Physical Activity, Exercise Therapy and Mental Health of the Students: A Narrative Review

Authors

  • Dr. Shreya Deshak Assistant Professor, TMV’s Indutai Tilak College of Physiotherapy, Pune, Maharashtra Author
  • Dr. Pratiksha Kulkarni Assistant Professor, TMV’s Indutai Tilak College of Physiotherapy, Pune, Maharashtra Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29070/0hgqcy53

Keywords:

Student Mental Health, Exercise Therapy, Neuroplasticity, Academic Stress, BDNF expression

Abstract

Growing academic and career pressure, along with increasingly sedentary lifestyles and excessive use of digital devices, has led to a noticeable rise in overthinking, anxiety, and depression among students. Research shows that regular and structured exercise can play an important role in improving mental well-being, enhancing cognitive performance, and maintaining emotional balance.This narrative review brings together existing literature on student mental health and highlights practical approaches for improvement. Mental health issues are now widely seen across all levels of education, from school to higher studies, and are becoming a serious concern. The paper focuses on the role of physical activity and exercise therapy in managing common problems such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive fatigue. Based on current findings from neuroscience and psychiatry, it suggests that exercise should be considered not just a physical activity, but an essential part of mental health support within the educational system.

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Published

2026-06-01