SupplementsExercise

Sport-related activities may facilitate post-disaster mental health recovery through physiological regulation, psychological empowerment, and social reconnection.

This narrative review of 11 studies proposes that sport-related activities (participatory and spectator-based) can aid mental health recovery after natural disasters by modulating the HPA axis, restoring self-efficacy, and rebuilding social networks. The evidence is observational and heterogeneous, so causal effects cannot be established.

Last updated: Jul 28, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Sport-related activities as a psychosocial strategy for mental health recovery following natural disasters: a narrative review.

observational

Zhou J, Wei J · Frontiers in public health (2026)

Participants: 11
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Sport-related activities (participatory exercise/structured sport and spectator-based team identification/media narratives)
Outcome: Post-disaster psychological distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety, social dysfunction, somatic symptoms including sleep disturbances)
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Populations affected by natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, wildfires, storms)

Result: This narrative review of 11 studies proposes that sport-related activities (participatory and spectator-based) can aid mental health recovery after natural disasters by modulating the HPA axis, restoring self-efficacy, and rebuilding social networks. The evidence is observational and heterogeneous, so causal effects cannot be established.

PubMed: 42494892DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1894225

Mechanism Graph

Physiological regulation: modulation of HPA axis, reduction of cortisol reactivity, enhancement of neuroplasticity
↓
Psychological empowerment: restoration of self-efficacy, meaning-making through narrative reconstruction, cognitive reframing of traumatic memories
↓
Social reconnection: rebuilding peer support networks, fostering collective identity, strengthening community resilience
↓
Result: Reduction in trauma-specific disorders, affective disorders, social dysfunction, and somatic symptoms

Limitations

  • ⚠Methodological heterogeneity and observational nature of the included evidence precludes causal inference
  • ⚠Small number of studies (11) and lack of rigorous systematic review methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of sport-related activities are considered in this review?▼

The review distinguishes between 'participatory' activities (e.g., exercise, structured sport) and 'spectator-based' activities (e.g., team identification, media narratives).

What mental health outcomes are addressed?▼

The review identifies four dimensions: trauma-specific disorders (PTSD, peritraumatic reactions), affective disorders (depression, anxiety), social dysfunction (isolation, loss of community cohesion), and somatic symptoms (sleep disturbances, pain, fatigue).

Can sport-related activities replace traditional mental health services after disasters?▼

No, the review concludes they represent a promising, low-cost adjunctive strategy, not a replacement, especially in under-resourced settings.

What are the proposed mechanisms for recovery?▼

Three mechanisms are proposed: physiological regulation (HPA axis modulation), psychological empowerment (self-efficacy, meaning-making), and social reconnection (peer support, community resilience).

Products

Affiliate links coming soon. We only recommend products that match the doses and forms used in the cited research.

References

  1. 1.Zhou J, Wei J. "Sport-related activities as a psychosocial strategy for mental health recovery following natural disasters: a narrative review.." Frontiers in public health, 2026. PMID: 42494892 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1894225
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.