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The Role of Physical Activity and Sports in Enhancing Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life

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A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2027 | Viewed by 15355

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Dr. Alejo Garcia-Naveira

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Department of Psychology, Universidad Villanueva, 28034 Madrid, Spain
Interests: sport psychology; high performance; sports talent; esports; personality; positive psychology; mental health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity and sport are essential for psychological well-being and quality of life, both at an individual and societal level. However, the benefits and challenges associated with these practices vary depending on the population, sports modalities, and intervention contexts. This Special Issue aims to consolidate research exploring the relationship between physical activity, sport, and psychological health, adopting an inclusive approach that considers the experiences and perspectives of athletes, coaches, sports directors, medical services, families, and referees.

We are pleased to invite researchers to submit studies addressing key issues related to the impact, promotion, prevention, and protective and risk factors for psychological health across various domains: physical activity, amateur sport, high-performance sport, and youth sport. Additionally, we welcome research analyzing inclusive and adapted sport, as well as gender differences in physical activity and sport.

This Special Issue seeks to serve as a platform that integrates contributions to broaden the understanding of the impact of sport and physical activity on psychological well-being and quality of life. Researchers are invited to share their findings through diverse contributions, such as narrative and systematic reviews, meta-analyses, original research, psychological intervention programs, and case studies on this topic.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Alejo Garcia-Naveira
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

physical activity
amateur sport
elite sport
youth sport
inclusive sport
adapted sport
sport and gender
psychological well-being
quality of life
psychological health

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 260 KB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity, Body Appreciation, and Perceived Stress in Relation to Life Satisfaction Among University Students

by Vojko Vučković, Tanja Kajtna and Klemen Širok

Healthcare 2026, 14(11), 1572; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14111572 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 307

Abstract

Background: University students experience increased psychological distress during academic transitions, yet modifiable lifestyle determinants of their subjective well-being remain incompletely understood within integrated analytical frameworks. Methods: A cross-sectional survey (N = 194 undergraduates; 52.6% women; M age = 21.9 years) used validated instruments: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Body Appreciation Scale-2 Short Form (BAS-2SF), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and single-item measures of financial security and screen time. Physical activity (PA) was log-transformed (MET_log). Multiple simultaneous regression and structural equation modelling (SEM) were conducted. Results: Perceived stress was the strongest negative predictor of life satisfaction (B = −0.561, p < 0.001), while financial security was a significant positive predictor (B = +0.171, p = 0.023). SEM showed that body appreciation was associated with life satisfaction primarily through lower perceived stress (indirect effect = 0.107; consistent with indirect-only association pattern), while PA showed a significant direct association with life satisfaction (β = +0.143, p = 0.030), independent of the stress pathway. The indirect effect of PA via stress was not significant in the SEM. Model fit was acceptable (CFI = 0.951; RMSEA = 0.067). Conclusions: Perceived stress was statistically associated with the relationship between body appreciation and subjective well-being, while PA showed a direct statistical association with well-being that was independent of the stress pathway. Given the cross-sectional nature of this study, these findings suggest that university health promotion programmes may consider integrating positive body image and stress management components alongside PA promotion to support student psychological well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Sports in Enhancing Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life)

17 pages, 952 KB

Open AccessArticle

Symptom Severity, Body Image Dissatisfaction, and Movement Behaviors in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Analysis of Quality of Life Determinants

by María Ángeles López-González, Eduardo José Fernández-Ozcorta, Félix Arbinaga, Manuel J. Arrayás-Grajera and Inmaculada Tornero-Quiñones

Healthcare 2026, 14(6), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14060714 - 11 Mar 2026

Viewed by 729

Abstract

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) exerts a profound burden on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and psychosocial well-being. While lifestyle changes are recommended, the dose–response relationship between physical activity (PA) intensities, symptom severity, and body image remains unclear. This study analyzed the interrelationships between PA intensities, symptom severity, body image satisfaction, and HRQoL in IBS patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40 adult patients (60% female; 32.53 ± 12.54 years) diagnosed via Rome III/IV criteria. Validated instruments were used to assess PA (IPAQ-SF), sedentary behavior (SBQ), HRQoL (IBS-QoL), symptom severity (IBS-SSS), and body image (BIS). Data were analyzed using Quantile Regression, Robust Linear Regression, and Causal Mediation Analysis. Results: Participants reported moderate symptom severity (210.1 ± 79.2) and high sedentary time (511.1 ± 265.0 min/day). Quantile Regression showed no statistically significant associations between PA intensities and clinical severity (all p ≥ 0.289). PA did not moderate the negative relationship between pain and HRQoL (p = 0.738). However, symptom severity was a significant predictor of body dissatisfaction (β = 0.36, p < 0.001). A sexual dimorphism was observed, as women exhibited higher baseline dissatisfaction and greater sensitivity to symptom worsening than men (β = −0.50, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Symptom severity is strongly associated with body dissatisfaction in IBS, particularly among women, independent of nutritional status. While PA did not directly mitigate symptoms in this cohort, the significant relationship with body image underscores the need for clinical interventions to integrate psychosocial support to address perceptual vulnerability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Sports in Enhancing Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life)

