The Effects of Exercise on Mental and Cardiovascular Health

Thomas Petti, Verrazano Class of 2019, Completed Major in Nursing

When I first found out I had to write a research paper on a topic of my choice I thought it would be a simple task. Writing research papers was nothing new to me. I had been doing it for many years and had a good idea of how to proceed. Choosing a topic, however, was more difficult than I thought it would be. While I had conducted research before and wrote about various issues, I found it hard to select one topic that I wanted to examine and review.

It took me a while but eventually I decided to write about a topic that pertained to health promotion. Being a nursing major and coming from a biology background I felt that this was a significant topic in today’s society. In nursing I was taught that lifestyle modifications are a major part of promoting a patient’s well-being. One of the biggest modifications that should be utilized is exercise and physical activity. I personally try to stick to a regular exercise regimen to better myself; therefore, this seemed like a great issue to discuss. This is also a topic that is closely related to the field of study I was originally interested in when I first started at CSI. Prior to beginning the nursing program, I was considering taking up physical therapy. Ultimately, I ended up having more of a connection and passion with the nursing profession. However, my Capstone was a way in which I was able to use a topic that relates to both of these healthcare disciplines.

Outlining my ideas and conducting research was difficult when factoring in the workload I had in my final year of nursing school. Once I got myself organized and put in the work, my paper became much more enjoyable and easier to write. I discovered a lot from reviewing other studies and I learned that exercise, in addition to other lifestyle modifications has a profound effect on all aspects of health. 
My paper was limited to cardiovascular and mental health. One of the biggest things I learned from the research is that implementing a regular exercise regimen can significantly reduce risk factors for health issues and enhance a person’s quality of life. This health behavior alone may not make a major impact to everyone’s well-being, but it is necessary to begin leading a healthier way of life.

I came across various studies that emphasized the importance of physical activity, and found that it has a positive impact on the severity of symptoms in disorders such as depression as well as in the cognition in older healthy adults. Aerobic exercise is a healthy alternative to many bad habits associated with mental health issues. Physical activity encourages feelings of calm and improves blood flow to regions of the brain responsible for mood and stress. Some studies found that exercise, even at low levels, could prevent future cases of depression. Inactivity is a significant risk factor that is related to coronary disease, higher rates of cardiovascular events and higher death rates. A regular exercise regimen improves muscular strength and function and enhances the body’s oxygen consumption. Exercise promotes weight reduction, reduces blood pressure and improves general health.

I learned that a big challenge that many people face when starting a physical activity program is adherence to a consistent routine. Many people also do not know all of the benefits that can result from engaging in activity. This is why a multi-disciplinary approach is crucial to addressing health issues. Having healthcare providers communicate and collaborate with exercise specialists and include patients in their own plans of care is a great way to ensure that quality treatment is provided. Different disciplines working together allow custom programs to be developed that are tailored to each individual patient. This will guarantee safety and ultimately lead to better quality outcomes.

After researching this topic and completing my Capstone, I have a greater understanding and appreciation for the benefits that come from participating in a regular exercise program. I am very happy to have been a part of both the Verrazano School and this Capstone project. I plan to use what I have learned to encourage others to become more active and to promote healthy habits in patients I care for in the hospital. This program gave me wonderful experiences and opportunities that I will never forget.