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Course Content

    1. Monoamines and Serotonin Pathways

    2. Monoamines and Serotonin Pathways Quiz

    3. Neurotrophins and Neuroplasticity

    4. Neurotrophins and Neuroplasticity Quiz

    5. Lactate and Ketone Body Signalling

    6. Lactate and Ketone Body Signalling Quiz

    7. Adiponectin and Other Peripheral Hormones

    8. Adiponectin and Other Peripheral Hormones Quiz

    9. Oxytocin Circuitry and Reward Networks

    10. Oxytocin Circuitry and Reward Networks Quiz

    11. Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Kynurenine Pathway

    12. Inflammation Quiz

    13. HPA Axis and Endocrine Modulation

    14. HPA Axis and Endocrine Modulation Quiz

    15. Myokines and Muscle–Brain Crosstalk

    16. Myokines and Muscle–Brain Crosstalk Quiz

    17. Structural and Network-Level Brain Changes

    18. Structural and Network-Level Brain Changes Quiz

    19. Integrated View

    20. Integrated View Quiz

    1. Depressive Symptoms

    2. Depressive Symptoms Quiz

    3. Anxiety Symptoms

    4. Anxiety Symptoms Quiz

    5. Psychological Distress and Stress

    6. Psychological Distress and Stress Quiz

    7. Self Esteem, Self Concept, and Well Being

    8. Self Esteem, Self Concept, and Well Being Quiz

    9. Cognitive Symptoms

    10. Cognitive Symptoms Quiz

    11. Takeaway

Course Details

This course explores the science behind how physical activity influences mental health across multiple levels of brain and body function. Drawing on research from neuroscience, psychology, physiology, and psychiatry, the course examines how exercise affects neurotransmitters, neuroplasticity, inflammation, metabolic signalling, endocrine regulation, and large-scale brain networks involved in mood, stress, cognition, and behaviour. Participants will learn how movement acts as a powerful transdiagnostic intervention—supporting recovery from depression and anxiety, improving cognitive performance, buffering stress, and enhancing overall psychological well-being. By integrating biological mechanisms with clinical and behavioural evidence, the course equips practitioners with a clear scientific understanding of why exercise is such a valuable tool in mental health care.

  • Explain the neurobiological mechanisms through which exercise influences mood, cognition, and stress regulation.

  • Describe how exercise affects key brain systems, including monoamine signalling, neurotrophins such as BDNF, and large-scale brain networks.

  • Understand the role of metabolic, immune, and endocrine pathways (e.g., inflammation, HPA axis regulation, and mitochondrial function) in exercise-related mental health benefits.

  • Identify how exercise functions as a transdiagnostic intervention across conditions such as depression, anxiety, cognitive disorders, and stress-related problems.

  • Recognise the psychological and behavioural mechanisms—including behavioural activation, interoceptive exposure, and self-efficacy—through which physical activity improves mental health.

  • Apply research findings to clinical and educational settings, integrating exercise into strategies that support resilience, cognitive functioning, and psychological well-being.

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