily functioning (World Health Organization, 2023; Harvey et al., 2018). Increasing attention has been directed toward lifestyle factors, particularly physical activity, as potential strategies for improving psychological well-being (Firth et al., 2020; Ashdown-Franks et al., 2020).
The aim of this narrative review is to summarize current evidence regarding the relationship between physical activity and mental health, with particular focus on depression and anxiety, and to highlight implications for public health and digital interventions. A narrative review methodology was applied based on literature retrieved from PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on studies published between 2010 and 2025.
The available evidence consistently demonstrates that regular physical activity is associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved overall psychological well-being (Singh et al., 2023; Schuch et al., 2018; Noetel et al., 2024). These effects are mediated through biological and psychological mechanisms (Kandola et al., 2019; Dishman et al., 2006).
Furthermore, digital technologies such as wearable devices and mobile health applications are increasingly used to promote physical activity and support mental health outcomes (Patel et al., 2015; Wang et al., 2022).
In conclusion, physical activity represents an effective and accessible complementary strategy in the prevention and management of mental health disorders.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Natalia Kita, Zuzanna Maria Filipiak, Anna Nowak, Łukasz Wabiszczewicz, Piotr Marcin Dudziak, Marcin Masłowski, Alicja Sokołowska, Maria Golińska, Natalia Wasilewska, Tomasz Woźniak
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