Psychological Benefits of Sports and Physical Activities

Abstract

Growing evidence is converging to suggest that different metabolic and cognitive functions are improved by and after physical exercise. They include prevention of certain mood impairments such as depression, strengthening of the immune system to cope with certain diseases or reducing stress subjective perception and disability causes by specific pain. In this last sense, the discomfort threshold has been demonstrated to be modified in habitual sportsmen and sportswomen, being more resistant to pain. Physical activity acts on many metabolic aspects and we will expose in this review article three of these pillars of action, with examples and scientific references. On the other hand, variables such as frequency and pace of physical exercises are important to consider for possible health profits. In this sense, seconds, minutes and repetitions of each specific exercise are of much importance for its accurate benefits and for taking into account to design a proper working out sport training routine.