AUCTORES
Review Article
*Corresponding Author: Onur Oral M.D. Ph. D., Ege University, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Department of Health Sciences and Sports, Izmir, Turkey
Citation: Onur Oral, Zeinab Rezaee, Evangelia Stavropoulou, Mumtaz Enser, George N. Nomikos, (2024), The Role of Physical Activity on Women’s Health, J. Endocrinology and Disorders, 8(1): DOI:10.31579/2640-1045/170
Copyright: © 2024, Onur Oral. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Received: 16 January 2024 | Accepted: 26 February 2024 | Published: 12 February 2024
Keywords: gynecological disorders; psychological health; women’s health; exercise; mental health
Background: It has been shown that regular participation in sports has very important health contributions to women's health. This study provides an in-depth review of several research studies investigating the positive effects of regular exercise habits on various aspects of women's health.
Materials and Methods: In the search for scientific literature for this study, data from the US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Sport Discus were used, and the terms “gynecological disorders” “psychological health”, “women’s health”, “exercise”, “mental health”, and were used. The relevant literature has also taken its source from the research of relevant articles from reference lists derived from data searches.
Results: As a result of an in-depth review of various research studies investigating its positive effects on various aspects of women's health, it has been shown that regular exercise habits can have positive effects on women's health, such as self-esteem, body image, gender-based discrimination, inequality of opportunities, cardiovascular health and mental health outcomes
Conclusion: The main aim should be to demonstrate the positive health effects of exercise on the prevention and treatment of obesity, self-esteem, body image, reproductive health, cardiovascular health and mental health in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between sport and women's health.
The findings obtained from studies on the positive contributions of sports habits on women's health emphasize the versatile positive effect of sports on women's health. Participation in sports; There have been many studies showings that it contributes to positive outcomes such as increased self-esteem, body image, cardiovascular health and mental well-being, and a scientific consensus can be established on this subject, but the challenges related to gender-based discrimination and unequal opportunities in sports are quite challenging for the relationship between women and sports. It should not be overlooked that it may lead to the emergence of an environment. Being aware of these challenges that prevent women from engaging in sports more widely and promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for women in sports will help to further increase the overall impact of regular physical activity on women's health.
There are many factors that motivate sports participation in women. All of these and some of them come together to cause women to implement regular exercise habits. When the impact on self-esteem and body image, which are one of the factors that motivate sports participation in women, is examined comprehensively, it is seen that the concepts of self-esteem and body image can be an effective factor in women's sports participation (Hausenblas & Fallon, 2006). As a result of these studies, it has been shown that regular exercise habits can have a very positive effect on women's self-esteem and body image. However, gender-based discrimination and unequal opportunities in sports continue to be significant challenges for women and a possible hindering factor in women's participation in sports (Hetzel, 1986; Kumar, 2017). It is observed that gender-based discrimination and unequal opportunities can, unfortunately, negatively affect the general well-being of women who want to engage in sports or who want to incorporate sports into their lives as a regular exercise habit.
Many factors that motivate women's participation in sports come together and cause women to acquire regular exercise habits, resulting in very positive results for women's health. Research on the relationship between women's overall health and regular physical activity reveals the positive effects of sports participation on cardiovascular health in women (Lapidus & Bengtsson, 1986; Mensink et al.,1996). Studies have shown that women who engage in regular physical activity through sports experience improved cardiovascular fitness and overall heart health. Additionally, it has been concluded that women participating in sports have significant contributions to mental health, and the fact that there are positive relationships between participation in sports and mental well-being has been revealed (Oswald et al., 2020). These findings highlight the holistic benefits of women's participation in sports, not only for physical health but also for mental well-being.
Many scientific studies that accelerate the promotion of physical activity habits, which are considered as the cornerstone of improving women's health and preventing diseases, also pave the way for discussing new implications for public health policies and future research projects on women's general health. Because women's health has been the focus of attention of researchers and health professionals for many years, the effect of regular physical activity on women's health has been the subject of research for decades. The purpose of many articles in the literature is to present a comprehensive review of the impact of sports on women's health and to clearly emphasize the synthesis of evidence obtained from various studies by investigating the relationship between sports and women's health. Sports participation has been shown to have a positive effect on physical and mental health, but since the effect of sports, especially on women's health, has not yet been widely researched, it is necessary to examine the effect of regular sports habits on various aspects of women's health (Asztalos et al., 2012).
