ABSTRACT

This text is an effort to summarize and synthesize the existing research dealing with the influence of physical activity on mental health, as well as the potential mechanisms underlying psychological effects. Contributions from some of the leading experts in the field deal with mental health through prevention, exercise prescription, exercise adherence, drug therapy and exercise, the influence of physical activity on depression, anxiety, and self-esteem, and the paradoxical effects of excessive amounts of exercise.

part Two|70 pages

Psychological Responses to Physical Activity

part Three|72 pages

Hypothesized Mechanisms

chapter 10|15 pages

The Endorphin Hypothesis

chapter 11|20 pages

The Serotonin Hypothesis

chapter 12|14 pages

The Norepinephrine Hypothesis

chapter 13|14 pages

The Thermogenic Hypothesis