RESOURCES
Health Benefits of Physical Activity: The Evidence
Darren E.R. Warburton, Crystal Whitney Nicol, Shannon S.D. Bredin
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There is irrefutable evidence of the effectiveness of regular physical activity in the primary and secondary prevention of several chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity, depression and osteoporosis) and premature death. There appears to be a linear relation between physical activity and health status, such that a further increase in physical activity and fitness will lead to additional improvements in health status.
FIT Fact
Research indicates a direct connection between exercise and mood
Physical Activity for Cognitive and Mental Health in Youth
David Lubans, Justin Richards, Charles Hillman, Guy Faulkner, Mark Beauchamp, Michael Nilsson, Paul Kelly, Jordan Smith, Lauren Raine, Stuart Bidd
Take a look at a conceptual model explaining the mechanisms for the effect of physical activity on cognitive and mental health in young people. The strongest evidence was found for improvements in physical self-perceptions, which accompanied enhanced self-esteem in the majority of studies measuring these outcomes.
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Institutions in both Canada and the United States are struggling to keep up with the increasing student demand for mental health services. Prior research has found a direct connection between exercise and improved mood. Physical activity has also been shown to be effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
Fighting Depression during the Holiday Season
Visiting with family, traveling and paying extra bills can lead to additional stress and depression during the holidays. Rutgers-New Brunswick's School of Arts and Sciences researchers Tracey Shors and Brandon Alderman studied the positive effects of combining exercise with meditation to fight depression naturally. Watch our video from the Rutgers Today archives to learn more.