Exercise, physical activity, and fitness are distinct but interrelated concepts (Caspersen et al. 1985). Physical activity is any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscle, while exercise is planned and repeated physical activity that is structured into individuals’ lives with the purpose of maintaining or improving some attribute of either health or skill (i.e., fitness). Exercise
In the fields of neuroscience and cognitive science, human cognition is broadly defined as a component of brain function that includes information processing, memory, attention, perception, language, and executive function related to decision making (DM) and the initiation or inhibition of behavior. In the context of sport and exercise psychology, researchers have been interested in
Quality of life (QOL) assessments are instrumental in developing a more comprehensive understanding of the efficacy of disease prevention and health promotion interventions. There is growing interest in delineating the role of exercise in enhancing QOL outcomes. Indeed, findings from multiple reviews on the effect of exercise on QOL reveal that exercise consistently results in
Interventions in the field of exercise or physical activity (PA) psychology focus on issues related to health rather than on issues related to performance in sport. Exercise, by definition, suggests a form of PA that is often structured and undertaken with the aim of improving fitness. However, health benefits can be obtained from more incidental
Appropriate physical activity engagement promotes a host of psychosocial benefits. These benefits are especially valuable for individuals with disabilities because they have high rates of overweight and obesity. Additionally, because people with disabilities often have associated secondary conditions (e.g., pressure sores, diabetes) physical activity is particularly important as a mechanism to prevent or attenuate secondary
For more than 100 years, researchers have noted how exercise enhances the subjective sense of mental and physical energy. Affect refers to the quality of a subjective mental state along the dimensions of valence (pleasant or positive vs. unpleasant or negative) and activation (alert or activated vs. sleepy or deactivated). This entry will summarize research
Many people become physically active to improve their health and to look and feel better. But physical activity may become addictive for a small proportion (3%–5%) of the population. It is important to emphasize that while exercise may represent an addictive behavior for some people who engage in it to an extreme and unhealthy level,
Exercise has been proposed as a potential treatment to help people quit smoking and, more recently, to treat addictions to alcohol and other drugs of abuse. This entry discusses the rationale and empirical support for the use of exercise as a treatment for addiction. Rationale Exercise has been proposed as a stand-alone or supplementary treatment
This article explores the pivotal role of exercise therapy in the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) within the realm of health psychology. Beginning with an introduction to the diagnostic criteria and prevalence of CFS, the article navigates through the biological and psychological intricacies of the syndrome. The rationale for incorporating exercise therapy is elucidated
This article delves into the pivotal role of diet and exercise in the treatment of atherosclerosis within the domain of health psychology. Offering a concise introduction to atherosclerosis, the article underscores its significance as a prevalent health concern. The primary objective is to elucidate the symbiotic impact of dietary modifications and physical activity on atherosclerosis
Exercise is commonly associated with aerobic activity or sustained activity over a period of time that utilizes and strengthens the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. Aerobic exercise involves repetitive movement of large muscle groups and increased respiration rate. Anaerobic exercise, in contrast, generally involves short duration movements of smaller muscle groups and strength-training exercise, helping to
Sleep is critical to normal physiological and psychological function, and people spend nearly one third of their lives asleep. Usual sleep duration is considered to be between 7 and 9 hours per night for healthy adults. The different stages of sleep have historically been defined according to the 1968 classification rules of Alan Rechtschaffen and Anthony
This article explores the multifaceted impact of exercise on aging populations within the realm of health psychology. The introduction sets the stage by defining the significance of exercise for individuals in their later years and provides an overview of the aging process’s implications for health. The body of the article is divided into three parts
This article delves into the relationship between exercise and mental health within the realm of health psychology. Beginning with an exploration of the physiological mechanisms, the discussion elucidates the role of neurotransmitters, the release of endorphins, and the impact on neuroplasticity, shedding light on how these processes contribute to mood regulation and stress reduction. Moving
This article explores the relationship between exercise and cognitive functioning within the realm of health psychology. The introduction sets the stage by emphasizing the relevance of understanding this connection for overall well-being. The subsequent sections delve into the impact of physical exercise on brain structure, investigating neuroplasticity and the growth of neurons. The discussion extends