Physical exercise and the psychobiological aspects

Abstract

The objective of this review is to address part of the studies on an issue not much explored: the relation between physical exercise and the psychobiological aspects. The importance of understanding these aspects and how they affect the quality of life of the human being is what stimulates researches on this issue. The literature stresses the fact that the regular practice of physical exercise produces positive results not only regarding sleep and its possible disorders, but also regarding the psychological aspects and the mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, and the cognitive aspects, such as memory and learning. However, there are individuals who engage in the practice of physical exercise with such intensity and/or frequency, or yet, who make use of illegal drugs that can bring harmful effects to their health, as the case of physical exercise dependents and anabolic steroids users. Physical exercises cause physiological, biochemical and psychological alterations and, therefore, may be considered as a non-medication intervention for the treatment of disorders associated to the psychobiological aspects.