The impact of running on the mental health of recreational runners

BACKGROUND: One of the fundamental postulates in medicine, expressed in an old Latin proverb, is: "A healthy mind in a healthy body" ("Mens sana in corpore sano"), and it undoubtedly speaks of the significant and inseparable connection between body and soul. Numerous studies show that appropriate and regular exercise is positively associated with good health. Physical activity contributes to improving health status. AIM: To examine the impact of running on the mental health of recreational runners. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The research was conducted in Mostar, at the Sanus Motus running school, from March 1, 2024 to July 1, 2024. A total of 80 respondents were surveyed, divided into two groups. The first group included 40 recreational runners, members of the Sanus Motus running school in Mostar, and the other 40 respondents from the general population. The subjects completed two questionnaires: the RSES (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale) and the SCL-90 (Self-Rating Psychiatric Symptoms Scale). The variables studied were the results of the RSES scale and the results of the nine categories into which the questions from the SCL-90 were divided. The SCL-90 categories are: somatization, obsessive-compulsive reactions, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, aggression, phobias, paranoia, and psychotic features. RESULTS: Recreational runners scored significantly higher on the RSES scale. Recreational runners scored significantly higher on all domains of the SCL-90 questionnaire. There were no statistically significant gender differences in scores on the RSES scale, and on the SCL-90, male respondents scored significantly lower on the Interpersonal Vulnerability, Depression, Anxiety, Phobias, PSDI, GSI, and PST domains, while there were no statistically significant gender differences in the other domains of the SCL-90 questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Results of this research indicate that recreational running has a positive impact on the mental health of recreational runners.