Regular physical habits and participation in sports have many benefits on women's physical health. Sääkslahti et al., (2004) emphasize the role of physical activity in early life as a preventive natural treatment method against coronary heart disease and cardiovascular risk factors, which have caused serious concern about the increasing incidence in women in recent years. Regular participation in physical activity has been shown to strengthen the cardiovascular system, increase exercise tolerance and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications (Myers, 2003; Owe et al., 2009). In terms of the positive effects of regular physical habit and participation in sports on women's physical health, Westcott (2012) also emphasizes the importance of resistance training in increasing muscle strength and bone density, and this study emphasizes the importance of regular physical habit in maintaining skeletal health for women, especially as they age.
As exercise increasingly becomes the cornerstone of improving women's health, it has been observed that regular exercise habits can offer a multifaceted impact on women's well-being, going beyond the realm of physical fitness. While numerous and growing studies investigating the various ways in which sports contribute to the improvement of women's health in the physical, cognitive and mental domains have been added to the literature, it has been brought to the fore that the health effects of regular exercise can extend beyond the physical body and positively affect cognitive functions in women. Smith et al., (2010), in a meta-analysis showing that aerobic exercise significantly improved neurocognitive performance in women and observed benefits in areas such as memory, attention, and executive function, showed that sports participation may play crucial physiological roles in protecting against cognitive decline and improving neurocognitive health. Regular exercise habits have been shown to have positive effects on a wide range of cognitive outcomes, and these positive effects may contribute to the development of better cognitive functions in healthy individuals, but may also serve to improve cognitive functions in those suffering from certain cognitive and brain disorders (Erickson et al., 2019).
In terms of improving women's health, it has been observed that regular physical exercise can offer a multifaceted impact on women's mental health and well-being, going beyond the realm of physical fitness. Kang (2004) showed that sports participation has a positive effect on self-esteem and body image in women, and Fernández-Bustos (2019) explained the effect of physical activity on self-concept and emphasized that it is mediated by body image and physical self-concept in adolescents.
Although it is clear that the positive effects of regular exercise habits on women's overall health are multifaceted and that exercise has the potential to create physical, mental and emotional well-being, research in this area also highlights the social and cultural barriers that women face with (Abbasi, 2014). In addition to these factors, it has been determined that there are difficulties in participating in sports, such as inadequacy in facilities and family support, and the inability of their families to encourage women who are hesitant about participating in sports. It should be underlined that more research is needed to overcome these difficulties, which can be considered as an obstacle to women gaining regular physical activity habits, and to promote the benefits of sports on women's health (Pedersen et al., 2021; Santos et al., 2016).
It has been also shown that regular exercise habits have a positive impact on various aspects of women's health, and women who engage in regular physical activity have improved cardiovascular health, including a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke (Billinger et al., 2014). Additionally, regular exercise has been associated with better weight control and management; This is very important for general health and is considered a very important health contribution in reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes. (Goedecke et al., 2014; Kulie et al., 2011).
Many scientific research studies have shown that regular exercise habits have a positive impact on various aspects of women's health, and women who engage in regular physical activity have improved cardiovascular health, including a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, regular exercise has been associated with better weight control and management; This is very important for general health and is considered a very important health contribution in reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes.
It has been demonstrated that participation in regular sports and exercise has positive effects on mental health as well as physical health benefits, and women who engage in physical activity are generally reported to experience lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression problems. This positive point for psychological health is attributed to the release of endorphins, which contribute to the feeling of spiritual well-being and improved mood of exercise.
It is also stated that encouraging women's participation in sports can have a significant impact on their self-confidence and body image, and it is emphasized that women who regularly participate in physical activity help them feel stronger and more confident in their bodies. As a result of all these positive contributions to mental health, it is emphasized that women with regular exercise habits can have a greater sense of self-worth and general well-being.
In addition to the comprehensive contributions of sports to women's health, it is important to examine factors such as gender-based discrimination and inequality of opportunities as problems that unfortunately may prevent women from participating in sports and to find solutions to these problems. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that the more inclusive and supportive environments can be created to encourage women's participation in sports, the more women's overall health and well-being can be improved.
Additionally, in many studies, scientific evidence about the complex interaction between physical exercise and women's health clearly presents the contributing relationship between exercise and women's health. Examining the multifaceted effects of exercise on cardiovascular health, reproductive health, mental health, and musculoskeletal integrity, these research studies highlight the various physiological, psychological, and social mechanisms through which physical activity affects women's health. In addition, by discussing new implications for public health policies and future research projects on women's overall health, the importance of encouraging the habit of physical activity, which is envisaged as the cornerstone of improving women's health and preventing diseases, will be emphasized more clearly.