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20 pages, 1187 KB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological and Psychological Predictors of Functional Performance Related to Injury Risk in Female Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Monira I. Aldhahi, Hadeel R. Bakhsh, Bodor H. Bin sheeha, Mohanad S. Aljabiri and Rehab Alhasani

Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020174 - 9 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1255

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Lower-extremity injuries are common among female athletes; however, their multifactorial predictors remain insufficiently understood. Given the interplay between physiological and psychological readiness in athletic performance, identifying the factors that influence lower limb performance is crucial for effective injury prevention. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive effects of physiological (VO₂peak, anaerobic power, agility, and isokinetic strength) and psychological (resilience and self-efficacy) variables on functional performance related to risk of injury. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 athletes with a mean age of 24.5 ± 6.90 years and mean body mass index of 23.12 ± 3.6 kg/m² (range: 16–30 kg/m²). The testing protocol included anthropometric measurements, the Lower Extremity Functional Test (LEFT), Wingate anaerobic cycling test, assessments of aerobic capacity, isokinetic muscle strength, and jumping performance (Single-Leg Hop [SLH] and Standing Long Jump [SLJ] tests). Psychological assessments included the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and a resilience questionnaire. A hierarchical regression analysis was performed. Results: The participants trained 5 ± 2 days per week and had 42 ± 39 months of sports experience. The mean VO_2peak was 40.82 ± 5.8 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, relative anaerobic peak power was 7.53 ± 1.92 W/kg, and fatigue index was 60.63 ± 15.41%. The mean isokinetic knee extension and flexion torque were 184.55 ± 44.60 N·m and 95.08 ± 21.44 N·m, respectively, with a flexion-to-extension ratio of 53.5%. The mean LEFT completion time was 160 ± 22 s. The participants demonstrated moderate resilience (BRS = 21 ± 4) and good self-efficacy (GSES = 33 ± 7.5). Among the psychological variables, GSES exhibited a modest negative correlation with LEFT (r = −0.28, p = 0.02). No significant associations were found between LEFT and psychological resilience. Longer LEFT completion times were associated with lower VO_2peak, mean power, and jump distance (p < 0.01). In the final model (R² = 0.58, p = 0.02), SLH (β = −0.54), VO_2peak (β = −10.32), and GSES (β = −0.70) were the strongest independent predictors of LEFT performance. Conclusions: SLH distance, VO_2peak, and general self-efficacy are key predictors of functional performance on the LEFT among female athletes. These factors may serve as practical indicators for identifying athletes who could benefit from targeted injury prevention programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Sports in Enhancing Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life)

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23 pages, 705 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Injury Frequency and Severity on Mental Health Indicators in Triathletes: A Repeated-Measures Study

by Laura Gil-Caselles, Roberto Ruiz-Barquín, José María Gimenez-Egido, Alejo Garcia-Naveira and Aurelio Olmedilla-Zafra

Healthcare 2025, 13(14), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13141657 - 9 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3184

Abstract

Background: The complexity of triathlon goes beyond the multidisciplinary nature of the sport and extends to the physical and mental health of the athlete. One of the most relevant aspects is injuries, which, in addition to the physical impact, can affect mental health indicators. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between injuries sustained by triathletes and mental health indicators. Methods: Sixty-three subjects participated, of whom 48 suffered one or two injuries. The average age was 37.83 years, and the sample consisted of 34 men (39.56 years) and 29 women (32.21 years). The instruments used were an online questionnaire to collect the number of injuries, type, and severity; the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21); and the Profile of Mood States (POMS). A longitudinal study was conducted, lasting six months, where the questionnaires were administered monthly. Results: The greater the number of injuries, the higher the scores in the coefficients of variation of anger and vigor, and the highest peak is found in the variable stress, followed by anxiety and depression. Conclusions: Triathletes who suffer a greater number of injuries have higher scores in stress and depression, and their level of vigor and anger is increased, so they present a more negative and reactive stress and mood profile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Sports in Enhancing Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life)

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16 pages, 616 KB

Open AccessReview

Improving Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life in Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease Through Exercise and Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review

by Adithan Ganesh, Shivani Mishra, Grace W. Hwang, Shenar Dinkha and Emilie Chan

Healthcare 2026, 14(5), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14050657 - 5 Mar 2026

