Psychology and Sociology / 6. Clinical psychology.

Assistant Professor Yarygina O.N.

Student Shakura K.V.

Belgorod State National Research University, Russia

Physical Activity Impact on Human Psychological Condition

Movement is a pantry of life.

Plutarch

It is known far and wide that physical exercises have a positive impact on human health. They strengthen bones and muscles, help to lose weight, normalize heart rate and blood pressure, make the immune system stronger, etc. However, this is one side of the positive effects of physical activity onto a person. 
The aim of the article under study is to dwell upon the relationship between physical exercises and psychological condition.
The interconnection between physical activity and psychological state was investigated and illuminated by experts from various fields of scientific knowledge. During the research the results to confirm the beneficial effects of physical exercises on psychological human well-being were obtained, as well as the factors that determine the nature of this influence were identified, too.

One of such studies was conducted by American scientists R.S. Uensberg and J. Gould in 2001. They discovered some positive effects of the impact of physical activity on mental processes and human condition, which were presented by an increase or a decrease of different factors. For example, the studies showed that people who did sports exercises actively, had an increase in mental alertness, self-control, efficiency, self-confidence, their memory served them better and they were good at school and university. Physical activity also helped to reduce hostility and anxiety levels, absenteeism, such feelings as anger, confusion, depression, tension, alcohol abuse, headaches and phobias [2].

In accordance with another experiment conducted by Barke and Morgan, it was found out that after physical exercises anxiety level decreases and remains at the same low level for a long period, namely 24 hours. It should be highlighted that daily physical activity can reduce anxiety level and prevent the development of chronic state of anxiety [1, 3, 4].

There was also a research conducted that revealed the positive impact of the physical activity on the condition of depression. An experiment was carried out with the help of two groups of people: the first group had to follow a certain physical activity programme, whereas the second group led a sedentary lifestyle. As a result, the first test group showed a significant decrease in the level of depression, compared to the second one [5].

In another experiment it was concluded that extremely intensive physical exercises do not always lead to positive effects on psychological condition. The test people were divided into three groups according to the nature of the intensity of physical activity, i.e. high-intensity, the group with medium intensity and low intensity. Only subjects from the group with a medium intensity of physical activities had a decrease in the level of anxiety. In other words, only physical exercises of sufficient duration and intensity can result in positive psychological effects [3].

Various theories were proposed to explain the relationship between physical activities and their positive effect on the human mental well-being. The most known is the endorphin hypothesis which can be explained from the physiological point of view. According to this theory, mood enhancement after physical exercises is accompanied by an increase of endorphins. However, this hypothesis is not confirmed in the results of all studies, and even due to one experiment at was questioned [2].

Some scientists also studied chemical serotonin. As it is known, the positive effect of certain antidepressants is achieved by increasing the level of serotonin. In one of the researches this hypothesis was confirmed: after strenuous physical exercises the level of serotonin increased significantly, indeed.

The positive effect of physical activity that shows oneself in reducing stress, researchers tried to explain with the help of cortisol, – a stress hormone. It is secreted by the adrenal glands in negative situations and has a devastating effect on the whole body. However, scientists founded out that one can avoid negative effects with the help of physical exercises, during which the hormone is converted into energy for muscles.

Another hypothesis is the hypothesis of distraction. According to this, the improvement of the psychological condition is caused more by the distraction from different kinds of stressors, than by the physical activity. This hypothesis was confirmed in several experiments. For instance, in the experiment conducted by Barke Morgan the subjects were divided into three groups: respondents of the first group performed physical activities, the second group was engaged in meditation, and the third one used a distraction technique. As the results of the experiment showed, immediately after finishing the activity all the three groups had a decrease of the level of anxiety [2].

To sum it up, physical exercises are necessary for a productive and active life. They improve not only the general physiological condition of the human body, they are also regulators of mental conditions and promote psychological well-being.

References:

1. Krivolapchuk I.A. The effectiveness of using exercise to manage the functional state of anxious children at the age of 6-8 years. Fiziologiya cheloveka [Human Physiology]. 2011. Issue 5, pp. 61-72 (In Russian).

2. Weinberg R.S. Basics of sport psychology and physical education. Kiev: Olympic Literature, 2001. 229 p.

3. Chekunova L.V. Morphological analysis process modelling correction human health. Kontsept [Concept]. 2015. Issue 1, pp.1-6 (In Russian).

4. Bahrke M.S., Morgan W.P. Anxiety reduction following exercise and meditation. Cognitive Therapy and Research. 1978. Issue 2, pp. 323-334.

5. Morgan W.P. Exercise and mental health. DC: Hemisphere, 1987. 275 p.