In conclusion, the positive effects of regular sports habits on women's general health are multifaceted and encompass physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By promoting and supporting women's participation in sports, society can contribute to the overall improvement of women's health.
We would like to express our special thanks of gratitude to Nikitas NOMIKOS for his very successful contribution to the literature research process and unique academic support in the publication during the process of this review article.
The author certifies that there is no conflict of interest with any financial organization regarding the material discussed in the manuscript.
The author certifies that there is no funding from any financial organization regarding the material discussed in the manuscript.
All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Clearly Auctoresonline and particularly Psychology and Mental Health Care Journal is dedicated to improving health care services for individuals and populations. The editorial boards' ability to efficiently recognize and share the global importance of health literacy with a variety of stakeholders. Auctoresonline publishing platform can be used to facilitate of optimal client-based services and should be added to health care professionals' repertoire of evidence-based health care resources.
Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Intervention The submission and review process was adequate. However I think that the publication total value should have been enlightened in early fases. Thank you for all.
Journal of Women Health Care and Issues By the present mail, I want to say thank to you and tour colleagues for facilitating my published article. Specially thank you for the peer review process, support from the editorial office. I appreciate positively the quality of your journal.
Journal of Clinical Research and Reports I would be very delighted to submit my testimonial regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office. The reviewer board were accurate and helpful regarding any modifications for my manuscript. And the editorial office were very helpful and supportive in contacting and monitoring with any update and offering help. It was my pleasure to contribute with your promising Journal and I am looking forward for more collaboration.
We would like to thank the Journal of Thoracic Disease and Cardiothoracic Surgery because of the services they provided us for our articles. The peer-review process was done in a very excellent time manner, and the opinions of the reviewers helped us to improve our manuscript further. The editorial office had an outstanding correspondence with us and guided us in many ways. During a hard time of the pandemic that is affecting every one of us tremendously, the editorial office helped us make everything easier for publishing scientific work. Hope for a more scientific relationship with your Journal.
The peer-review process which consisted high quality queries on the paper. I did answer six reviewers’ questions and comments before the paper was accepted. The support from the editorial office is excellent.
Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. I had the experience of publishing a research article recently. The whole process was simple from submission to publication. The reviewers made specific and valuable recommendations and corrections that improved the quality of my publication. I strongly recommend this Journal.
Dr. Katarzyna Byczkowska My testimonial covering: "The peer review process is quick and effective. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Quality of the Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on cardiology that is useful for other professionals in the field.
Thank you most sincerely, with regard to the support you have given in relation to the reviewing process and the processing of my article entitled "Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of The Prostate Gland: A Review and Update" for publication in your esteemed Journal, Journal of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics". The editorial team has been very supportive.
Testimony of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: work with your Reviews has been a educational and constructive experience. The editorial office were very helpful and supportive. It was a pleasure to contribute to your Journal.
Dr. Bernard Terkimbi Utoo, I am happy to publish my scientific work in Journal of Women Health Care and Issues (JWHCI). The manuscript submission was seamless and peer review process was top notch. I was amazed that 4 reviewers worked on the manuscript which made it a highly technical, standard and excellent quality paper. I appreciate the format and consideration for the APC as well as the speed of publication. It is my pleasure to continue with this scientific relationship with the esteem JWHCI.
This is an acknowledgment for peer reviewers, editorial board of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. They show a lot of consideration for us as publishers for our research article “Evaluation of the different factors associated with side effects of COVID-19 vaccination on medical students, Mutah university, Al-Karak, Jordan”, in a very professional and easy way. This journal is one of outstanding medical journal.
Dear Hao Jiang, to Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing We greatly appreciate the efficient, professional and rapid processing of our paper by your team. If there is anything else we should do, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of my co-authors, we would like to express our great appreciation to editor and reviewers.
As an author who has recently published in the journal "Brain and Neurological Disorders". I am delighted to provide a testimonial on the peer review process, editorial office support, and the overall quality of the journal. The peer review process at Brain and Neurological Disorders is rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only high-quality, evidence-based research is published. The reviewers are experts in their fields, and their comments and suggestions were constructive and helped improve the quality of my manuscript. The review process was timely and efficient, with clear communication from the editorial office at each stage. The support from the editorial office was exceptional throughout the entire process. The editorial staff was responsive, professional, and always willing to help. They provided valuable guidance on formatting, structure, and ethical considerations, making the submission process seamless. Moreover, they kept me informed about the status of my manuscript and provided timely updates, which made the process less stressful. The journal Brain and Neurological Disorders is of the highest quality, with a strong focus on publishing cutting-edge research in the field of neurology. The articles published in this journal are well-researched, rigorously peer-reviewed, and written by experts in the field. The journal maintains high standards, ensuring that readers are provided with the most up-to-date and reliable information on brain and neurological disorders. In conclusion, I had a wonderful experience publishing in Brain and Neurological Disorders. The peer review process was thorough, the editorial office provided exceptional support, and the journal's quality is second to none. I would highly recommend this journal to any researcher working in the field of neurology and brain disorders.
