The Impact of Sport on Mental Health: Psychological, Neuroendocrine, and Immune Outcomes

Abstract

Background. Mental health disorders, notably depression and anxiety, contribute to a rising global burden of disability, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and sedentary lifestyles. Physical inactivity is linked to 9% of premature deaths, highlighting the urgency for non-pharmacological interventions. Aim. This study synthesizes evidence from 26 research datasets to evaluate the impact of varied sports interventions—running, Pilates, aquatic exercise, and team sports—on physiological markers (cortisol, BDNF, immune cells) and psychological well-being across the lifespan. Materials and methods. A synthesis of primary cohorts was analyzed: 2022 drug-dependent individuals, 23,589 pregnant persons, 1,176 healthy older adults, and university/adolescent samples. Interventions ranged from 5-minute daily home exercises to 32-week multicomponent programs. Analytical methods included salivary cortisol assays, blood biochemistry (WBC, NLR, PLR), and validated psychometric scales (SCL-90, RSES, BDI, EPDS). Results. Sporting participants consistently exhibited lower baseline salivary cortisol (p < 0.05). In drug-addicted cohorts, 24-week Pilates significantly improved White Blood Cell counts and reduced depression (p < 0.01). For older adults, meta-analyses showed medium effect sizes for physical health (SMD= 0.42) and social interaction (SMD = 0.78). In adolescents, vigorous physical activity reduced depression risk by 94%(RR = 0.06). Conclusions. Structured sport and physical activity facilitate neuroendocrine stabilization and psychological resilience, serving as a vital therapeutic resource across clinical and general populations.