Review of the benefits of physical exercise on psychological stress based on intensity and mode

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the main results of physical exercise based on intensity and mode, including aerobic training, muscle strength, yoga, tai chi and Pilates as coping strategies to reduce psychological stress. Consulting several databases (Google Scholar, SportDiscus, Science Direct, Scopus, and Springer Link), a search was conducted for scientific articles published from 2010 to 2017, using the following keywords in English and Spanish: stress, physiological stress, wellness, exercise, aerobic training, strength training, endurance training, intensity, physical activity y burnout. A total of 32 articles was selected. According to these articles, the greater the intensity when practicing physical exercise, the greater the benefits to reduce psychological stress.  In addition, aerobic and yoga exercises are the modes with the most benefits to reduce stress based on the results in the articles consulted.  On the contrary, as far as training for muscular strength, tai chi and Pilates require further studies to be able to determine their effectiveness in managing stress.