Abstract

Mental health is subject to numerous external influences. Among them, as in the domain of physical health, physical activity is a very important factor. Through various mechanisms of action on a pathophysiological but also psychological level, physical activity can have an effect on mental health and potentially also on the risk of developing various mental disorders, and can even serve as a method for their treatment. In this study, we will present the importance of physical activity for general mental health as well as for certain mental disorders – depression, anxiety and psychosis, with a special focus on schizophrenia. In addition to the mechanisms of action of physical activity on mental health, emphasis will be placed on the specifics related to its implementation, more precisely its form, intensity and duration.