MAPPING THE EVOLUTION OF MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH IN RELATION TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: PRE AND POST GLOBAL PANDEMIC PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

The research highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical activity is recognized as a preventive strategy for overall well-being and a beneficial factor for mental health, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study uses a quantitative-bibliometric method based on keywords related to mental health, exercise, sport, social health, cognitive health, wellbeing, human development, and sports fan. The goal is to locate possible future directionalities and fields of study yet to be discovered and to study the evolution of scientific research on mental health in the social sciences in recent years. The results show that the key concepts have been evolving towards a worsening of mental health, and research linking mental health with physical activity has multiplied, particularly due to the negative effect of the readaptation to the new normality caused by the pandemic. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of social support and engagement in physical activity for mental health outcomes. The research states that group-based exercise programs and social connections are crucial for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. The future direction of research is also highlighted to identify effective strategies for promoting physical activity and social support during times of stress and uncertainty. Overall, understanding the relationship between physical activity and mental health can lead to improved coping skills and overall well-being.