Physical Activity, Physical Fitness and Depression

This innovative book, Physical Activity, Physical Fitness and Depression, brings together critical reviews of issues in the relationship between physical activity, fitness, and depression, stimulating individual reflection and including debate on current research, methodologies, and applied practices. This book helps the reader understand the magnitude of depression as a disease that has increased its prevalence in recent decades and the other health problems associated with it. Since psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are often used to treat depression, this exponentially increases health costs for national health systems. In addition, there are always side effects associated with pharmacotherapy. Therefore, other ways, less expensive and without side effects, for treating depression are important. This book outlines the ways that physical activity and physical fitness are viable options for preventing and treating depression. Designed as a supplementary textbook, Physical Activity, Physical Fitness and Depression is key reading for students and academics alike in the areas of sports science, sport psychology, sports therapy, and psychology, and with its thematic content, the book's allure extends to professionals, including practitioners, psychologists, psychiatrists, and sports organisations, who stand to gain valuable insights from its contents.

Adilson Marques is a professor at the University of Lisbon, Portugal, recognised for his extensive contributions to physical activity, health, and mental well-being. His research focuses on health promotion, particularly emphasising the intricate relationships between physical activity, mental health, and overall well-being. As a prolific scholar, he has authored over 350 scientific papers, numerous books, and book chapters, significantly advancing knowledge in his field. His work explores how physical activity influences cognitive function, depression, and psychological health. Among his notable contributions, his research delves into the social and psychological mechanisms by which physical activity impacts depression, offering insights into the role of exercise in mental health care. His work also extends to providing recommendations for mental health professionals on integrating physical activity into treatment strategies for depression. Élvio Rúbio Gouveia is a distinguished academic and researcher in sports science, gerontology, and assistive technologies. He currently serves as the President of the Social Sciences Faculty at the University of Madeira, Portugal. He is Vice-President of the Institute of Interactive Technologies within the Robotics and Engineering Systems Laboratory. His extensive collaborations include work with the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance at the University of Lisbon, the Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research (LIVES), and the Lifespan Developmental Psychology Research Group. Additionally, he contributes to the Centre for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability (CIGEV) at the University of Geneva.

1. Epidemiology and determinants of depression. 2. Individual, social and economic burden of depression and physical inactivity. 3. Bidirectional associations between depression and physical activity. 4. Physical fitness and depression across the lifespan. 5. Exercise interventions for people with depression. 6. Physical activity and perinatal depression. 7. Mind-body exercise and depression. 8. Neurobiological mechanisms of physical activity on depression. 9. Physical activity, cognitive function, and depression. 10. Social and psychological mechanisms of physical activity on depression. 11. Depression in high-performance sports. 12. Depression in youth sports. 13. "Our CEO was a big champion": The role of mental health professionals in physical activity promotion. 14. Recommending physical activity and exercise for depression.