Towards a Psychophysiological Approach in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sports

Book excerpt: In recent years, there has been an increase in interest in mental health disorders as a result of mediatic coverage of Olympic athletes’ mental health struggles, and also due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. These phenomena helped to further exacerbate a problem already extensively present in sport and society. Therefore, applying a psychophysiological approach to physical activity, exercise, and sports research has become very popular. Indeed, mental fatigue and mental disorders are not only psychological in origin, but also require an explanation from a psychophysiological perspective due to the effective interconnection between the psychological and physiological dimensions. Psychological variables can also influence performance and the psychophysiological system has a strong effect on the control of physical capacities. Moreover, pacing behaviour, decision-making, self-regulation, and effort perception can also explain the role of the brain in physical activity and exercise management. Thus, the aim of this Research Topic is to share the impact of a psychophysiological approach in physical activity, exercise and sports.