Níveis de ansiedade, depressão e estresse entre praticantes e não praticantes de exercício físico

Abstract

Physical exercise, understood as a planned and regular activity, is essential for promoting physical and mental health, contributing to emotional balance and quality of life. This work aimed to analyze the levels of anxiety, depression and stress among practitioners and non-practitioners of physical exercise in the city of Picos, Piauí. The research adopted a cross-sectional quantitative approach, with 214 participants, divided equally between practitioners and non-practitioners, assessed using the DASS-21 scale. The results showed that practitioners had lower levels of anxiety, depression and stress, predominantly classified as normal or mild, while non-practitioners demonstrated severe or extremely severe levels. These findings corroborate previous studies that highlight the benefits of physical exercise, including the release of endorphins, reduction of cortisol and stimulation of neuroplasticity, in addition to positive impacts on self-esteem and socialization. It is concluded that regular physical exercise is associated with lower rates of these psychological conditions, highlighting its positive impact on mental health and is an effective strategy for promoting mental health. However, limitations such as the cross-sectional design and restricted sample indicate the need for longitudinal studies with greater sample diversity to deepen the relationships between physical exercise and mental health.