An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 33 There is also strong evidence to suggest that integrating physi- cal exercise with a rehabilitation programme can play a major role in assisting in the recovery from addictions and illnesses. Three studies by Motta and colleagues have reported reduced PTSD symptoms severity, as well as anxiety and depression following modest exercise training intervention. (Herring et al., 2013). Experimental studies have also shown that exercise in conjunction with inpatient alcohol rehabilitation treatment is associated with significantly lower alcohol cravings as well as lower levels of anxiety and depression. It was also discovered in this study that the follow up abstinence rates were significantly higher in alcoholics who participated in a fitness program in con- junction with their treatment program as opposed to recovering alcoholics attending recovery programs which didn't include physical activity. (Otto et al., 2006). SCIENTIFIC SUPPORTING EVIDENCE The question remains where is the science to back this theory? The answer lies in the hippocampus (the area of the brain involved in memory, emotional and learning) which is of critical importance for mental health. Gingell (2018) adds that evidence is accumulating that many mental health conditions are as- sociated with reduced neurogenesis in the hippocampus. She goes on to state that recent studies have produced convincing evidence that exercise leads to the creation of new hippocampal neurons (2018). PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECT Georgia Stathopoulou opines that the effect of exercise on mental health falls into two broad categories: physiological and psychological factors. From a physiological perspective she argues that the mood and anxiety altering effects of physical activity may be accounted for by a modification of serotonin which contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. She goes on to highlight how studies on animals have showed how physical activity leads to increased turnover of serotonin in the body. (Otto et al., 2006). From a psychological perspective academics have argued that physical activity causes a release of endogenous opioids (endorphins that are produced in the brain) (Morgan,1985). In this study it has been hypothesized that the inhibitory effects of beta-endorphins on the central nervous system are in part responsible for antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of exercise (Thoren et al., 1990). Additionally, convincing arguments have been made for the benefits of physical education in improving our sleep cycles. Georgia Stathopoulou argues that physical activity has a positive effect on physiological disturbances associated with poor sleep cycles, which are commonly observed in depression and anxiety. Collectively these findings suggest that the observed im- provements in quality of sleep following exercise may, in part, account for the positive mental health effect of exercise. A study conducted by Hassmen et al. 2000 in Finland suggested that individuals who exercised at least twice to three times a week experienced significantly less depression, anger, stress and cyni- cal distrust than those who exercised less frequently or not at all (Otto et al., 2006). CONCLUSION In the final analysis the message is clear, there is empirical and scientific data to demonstrate that physical activity has a posi- tive impact on your mental health. It should be noted however that while been physically active promotes positive mental health and assists in the treatment of some mental health ill- nesses, it is not a stand alone treatment to offset against any mental health illnesses but used rather in conjunction with other medical treatments. As an organisation we need to take heed of this information and ensure that both time and facilities are made available to all members of the DF to participate in physical activity. Individual units need to publicise all scheduled activities to ensure maximum attendance. Sports events need to be prioritised and a greater effort made to promote, encour- age and allow unhindered access to these sports events. While DF annual fitness tests are required to ensure that each soldier is operationally ready, they should also represent an opportunity for units to assess the physical condition of their own troops and address if necessary these physical shortcomings. Our mental health is fundamentally vital to our personal and professional performance and as such needs to be acknowledged, valued, and protected at all times. BIBLIOGRAPHY Gingell, S. (2018), How Your Mental Health Reaps the Benefits of Exercise New research shows why physical exercise is essential to mental health. Psychol- ogy Today, Posted Mar 22, 2018, https://www.psychologytoday.com/ie/blog/what- works-and-why/201803/how-your-mental-health-reaps-the-benefits-exercise Hassmen, P., Koivula, N, and Uutela, A. (2000). "Physical exercise and psychological well-being: a population study in Finland" in Preventive Medicine, 2000, Vol 30, Issue 1, Pages 17-25. Herring.P.M, Lindheimer.J.B, & O'Connor P.J (2013). "The effects of Training on Anxiety 2013" in American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine Volume: 8 issue: 6, page(s): 388-403. Mental Health Ireland (2020), Stress, Mental Health Ireland, viewed 14/02/2020, https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/a-to-z/stress/ Morgan, W.P. (1985). "Affective beneficence of vigorous physical activity.Med. Sci> Sports Exercise, Volume 17, pg. 94-100. Otto. M.W., Stathopoulou, G., Powers, M.B., Berry, A.C., & Smits, J.A. (2011). "Exercise Interventions for Mental Health: A Quantitative and Qualitative Review" in Clinical Psychology Science and Practice, Volume 13, Issue 2, May 2006, Pages 179-193. Otto, M.W. (2011). "Exercise for Mood and Anxiety: Proven Strategies for Overcom- ing Depression and Enhancing Well-being." Oxford: Oxford University Press. Price, A. Smith, H.A and Kavalidou, K. (2019). USI National Report on Student Mental Health in Third Level Education. Dublin: Union of Students in Ireland. Available online at: http://usi.ie/mentalhealthreport/ Thorén P, Floras JS, Hoffmann P, and Seals DR. (1990). "Endorphins and exercise: physiological mechanisms and clinical implications" in Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1990 Aug;22(4):417-28. Weir, K. (2011). "The Exercise Effect" in Monitor on Psychology, The American Psy- chology Association, Dec 2011, Vol 42, No. 11

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