Viewed by 747

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is a significant extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis that contributes to morbidity, functional limitation, exertional dyspnea, fatigue and reduced quality of life. Current pharmacologic therapies address inflammatory and fibrotic pathways but do not target deconditioning, ventilatory inefficiency, skeletal muscle dysfunction or the high burden of anxiety, depression, impaired emotional well-being and reduced daily functioning. Objective: To synthesize the evidence supporting the use of structured exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on functional, psychological and quality of life outcomes in RA-ILD patients by integrating findings from RA-ILD cohorts, interstitial lung disease (ILD) PR trials, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exercise interventions. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (1990–2025). Of the 1240 identified records, 32 studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 4 RA-ILD observational cohorts, 17 ILD PR trials and 11 RA exercise trials. No randomized controlled trials specifically evaluating PR in RA-ILD were identified. Available evidence was extrapolated from studies in general ILD and RA populations. Mechanistic and physiological literature was included to contextualize findings. Results: RA and ILD cohorts demonstrated markedly reduced six-minute walk distance, impaired diffusing capacity, exertional desaturation, fatigue, high anxiety and depression, and diminished daily function. Across seventeen PR trials, patients with idiopathic, autoimmune-associated, and fibrotic ILD showed improvements in exercise capacity, ventilatory efficiency, dyspnea, fatigue, psychological distress, emotional well-being, and health-related quality of life. Eleven RA exercise studies demonstrated improved aerobic capacity, strength, lean mass, fatigue, psychological outcomes (including anxiety), and function, with no increase in disease activity. Conclusions: Evidence from ILD PR and RA exercise literature suggest that structured rehabilitation has the potential, alongside pharmacological therapy, to address functional limitation, dyspnea, fatigue and psychological distress and overall quality of life in RA-ILD, though disease-specific trials are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Sports in Enhancing Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life)

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Other

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16 pages, 901 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Sleep, Stress, and Recovery as Predictors of Injury Risk in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review

by Enrique Cantón, Joel Raga and David Peris-Delcampo

Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020236 - 17 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1818

Abstract

Introduction. Sleep is an essential component in the recovery, performance, and injury prevention processes of soccer players. Associated psychological variables, such as the balance between stress and recovery, have been less explored, despite their potential influence on rest and injury vulnerability. This study aims to examine the relationship between sleep quality, quantity, and chronotype and injury risk in soccer players, also incorporating the modulating role of stress and recovery. Method. A PRISMA systematic review was conducted using searches in ScienceDirect, PubMed, Ovid, EBSCO, MDPI, Springer Nature Link, SPORTDiscuss (full text), and Dialnet. Original studies and reviews on sleep and its relationship with sports injuries in soccer players or comparable athletic populations were included. Eighteen studies were selected that addressed sleep indicators (quality, quantity, chronotype), injury incidence, and, to a lesser extent, measures of stress and recovery using instruments such as the RESTQ-Sport or wellness questionnaires. Results. There is evidence of an association between poor sleep quality or quantity and an increased risk of injury or illness. Chronotype is an emerging variable of interest, although still insufficiently researched. Regarding stress and recovery, direct evidence is limited, although studies that address this issue show that an imbalance between these two dimensions negatively impacts sleep quality and increases susceptibility to injury. Conclusions: Sleep and the stress–recovery balance are key and interdependent factors in the risk of injury in soccer players. Future research should consider including these variables to further understand the mechanisms underlying the injury process and optimize prevention and recovery strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Sports in Enhancing Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life)

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15 pages, 493 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effectiveness of Exercise and Physiotherapy in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review

by Javier Antonio Tamayo Fajardo and Francisco León Parejo

Healthcare 2025, 13(22), 2973; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13222973 - 19 Nov 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4771

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and disabling adverse effect of cancer treatment, affecting up to 65% of patients. It reduces quality of life, increases fall risk, and often leads to chemotherapy dose reduction or discontinuation. Because pharmacological management provides limited relief, non-pharmacological strategies such as exercise and physiotherapy have become increasingly relevant. Methods: A systematic review following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating exercise and physiotherapy for the prevention or treatment of CIPN. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched up to May 2025. Methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro scale, and due to heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was performed. Outcomes included neuropathic symptoms, pain, motor and sensory function, balance, muscle strength, and quality of life. Results: Twenty-six RCTs published between 2017 and 2025 were included. Nineteen assessed exercise-based interventions (aerobic, resistance, sensorimotor, balance, yoga, or multimodal), and seven examined physiotherapy modalities (manual therapy, photobiomodulation, Scrambler therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation). Both approaches improved sensory and motor symptoms, balance, muscle strength, and quality of life. Adherence ranged from 70% to 95%, and no serious adverse events were reported. However, variability in intervention design and outcome measures precluded meta-analysis. Conclusions: Exercise and physiotherapy are safe, feasible, and effective non-pharmacological strategies for managing CIPN. However, heterogeneity in intervention design highlights the need for high-quality RCTs to establish optimal protocols and standardised clinical guidelines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Physical Activity and Sports in Enhancing Psychological Well-Being and Quality of Life)

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