Physical Activity and Emotional Health: A cross-sectional study on the association between the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and Psychological Well-being in Endurance athletes and individuals from the general population

• Grant number: 25/07373-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Psychiatry
• Principal Investigator: Lucas Murrins Marques
• Grantee: Natalia Pacheco Rocha
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo (FCMSCSP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Psychological well-being has been widely recognized as a key factor in the prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health throughout life. Physical activity is one of the most significant variables associated with well-being, influencing aspects such as emotional regulation, self-esteem, resilience, and life satisfaction. However, the extent of this relationship and its underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently explored, particularly when analyzed in different population contexts. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), provides an objective assessment of physical activity levels across different domains, including leisure, work, and transportation. Despite its extensive application, studies exploring its association with psychological markers of subjective well-being remain scarce. This study proposes an innovative approach to investigating how different levels of physical activity, as measured by the GPAQ, are associated with key psychological well-being variables, including self-esteem, positivity, resilience, gratitude, emotional regulation, stress perception, and body image. A cross-sectional observational study will be conducted with a sample of 200 participants, consisting of 100 endurance athletes and 100 individuals from the general population. The inclusion of endurance athletes will allow for the exploration of potential differences in the effects of physical activity on well-being in highly trained individuals compared to the general population. The collected data will be analyzed using advanced statistical models, evaluating both direct associations and interactions moderated by sociodemographic and nutritional factors, such as adherence to the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI). By integrating physical activity, mental health, and psychological well-being, this study represents a groundbreaking contribution to the global scientific landscape, providing robust evidence on how different patterns of physical activity influence key dimensions of emotional well-being. The findings may support evidence-based recommendations for public policies and interventions aimed at promoting mental health and quality of life, both in the general population and in high-performance athletes.