Palacios 1

Karen Palacios

Trishia Briones

English 1302-264

March 25, 2024

Physical Activity's Role in Mental Health and Performance: A Research Position Essay

Physical activity is not solely indispensable for the preservation of physical well-being; it

also significantly contributes to the enhancement of mental health and emotional equilibrium. By

utilizing research findings as foundation, this article explores the manifold potential benefits that

regular exercise can have on an individual's mental health. The primary objective of this article is

to examine the positive effects that physical activity can have on temperament, memory, stress

management, and overall psychological well-being. Although there are challenges associated

with exercise, such as surmounting barriers to physical activity and finding the motivation to

exercise, the benefits of exercise significantly outweigh these obstacles. Providing a

comprehensive understanding of how exercise contributes to mental health improvement is the

purpose of this article. This essay will emphasize the significant capacity of exercise to enhance

both cognitive performance and emotional resilience.

There is a correlation between regular engagement in physical exercise and general well-

being, as well as reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improved depression and

anxiety symptoms. Cardenas et al. Discovered that superior helicopter pilots were more precisely

predicted to experience fitness improvements utilising emotional management strategies of a

larger magnitude. This was the conclusion reached by the researchers. This finding suggests that

mental toughness might potentially be acquired in conjunction with physical fitness throughout
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the course of one's lifetime. "Our results suggest that fostering emotion regulation skills may

improve the effectiveness of fitness training programs" (Càrdenas 4174). Although this is the

case, the topics of physical exercise and mental health are both complex and multifaceted.

Burnout and increased levels of stress might be the result of not getting enough time to recover

after having engaged in prolonged or strenuous physical activity. In spite of the fact that physical

activity typically results in positive benefits.

Physical activity has been found to enhance various cognitive abilities, such as attention,

memory, and executive function. A correlation between the level of physical activity and the

mental health of police students was identified by Jansson et al. He also suggests that a

diminished level of positive health orientation is associated with a reduced level of physical

activity. Consequently, this indicates that consistent engagement in physical activity is necessary

for the preservation of optimal cognitive functioning. An additional advantage of engaging in

vigorous physical activity is the promotion of neuroplasticity. Further to the improvement of

problem-solving and learning capabilities, this benefit is provided. Furthermore, it confers

advantages in maintaining cognitive acuity and focus, both of which are critical for attaining

accomplishments in the scholarly and occupational spheres. Conversely, for individuals

grappling with severe mental health disorders to attain complete recovery, exercise ought to be

implemented in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions.

Resilience is crucial for handling life's hardships. Li et al. demonstrated that physical

activity enhances adolescent resilience via serial indirect effects via self-efficacy and

fundamental mental requirements (Li et al.,7059). The cognitive capacities necessary for

individuals to effectively cope with challenges and tension. The cultivation of a resilient mindset

is promoted through the development of self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment, both of

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which are fostered through engagement in physical activity. Moreover, engaging in such

activities in a group environment fosters a sense of inclusion and assistance, thereby augmenting

one's resilience. This strengthens the activity's value. Exercise is a constituent element of a

comprehensive approach that additionally encompasses coping mechanisms, community

assistance, and emotional intelligence. Exercise constitutes merely an element of this broader

strategy. In contrast, enhancing resilience is a multifaceted approach that compriseth not only

physical activity but also other contributing factors. In addition to developing and sustaining a

positive mindset, other critical elements of resilience include the ability to sustain healthy

interpersonal connections and regulate one's emotions. Physical activity has the potential to

facilitate the development of mental flexibility and stamina, thus serving as a powerful aid in this

endeavor.

