The Impact of Exercise and Physical Activity on Quality of Life

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 June 2026 | Viewed by 2841

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. ciTechCare—Hospital Cruz Vermelha, 500-048 Lisboa, Portugal
2. Faculdade de Ciências Humanas, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: paediatric obesity; motivation and barriers to the practice of physical activity and exercise; health psychology; mental health; quality of life
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue titled "The Impact of Exercise and Physical Activity on Quality of Life" in Healthcare, focusing on the transformative role of physical activity in enhancing health and well-being. The aim of this Special Issue is to explore the multifaceted ways in which exercise contributes to the physical, mental, and social dimensions of quality of life. This topic aligns with the journal's scope by addressing evidence-based healthcare practices, preventive strategies, and innovative approaches that promote holistic well-being. Contributions may target diverse populations, including those managing chronic conditions, individuals recovering from illness, or vulnerable groups requiring tailored interventions. We welcome original research, systematic reviews, and case studies addressing themes such as the following: Physical activity and its role in mental health improvement (e.g., reducing anxiety, depression, or stress). Exercise interventions for chronic disease prevention and management. The impact of fitness programs on community health and social inclusion. Personalized and group-based approaches to promoting physical activity. 

Submissions that provide interdisciplinary perspectives or apply innovative methodologies are highly encouraged. We aim to advance the understanding of how movement can improve lives and inform healthcare practices worldwide.

Dr. Frontini Roberta
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-blind 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
  • mental health
  • chronic disease management
  • quality of life
  • healthcare interventions
  • community health

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 262 KB  
Article
Physical Activity and Associated Barriers/Facilitators in Older Adults Living in Northern Cyprus
by Beliz Belgen Kaygısız, Zehra Güçhan Topcu, Fahriye Çoban, Havva Gözgen, Necati Özler, Nurcihan Altun, Emine Ahsen Şenol, Aydın Meriç and Alavuddin Kurbonboyev
Healthcare 2026, 14(4), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14040527 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 498
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Keeping physical activity (PA) at an optimal level is important for protecting independence and keeping quality of life at the highest level while adopting healthy aging. This study aimed to estimate the PA levels of the older population living in Northern Cyprus [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Keeping physical activity (PA) at an optimal level is important for protecting independence and keeping quality of life at the highest level while adopting healthy aging. This study aimed to estimate the PA levels of the older population living in Northern Cyprus and to examine the relationship between barrier and facilitator factors and PA levels. This is a cross-sectional population-based study. Methods: Detailed sociodemographic information was recorded and the PA level of the participants was evaluated using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Facilitators and barriers to participation in PA were assessed by questionnaire. Results: A total of 387 older individuals (224 women and 163 men; mean age: 74.3 ± 3.12) were grouped as youngest-old (68.31 ± 3.05) and old (80.29 ± 3.21). PA frequency and PASE scores were low in the overall study population and they were higher in the youngest-old group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Low PA levels were estimated in older adults living in Northern Cyprus and they were significantly higher in the youngest-old group compared with the old group. There is a relationship between PA level and barriers such as fear of falling, fear of injury, comorbidities, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, incontinence, not knowing the benefits of PA, financial problems, not driving, and doing PA alone. Facilitators such as weight loss; living in a walkable area; friendship with groups; and being active, energetic, happy, and safe are related to PA level. This study highlights the importance of increasing PA levels by increasing awareness of the importance of PA in the older adult population, removing the barriers and using facilitators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Exercise and Physical Activity on Quality of Life)
23 pages, 991 KB  
Article
The Role of Physical Activity Opportunities and Local Authority Engagement in Promoting Healthy Living and Increasing Life Expectancy
by Mădălina Giorgiana Mangra, Gabriel Ioan Mangra, Claudiu George Bocean, Anca Antoaneta Vărzaru, Cristina Claudia Rotea and Constantin-Cristian Văduva
Healthcare 2025, 13(17), 2110; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13172110 - 25 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1534
Abstract
Background: Physical activity is essential for public health, yet disparities in access to exercise opportunities and institutional support remain significant across European regions. Objectives: This study examines how locally available physical activity options and support from local authorities relate to exercise [...] Read more.
Background: Physical activity is essential for public health, yet disparities in access to exercise opportunities and institutional support remain significant across European regions. Objectives: This study examines how locally available physical activity options and support from local authorities relate to exercise participation, life expectancy, and healthy life years within the European Union. Methods: Using artificial neural networks and cluster analysis, the research identifies patterns across EU countries and explores associations between exercise behaviors and public health outcomes. Results: The MLP analysis showed that moderate regular physical activity had the most decisive influence on predicting healthy life years (100%), followed by regular activity (44.7%). In comparison, inactivity had a notable negative impact (40.5%). Life expectancy was most closely associated with the model’s strongest predictive pathway (weight = 2.395). Access to physical activity opportunities (100%) and the presence of supportive community providers (90.8%) were the most influential factors in encouraging active lifestyles. Conclusions: Populations with greater access and engagement in physical activity tend to enjoy longer life expectancies and more years of good health. While the study’s observational nature limits causal interpretations, the findings highlight the potential of community-level strategies and infrastructural investment to foster active lifestyles and enhance population health across varied local contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Exercise and Physical Activity on Quality of Life)
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