Mechanisms, determinants, and strategies in leveraging physical activity for optimal human health

Physical activity research has become increasingly central in public health due to the escalating epidemic of physical inactivity worldwide. Modern lifestyles characterized by sedentary behavior have contributed substantially to rising rates of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, leading to a significant global health burden. While robust evidence links physical activity and exercise to reduced all-cause mortality and improved physical, mental, and cognitive health, widespread adoption and sustained engagement remain a persistent challenge. Recent guidelines from organizations like the World Health Organization underscore not only the importance of regular aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities for disease prevention and functional capacity, but also the need for new intervention strategies that address existing knowledge gaps regarding behavioral determinants and effective implementation.

Recent studies have clarified many physiological and psychological mechanisms by which exercise confers health benefits across the lifespan, including improvements in metabolic control, immune function, brain health, and emotional well-being. Nonetheless, important questions remain about which interventions most effectively translate these benefits to populations with varying backgrounds and risk profiles, and how best to overcome obstacles to regular participation. Ongoing debates concern the relative influence of individual, social, and environmental factors on adherence, as well as the optimal ways to individualize exercise prescriptions and scale successful interventions in diverse communities.

This Research Topic aims to consolidate and advance scientific understanding of "exercise for health" by bridging mechanistic research with practical solutions for disease prevention, management, and health optimization. The main objectives are to deepen insights into the biological mechanisms and clinical efficacy of physical activity, identify multi-level barriers and facilitators influencing regular participation, and develop innovative, scalable strategies that translate this knowledge into real-world impact. By fostering interdisciplinary contributions from experimental, observational, and systematic research, this collection seeks to equip practitioners, policymakers, and scientists with actionable knowledge for promoting healthier, more active societies.

The scope of this Research Topic encompasses original and high-quality studies across all aspects of physical activity, exercise, and health, while maintaining a focus on translational potential and sustainable change. Articles that address the following themes, and beyond, are particularly welcomed:

o Biological and clinical mechanisms underlying exercise-induced health benefits

o Physical activity and exercise as primary and secondary prevention strategies for NCDs

o Mental health and cognitive outcomes associated with exercise across the lifespan

o Behavioral and socio-environmental factors influencing exercise initiation and adherence

o Development and evaluation of interventions to increase population-level physical activity

o Public health policy, community-based models, and systems approaches to activity promotion

o Novel methodologies for measuring, predicting, and sustaining exercise behavior

o Special considerations for vulnerable or high-risk populations, including children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions