ABSTRACT
The ambitious goal of this handbook is to provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-science, balanced, and accessible overview of the evidence on physical activity and mental health. As discussed in the introductory chapter, evaluating this literature has become immensely challenging due to numerous contradictory statements, the technical complexity of the methods involved, and, by several indications, the growing influence of bias, both in favor of and against physical activity. The combination of these factors has resulted in confusion and a large number of clinical professionals reporting limited awareness of the evidence linking physical activity to mental health outcomes. The chapters in this landmark volume will hopefully help alleviate most of the confusion and usher in a new era of intensified research efforts and more evidence-based clinical application. On the basis of the data summarized herein, the following proposals for facilitating future progress can be made.
