Referent: Prof. Dr. Felipe Schuch, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Melbourne (Australia)

Titel: Exercise and Mental Health: Are All Forms of Movement Equal?

Biosketch: Associate Professor Felipe Schuch is an exercise scientist and psychiatric epidemiologist at Deakin University’s Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT) and Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN). His research examines how physical activity and exercise can prevent and treat mental disorders, particularly depression, and the biological and behavioural mechanisms underlying these effects. He has published more than 300 peer-reviewed papers and was recognised as a Highly Cited Researcher from 2020 to 2024. His work spans epidemiology, clinical trials, evidence synthesis and implementation, with a focus on translating exercise science into practical, person-centred mental healthcare.

Abstract: Physical activity and exercise are now widely recognised as important tools for preventing and treating mental ill-health. However, an important question remains: are all forms of activity equally beneficial? This presentation will examine how the mental health effects of physical activity may vary according to type, intensity, duration, setting and purpose. It will compare aerobic, resistance and mind–body exercise, alongside sport, active transport, leisure-time activity and occupational physical activity. The evidence for both the prevention and treatment of common mental disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, will be discussed. Potential mechanisms—including improvements in physical fitness, neurobiological regulation, self-efficacy and social connection—will be considered. Rather than identifying a single “best” exercise, the presentation will argue for matching activity to the person, purpose and context. The most effective option is likely to be one that is evidence-informed, safe, enjoyable, accessible and sustainable. These principles will be translated into practical recommendations for clinicians and other professionals seeking to integrate physical activity into mental healthcare.

Referent: Prof. Dr. Claudio Nigg, Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Universität Bern (Schweiz)

Titel: Promising Progress in Promoting Physical Activity in the areas of AI, Sustainability and Long-term Maintenance

Biosketch: Professor Claudio R. Nigg heads the Department of Health Science at the Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern. He holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and an MSc in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary. His research focuses on physical activity promotion, health behavior-change theory, long-term maintenance, multiple health behavior change, and scalable interventions across the lifespan. His current work integrates behavioral science with artificial intelligence, sustainability, and implementation science. A Fellow of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, he has international research and leadership experience and is committed to translating evidence into population impact.

Abstract: Insufficient physical activity remains a health challenge, despite measurement and intervention progress. This keynote examines promising progress through three developments: artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability-oriented systems approaches, and a focus on long-term physical activity maintenance. First, AI offers opportunities to overcome assessment and intervention limitations. Large language models can interpret free-text accounts of motivation, self-efficacy, intentions, and exercise goals, while machine learning can integrate these data with information from wearables and context. Preliminary findings from 48 adults using an AI-driven psychological assessment pipeline indicate reliability and convergent validity, with half of 24 assessed constructs showing mean deviations below 15% from questionnaire scores. Combined with reinforcement learning, such approaches may enable theory-driven, context-aware, just-in-time adaptive interventions that learn what works, for whom, and when. Their promise, however, depends on transparency, privacy, equity, human oversight, and responsible resource use. Second, sustainable physical activity promotion requires moving beyond individual-level models. The Physical Activity Systems Leverage Framework connects behavioral medicine, urban health, and planetary health. Active mobility, green infrastructure, biodiversity-rich public spaces, and water-sensitive urban design can support physical activity, mental and physical health, social cohesion, climate resilience, and ecological recovery. The GoGreenNext project illustrates how co-creation, cross-sector partnerships, implementation, and integrated evaluation can translate this framework into practice. Third, long-term maintenance requires understanding physical activity as a dynamic life process. Interviews with ten adults meeting physical activity guidelines for at least five years identified priority as the foundation of maintenance; enjoyment, well-being, and adaptability as core reciprocal factors; and organization and community as supports. This Reciprocal Physical Activity Maintenance Theory highlights the need to promote enjoyable, flexible activities that remain meaningful across changing circumstances. Together, these advances suggest a future of physical activity promotion that is personalized, sustainable, and life-long—and positions sport (and exercise) psychology as a bridge between individuals, technologies, and environments.

Referentin: Prof. Dr. Bettina Rulofs, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, Köln (Deutschland)

Titel: In Kürze verfügbar.

Biosketch: In Kürze verfügbar.

Abstract: In Kürze verfügbar.

Referentin: Prof. Dr. Nadja Schott, Institut für Sport- und Bewegungswissenschaft, Universität Stuttgart (Deutschland)

Titel: In Kürze verfügbar.

Biosketch: In Kürze verfügbar.

Abstract: In Kürze verfügbar.