REVIEW article
Front. Psychiatry
Sec. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Volume 16 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1678367
The Long-Term Mental Health Benefits of Exercise Training for Physical Education Students: A Comprehensive Review of Neurobiological, Psychological, and Social Effects
Provisionally accepted
Yuxin Ma1*
Somna Mumtaz2- 1Zhengzhou Urban Construction Vocational College, Zhengzhou, China
- 2Women University Swabi, Swabi, Pakistan
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This systematic review examines the long-term effects of exercise training interventions on the mental health of physical education (PE) students, integrating neurobiological, psychological, cognitive, and social perspectives. Evidence indicates that structured exercise programs, including aerobic training, resistance exercise, and mindfulness-based practices, enhance mental well-being through multiple pathways. Aerobic activity elevates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serotonin, improving mood and stress resilience, while resistance training fosters self-efficacy and emotional regulation. Team sports and group-based interventions mitigate social isolation by strengthening peer bonds, a critical factor in preventing depression and anxiety. Cognitive benefits, such as enhanced memory and academic performance, are linked to exercise-induced neurogenesis and increased cerebral blood flow. However, gaps persist in longitudinal research (>5 years), standardized protocols, and cultural adaptations. Practical recommendations for universities and coaches include integrating mental health monitoring, balancing training intensity to prevent burnout, incorporating mindfulness practices, and promoting peer support networks. By adopting a holistic approach that combines physiological and psychosocial strategies, PE programs can optimize both mental health and academic outcomes. This synthesis underscores the need for evidence-based, multimodal interventions tailored to the unique demands of student-athletes, ultimately supporting their development as high-performing and psychologically resilient individuals.
Keywords: exercise training, Mental Health, Physical education students, neuroplasticity, stress resilience, social connectedness, mindfulness, academic performance
Received: 02 Aug 2025; Accepted: 25 Aug 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Ma and Mumtaz. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Yuxin Ma, Zhengzhou Urban Construction Vocational College, Zhengzhou, China
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