This study investigates the effects of community-based physical activity (CBPA) programs on mental health (anxiety, depression, self-esteem) and social wellbeing (social connection, community belonging) among socially marginalized  adults (low-income groups, ethnic minorities, persons with mild disabilities). A cross-sectional survey of 2,847 participants across five countries (USA, Australia, UK, Chile, and South Africa) was conducted between 2021–2023. Participants in CBPA programs (n=1,423) reported significantly lower anxiety (β=-0.32, p<0.001) and depression scores (β=-0.28, p<0.001), higher self-esteem (β=0.41, p<0.001), stronger social connection (β=0.38, p<0.001), and greater community belonging (β=0.35, p<0.001) compared to non-participants (n=1,424). Program characteristics—including group-based sessions, culturally tailored activities, and trained peer leaders—moderated these effects. Findings highlight CBPA programs as cost-effective interventions to address mental health disparities and enhance social cohesion among marginalized populations, offering actionable insights for public health policymakers and community organizations.

• View pdf

This longitudinal study explores the impact of workplace physical activity (WPA) initiatives on occupational stress, mental wellbeing, and work productivity among urban professionals. Data were collected from 1,986 participants across four countries (USA, UK, Australia, Russia) over 18 months (2021–2023). Participants were assigned to three groups: structured WPA programs (n=662), unstructured WPA opportunities (n=664), and a control group (n=660). Results showed that structured WPA programs were associated with significant reductions in occupational stress (β=-0.41, p<0.001) and burnout (β=-0.37, p<0.001), and significant increases in mental wellbeing (β=0.39, p<0.001) and self-reported productivity (β=0.32, p<0.001) compared to the control group. Unstructured WPA opportunities yielded moderate but significant benefits. Program features—including supervised sessions, flexible scheduling, and team-based activities—strengthened these effects. Findings highlight structured WPA initiatives as effective workplace interventions to address occupational stress crises and boost productivity, offering actionable insights for employers, public health practitioners, and policy makers.

• View pdf

This cross-sectional study investigates the effects of nature-integrated physical activity (NIPA) on mental health (depression, anxiety, life satisfaction) and quality of life (QoL) among community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years) in urban areas. Data were collected from 2,153 participants across five countries (USA, Spain, Australia, Canada, and Japan) between 2021–2023. Participants were categorized into three groups: regular NIPA (outdoor physical activity in natural settings ≥3 times/week), indoor physical activity (IPA) ≥3 times/week, and inactive (physical activity <1 time/week). Results showed that regular NIPA was associated with significantly lower depression (β=-0.36, p<0.001) and anxiety (β=-0.31, p<0.001), higher life satisfaction (β=0.42, p<0.001), and better overall QoL (β=0.38, p<0.001) compared to IPA and inactive groups. Key moderators included frequency of NIPA, duration of sessions, and perceived access to urban natural spaces. Findings highlight NIPA as a cost-effective, accessible intervention to support healthy aging in urban environments, offering actionable insights for public health policymakers, urban planners, and community organizations.

• View pdf

This quasi-experimental study evaluates the impact of school-based physical activity (SBPA) interventions on academic performance (math, reading scores) and mental health (anxiety, self-esteem, emotional regulation) among adolescents (12–17 years) in five low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): India, Mexico, Ghana, Brazil, and Kenya. Data were collected from 3,218 students across 60 schools (30 intervention, 30 control) between 2021–2023. Intervention schools implemented structured SBPA programs (daily 45-minute sessions combining physical activity, life skills training, and peer mentorship), while control schools maintained standard physical education (PE) curricula. Results showed that adolescents in intervention schools had significantly higher math (β=0.34, p<0.001) and reading scores (β=0.31, p<0.001), lower anxiety (β=-0.29, p<0.001), higher self-esteem (β=0.36, p<0.001), and better emotional regulation (β=0.33, p<0.001) compared to controls. Key moderators included intervention duration, student engagement, and school resource availability. Findings highlight SBPA interventions as a dual-benefit strategy to improve academic and mental health outcomes in LMIC adolescents, offering actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and global health practitioners.

• View pdf

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examines the impact of mind-body physical activity (MBPA) interventions (yoga, tai chi, qigong) on mental health (stress, depression, mindfulness) and chronic disease self-management (medication adherence, symptom control, quality of life [QoL]) among adults (40–75 years) with chronic conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, arthritis). Data were collected from 2,468 participants across five countries (USA, Spain, Ghana, New Zealand, India) between 2021–2023. Participants were randomized to MBPA intervention (n=1,234) or usual care control (n=1,234). The intervention included 12-week structured MBPA sessions (3x/week, 60 minutes/session) plus home practice support. Results showed that MBPA participants had significantly lower stress (β=-0.35, p<0.001) and depression (β=-0.32, p<0.001), higher mindfulness (β=0.41, p<0.001), improved medication adherence (β=0.33, p<0.001), better symptom control (β=-0.29, p<0.001), and higher QoL (β=0.38, p<0.001) compared to controls. Key moderators included intervention adherence, chronic condition type, and cultural adaptation. Findings highlight MBPA as a holistic intervention to address mental health and chronic disease self-management, offering actionable insights for clinicians, public health practitioners, and policymakers.

• View pdf