Physical Activity and Structured Exercise Programs as Tools for Mental Health Promotion

Submission Deadline: 31 August 2026 View: 65 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Prof. Dr. Bojan Bjelica

Email: vipbjelica@gmail.com

Affiliation: Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of East Sarajevo, East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Research Interests: physical activity and mental health promotion, psychological effects of structured exercise programs, mental health of adolescents, school- and university-based physical activity programs, prevention of mental disorders through physical activity,  interdisciplinary approaches in sport sciences and mental health

Dr. Radomir Pržulj

Email: radomirprzulj@gmail.com

Affiliation: Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of East Sarajevo, East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Research Interests: mental health and psychosocial functioning in contemporary society, psychological aspects of physical activity and healthy lifestyles, quality of life and psychological well-being across populations, mental health in educational and occupational settings, preventive and promotive mental health programs, public health and interdisciplinary approaches to mental health

Dr. Nikola Aksović

Email: kokir87np@gmail.com

Affiliation: Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica, Leposavić, Serbia

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Research Interests: effects of structured training programs on psychological well-being, exercise interventions for stress reduction and emotional regulation, relationships between motor abilities and mental health outcomes, role of physical fitness in resilience and quality of life, training methodology as a non-pharmacological approach to mental health

Summary

Mental health represents one of the major public health challenges of contemporary society, with anxiety, depression, stress, and mood disorders showing a continuous increase across all age groups. In this context, physical activity and structured exercise programs are increasingly recognized as effective, accessible, and non-invasive tools for mental health promotion and the prevention of mental disorders. A growing body of empirical evidence highlights the positive effects of regular physical activity on emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together contemporary theoretical and empirical research examining the role of physical activity and structured exercise programs in promoting mental health among children, adolescents, adults, and older populations. Particular emphasis will be placed on different exercise modalities (aerobic training, resistance training, team sports, recreational activities, school-based and clinical programs), as well as on the psychological and neurobiological mechanisms underlying their effects. This Special Issue seeks to provide an interdisciplinary perspective by integrating insights from sport sciences, psychology, medicine, and public health. Furthermore, it aims to offer evidence-based recommendations for the implementation of physical activity as a strategic tool for mental health promotion in educational, clinical, and community settings.

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