“Overall exercise and physical activity can greatly benefit physical and mental health,” a study conducted among adult athletes concluded. Team sports are more effective than individual sports.

The study was signed by researchers Narelle Eather and Levi Wade, of university of newcastle australiaAurelie Pankowiak, of Victoria University of Melbourneand Rochelle Eime, of Australian Federation of Universities. Published in magazines Spring Nature Entitled “The impact of sport participation on mental health and outcomes in adults”, presents the results of a recent systematic review of the social and mental health outcomes of participation in mainstream and elite sport played by adults.

These findings became the basis for developing a conceptual model of mental health through sport. To achieve this aim, nine electronic databases were searched and studies published between 2012 and March 2020 were selected for inclusion: “Reported results regarding the association between sport participation and social and/or mental health outcomes in adult populations The evidence, the authors argue, showed that participation in sport (mainstream and elite) was associated with better mental health, including better psychological well-being (e.g., higher self-esteem and life satisfaction) and less psychological distress (e.g., reduced levels of depression, anxiety, and stress) and improved social outcomes (such as improved self-control, social behavior, interpersonal communication, and fostering a sense of belonging).”

In this case, the conclusions obtained indicate that “in general, adults who participate in team sports have better health outcomes than those who participate in individual sports,” and that those who exercise more often “generally report the greatest benefits.” ” . However, observation is necessary for elite sport, “as its practitioners may experience higher levels of psychological distress.”

The conclusion section states unequivocally that “the findings of this review confirm that participation in any form of sport (team or individual) is beneficial in improving mental health and social outcomes among adults. However, “Team sports may provide stronger and additional benefits to these outcomes. mental and social outcomes in adulthood.” Therefore, these results “also provide preliminary evidence for the Mental Health through Exercise model, although more experimental and longitudinal evidence is needed to establish the mechanisms responsible for the influence of exercise on mental health.”

EXERCISE AND DEPRESSION

Following this information, magazine Natural Mental Health has published another study concluding that “regular physical activity, along with a healthy lifestyle, sleeping the required hours, and adequate social connections reduce the risk of depression.” Regarding this question, Professor Barbara Sahakian, from the Department of Psychiatry University of Cambridge (England), states that “a lack of physical activity and lack of sleep can increase stress.”

To access the full study (in English), sucks Here.