Introduction

This innovative book, Physical Activity, Physical Fitness and Depression, brings together critical reviews of issues in the relationship between physical activity, fitness, and depression, stimulating individual reflection and including debate on current research, methodologies, and applied practices. This book helps the reader understand the magnitude of depression as a disease that has increased its prevalence in recent decades and the other health problems associated with it.

Importance of Treatment Options

Since psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are often used to treat depression, this exponentially increases health costs for national health systems. In addition, there are always side effects associated with pharmacotherapy. Therefore, other ways, less expensive and without side effects, for treating depression are important.

Physical Activity as a Viable Option

This book outlines the ways that physical activity and physical fitness are viable options for preventing and treating depression. Designed as a supplementary textbook, Physical Activity, Physical Fitness and Depression is key reading for students and academics alike in the areas of sports science, sport psychology, sports therapy, and psychology, and with its thematic content, the book’s allure extends to professionals, including practitioners, psychologists, psychiatrists, and sports organisations, who stand to gain valuable insights from its contents.