Physical Activity, Body–Mind Training and Well-Being in Community Settings

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, titled “Physical Activity, Body–Mind Training and Well-Being in Community Settings”, will explore the multifaceted relationships among physical activity, mental health, and social well-being within diverse community contexts, such as local gyms, outdoor spaces, retreats, schools and universities, workplaces, group homes, senior centres, healthcare centres, and correctional facilities, including practices in person and on online platforms. It aims to highlight evidence-based interventions, programs, and policies that promote holistic health through movement and mind–body practices such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, Pilates, mindfulness-based exercise, mind–body fitness, and community sports. This issue will bring together research examining how these activities contribute to physical fitness, psychological resilience, social cohesion, and quality of life across different populations and age groups.

This Special Issue welcomes scientific studies addressing both quantitative and qualitative dimensions of participation, focusing on the mechanisms through which regular physical and body–mind training enhances mental balance, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Moreover, this issue will discuss the challenges and opportunities for implementing sustainable, culturally sensitive, and community-driven health initiatives. By integrating interdisciplinary perspectives from public health, psychology, sports science, and social sciences, this Special Issue will provide valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to foster healthier, more connected communities through active and mindful living.

Prof. Dr. Susana Carla Alves Franco
Dr. Cristiana Mercê
Guest Editors

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. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2500 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.