Physical Activity, Exercise Therapy, and Mental Health among Master’s Students in Physiotherapy: A Scoping Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29070/jmbycs76Keywords:
Physical activity, Exercise therapy, Mental health, Physiotherapy students, Postgraduate education, Stress, Anxiety, DepressionAbstract
Background: Postgraduate students in physiotherapy are exposed to a unique combination of academic intensity, clinical responsibilities, and physical workload. These overlapping demands can significantly affect their mental health, often leading to increased levels of stress, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and burnout. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of physical activity and exercise therapy as effective, accessible, and non-pharmacological approaches for improving psychological well-being among student populations.
Objective: This scoping review aims to systematically explore and synthesize contemporary evidence (2020–2025) on the relationship between physical activity, exercise therapy, and mental health outcomes among postgraduate physiotherapy students and comparable student groups.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Relevant studies were identified using combinations of keywords such as “physical activity,” “exercise therapy,” “mental health,” “physiotherapy students,” and “postgraduate students.” Studies published between 2020 and 2025 involving university or health science students were included. Data were extracted and synthesized using a descriptive and thematic approach.
Results: The findings consistently demonstrate that regular engagement in physical activity and structured exercise interventions is associated with significant reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among students. Various exercise modalities—including aerobic exercise, resistance training, and mind–body practices such as yoga—were found to contribute positively to mental well-being. However, there remains a scarcity of studies specifically focusing on postgraduate physiotherapy students. Furthermore, a notable discrepancy exists between students’ awareness of exercise benefits and their actual participation in physical activity.
Conclusion: Physical activity and exercise therapy play a crucial role in enhancing mental health among students. Nevertheless, their implementation among physiotherapy postgraduate students remains insufficient. There is a pressing need for structured, curriculum-integrated interventions to promote consistent engagement in physical activity and improve overall student well-being.
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