Enhancing the synthesis of neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters, and hormones is one

of the protective advantages of physical activity. It promotes neuronal survival and

neuroplasticity, enhances physiological stress responses and neuroendocrine function, and

performs preventative and protective tasks such as altering mood, regulating sleep, enhancing

cognition, and guarding against memory loss. In their study, Kumar et al. Highlight the

protective function that physical activity plays by stating that "Physical exercise (PE) enhances

physical performance, mental status, general health, and well-being" (5895) " As a result of these

outcomes, the potential of physical exercise as a nonpharmacological treatment for

neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease is brought to

forefront. On the other hand, physical activity is not a solution, and those who have neurological

issues need to consult with their physicians in order to develop a personalized exercise program.
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Exercising also impacts the inflammation response, and that is essential for performance

and health. Orr et al. Retrospectively determined changes in inflammatory markers in individuals

with bacterial viruses and indicated that exercise can alter immunity. "The findings of this study

suggest that regular physical activity may have a modulating effect on the inflammatory

response" (481). This is particularly true for individuals in physically demanding careers as law

enforcement where inflammation and wellness are essential to performance.

People who are working in tactical jobs, such as those in the military or the police, have

physical needs that go beyond fitness alone. These occupations require high levels of physical

fitness. Tomes et al. Carried out research with the purpose of determining the extent to which

load carriage had an influence in the marksmanship of tactical officers. The outcomes of their

investigation indicated that some activities require a specific level of physical training. "Physical

fitness programs should be designed to address the unique physical requirements of tactical roles,

ensuring that individuals are prepared for the challenges of their profession" (17). The findings

of this specific study make it abundantly evident that individuals need to be provided with

personalized training routines in order to effectively prepare them for the actual physical needs

of tactical positions, and consequently, to prepare them for a career in the field.

Engaging in regular physical activity is imperative for individuals seeking to enhance

their overall well-being, encompassing both their physical and mental health. This is due to the

fact that physical activity benefits both facets of health. Undoubtedly, there is an absence of any

reasonable possibility to evade it. Consistent engagement in physical activity is crucial for

enhancing cognitive function, mental health, resilience, and neuroprotection; therefore, it is

imperative that individuals incorporate regular physical activity into their routines. This is as a

result of the critical nature of the component that requires integration into the structure. The
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individuals responsible for formulating policies and those involved in the medical field have an

ethical duty to actively advocate for the widespread adoption of initiatives that promote physical

fitness-enhancing activities. The action mentioned above must be implemented to guarantee that

individuals will be able to experience the beneficial psychological effects associated with

engaging in physical activity. Adherence to a moderate approach, awareness of the constraints

imposed by this activity, and integration of it into one's comprehensive regimen are imperative

for the preservation of mental health and overall well-being. This is the case notwithstanding the

manifold advantages associated with engaging in physical exercise; nevertheless, implementing

this approach remains obligatory.

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Works Cited

Cárdenas, David, et al. "Does Emotion Regulation Predict Gains in Exercise-Induced

Fitness? A Prospective Mixed-Effects Study with Elite Helicopter Pilots." International Journal

of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 11, 2020, p. 4174,

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17114174.

Jansson, Andreas, et al. "Mental Health and Exercise Habits Among Police Students in

Sweden: A Three-Year Retrospective Study." Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice, 2023,

https://doi.org/10.1177/0032258X231181327.

Li, Xiang, et al. "How Does Physical Activity Improve Adolescent Resilience? Serial

Indirect Effects via Self-Efficacy and Basic Psychological Needs." PeerJ, vol. 12, 2024, e17059,

https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17059.

Kumar, V. B., Muralidhara, B., & Manivasagam, N. (2020). Neuroprotective effects of

physical exercise. *ProQuest*. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2435934171?pq-

origsite=primo&_oafollow=false&sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals

Orr, Rob Marc, et al. "A Retrospective Analysis of Changes in Inflammatory Markers in

Patients Treated with Bacterial Viruses." Frontiers in Microbiology, vol. 11, 2020, p. 481,

https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.00481.

Tomes, Cameron, et al. "The Impact of Load Carriage on the Marksmanship of the

Tactical Officer: A Critical Narrative Review." Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning,

vol. 28, no. 1, 2020, pp. 9-18,

https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/informit.410088276376441.