Dear Agrippa Hilda, Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery, Editorial Coordinator, I trust this message finds you well. I want to extend my appreciation for considering my article for publication in your esteemed journal. I am pleased to provide a testimonial regarding the peer review process and the support received from your editorial office. The peer review process for my paper was carried out in a highly professional and thorough manner. The feedback and comments provided by the authors were constructive and very useful in improving the quality of the manuscript. This rigorous assessment process undoubtedly contributes to the high standards maintained by your journal.
International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews. I strongly recommend to consider submitting your work to this high-quality journal. The support and availability of the Editorial staff is outstanding and the review process was both efficient and rigorous.
Thank you very much for publishing my Research Article titled “Comparing Treatment Outcome Of Allergic Rhinitis Patients After Using Fluticasone Nasal Spray And Nasal Douching" in the Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. As Medical Professionals we are immensely benefited from study of various informative Articles and Papers published in this high quality Journal. I look forward to enriching my knowledge by regular study of the Journal and contribute my future work in the field of ENT through the Journal for use by the medical fraternity. The support from the Editorial office was excellent and very prompt. I also welcome the comments received from the readers of my Research Article.
Dear Erica Kelsey, Editorial Coordinator of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics Our team is very satisfied with the processing of our paper by your journal. That was fast, efficient, rigorous, but without unnecessary complications. We appreciated the very short time between the submission of the paper and its publication on line on your site.
I am very glad to say that the peer review process is very successful and fast and support from the Editorial Office. Therefore, I would like to continue our scientific relationship for a long time. And I especially thank you for your kindly attention towards my article. Have a good day!
"We recently published an article entitled “Influence of beta-Cyclodextrins upon the Degradation of Carbofuran Derivatives under Alkaline Conditions" in the Journal of “Pesticides and Biofertilizers” to show that the cyclodextrins protect the carbamates increasing their half-life time in the presence of basic conditions This will be very helpful to understand carbofuran behaviour in the analytical, agro-environmental and food areas. We greatly appreciated the interaction with the editor and the editorial team; we were particularly well accompanied during the course of the revision process, since all various steps towards publication were short and without delay".
I would like to express my gratitude towards you process of article review and submission. I found this to be very fair and expedient. Your follow up has been excellent. I have many publications in national and international journal and your process has been one of the best so far. Keep up the great work.
We are grateful for this opportunity to provide a glowing recommendation to the Journal of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. We found that the editorial team were very supportive, helpful, kept us abreast of timelines and over all very professional in nature. The peer review process was rigorous, efficient and constructive that really enhanced our article submission. The experience with this journal remains one of our best ever and we look forward to providing future submissions in the near future.
I am very pleased to serve as EBM of the journal, I hope many years of my experience in stem cells can help the journal from one way or another. As we know, stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine, which are mostly used to promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. I think Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics International is a great platform to publish and share the understanding towards the biology and translational or clinical application of stem cells.
I would like to give my testimony in the support I have got by the peer review process and to support the editorial office where they were of asset to support young author like me to be encouraged to publish their work in your respected journal and globalize and share knowledge across the globe. I really give my great gratitude to your journal and the peer review including the editorial office.
I am delighted to publish our manuscript entitled "A Perspective on Cocaine Induced Stroke - Its Mechanisms and Management" in the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. The peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal are excellent. The manuscripts published are of high quality and of excellent scientific value. I recommend this journal very much to colleagues.
Dr.Tania Muñoz, My experience as researcher and author of a review article in The Journal Clinical Cardiology and Interventions has been very enriching and stimulating. The editorial team is excellent, performs its work with absolute responsibility and delivery. They are proactive, dynamic and receptive to all proposals. Supporting at all times the vast universe of authors who choose them as an option for publication. The team of review specialists, members of the editorial board, are brilliant professionals, with remarkable performance in medical research and scientific methodology. Together they form a frontline team that consolidates the JCCI as a magnificent option for the publication and review of high-level medical articles and broad collective interest. I am honored to be able to share my review article and open to receive all your comments.
