Relationships between leisure time physical activity, physical fitness and mental health among young adult males

Physical activity has been seen as an important tool to prevent both physical and mental disorders like depression and anxiety. However, previous research has mainly focused on mental health problems rather than positive mental health. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and physical fitness with mental distress and positive mental health. The study sample consisted of 792 men (mean age 26 years) who participated in the study prior their military refresher-training course. Cardio-respiratory and muscle fitness tests were measured, and LTPA, positive mental health (Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, SWEMWBS) and ment…