“The peer review process of JPMHC is quick and effective. Authors are benefited by good and professional reviewers with huge experience in the field of psychology and mental health. The support from the editorial office is very professional. People to contact to are friendly and happy to help and assist any query authors might have. Quality of the Journal is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on mental health that is useful for other professionals in the field”.
Dear editorial department: On behalf of our team, I hereby certify the reliability and superiority of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews in the peer review process, editorial support, and journal quality. Firstly, the peer review process of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is rigorous, fair, transparent, fast, and of high quality. The editorial department invites experts from relevant fields as anonymous reviewers to review all submitted manuscripts. These experts have rich academic backgrounds and experience, and can accurately evaluate the academic quality, originality, and suitability of manuscripts. The editorial department is committed to ensuring the rigor of the peer review process, while also making every effort to ensure a fast review cycle to meet the needs of authors and the academic community. Secondly, the editorial team of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is composed of a group of senior scholars and professionals with rich experience and professional knowledge in related fields. The editorial department is committed to assisting authors in improving their manuscripts, ensuring their academic accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Editors actively collaborate with authors, providing useful suggestions and feedback to promote the improvement and development of the manuscript. We believe that the support of the editorial department is one of the key factors in ensuring the quality of the journal. Finally, the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is renowned for its high- quality articles and strict academic standards. The editorial department is committed to publishing innovative and academically valuable research results to promote the development and progress of related fields. The International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is reasonably priced and ensures excellent service and quality ratio, allowing authors to obtain high-level academic publishing opportunities in an affordable manner. I hereby solemnly declare that the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews has a high level of credibility and superiority in terms of peer review process, editorial support, reasonable fees, and journal quality. Sincerely, Rui Tao.
Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions I testity the covering of the peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal.
Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, we deeply appreciate the interest shown in our work and its publication. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you. The peer review process, as well as the support provided by the editorial office, have been exceptional, and the quality of the journal is very high, which was a determining factor in our decision to publish with you.
The peer reviewers process is quick and effective, the supports from editorial office is excellent, the quality of journal is high. I would like to collabroate with Internatioanl journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews journal clinically in the future time.
Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the trust placed in our team for the publication in your journal. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you on this project. I am pleased to inform you that both the peer review process and the attention from the editorial coordination have been excellent. Your team has worked with dedication and professionalism to ensure that your publication meets the highest standards of quality. We are confident that this collaboration will result in mutual success, and we are eager to see the fruits of this shared effort.
Dear Dr. Jessica Magne, Editorial Coordinator 0f Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I hope this message finds you well. I want to express my utmost gratitude for your excellent work and for the dedication and speed in the publication process of my article titled "Navigating Innovation: Qualitative Insights on Using Technology for Health Education in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients." I am very satisfied with the peer review process, the support from the editorial office, and the quality of the journal. I hope we can maintain our scientific relationship in the long term.
Dear Monica Gissare, - Editorial Coordinator of Nutrition and Food Processing. ¨My testimony with you is truly professional, with a positive response regarding the follow-up of the article and its review, you took into account my qualities and the importance of the topic¨.
Dear Dr. Jessica Magne, Editorial Coordinator 0f Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, The review process for the article “The Handling of Anti-aggregants and Anticoagulants in the Oncologic Heart Patient Submitted to Surgery” was extremely rigorous and detailed. From the initial submission to the final acceptance, the editorial team at the “Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions” demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication. The reviewers provided constructive and detailed feedback, which was essential for improving the quality of our work. Communication was always clear and efficient, ensuring that all our questions were promptly addressed. The quality of the “Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions” is undeniable. It is a peer-reviewed, open-access publication dedicated exclusively to disseminating high-quality research in the field of clinical cardiology and cardiovascular interventions. The journal's impact factor is currently under evaluation, and it is indexed in reputable databases, which further reinforces its credibility and relevance in the scientific field. I highly recommend this journal to researchers looking for a reputable platform to publish their studies.
Dear Editorial Coordinator of the Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing! "I would like to thank the Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing for including and publishing my article. The peer review process was very quick, movement and precise. The Editorial Board has done an extremely conscientious job with much help, valuable comments and advices. I find the journal very valuable from a professional point of view, thank you very much for allowing me to be part of it and I would like to participate in the future!”
Dealing with The Journal of Neurology and Neurological Surgery was very smooth and comprehensive. The office staff took time to address my needs and the response from editors and the office was prompt and fair. I certainly hope to publish with this journal again.Their professionalism is apparent and more than satisfactory. Susan Weiner