Scientific Programme

Industry Partner Programme

PS-PL01 - Mental health perspectives from the general population to elite level sport

Date: 03.07.2024, Time: 17:45 - 19:00, Lecture room: Clyde Auditorium

Description

In recent years there has been growth in the evidence supporting the benefits of physical activity for the prevention of mental illness in the general population. There has also been increased recognition of the mental health challenges elite athletes face and how best to support them. In this plenary two leading researchers in the area will present the most up to date evidence. Associate Professor Matthew P. Herring, FACSM from the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at University of Limerick, Ireland (H-index = 43; representing Psychology, Social Science & Humanities) is a leading exercise psychologist whose research has provided a better understanding of how, why and in whom physical activity and exercise improve mental health, informing international guidelines. Matthew will present the case for the value of physical activity to protect against mental illness among adolescents, adults, and older adults, targeted exercise training, including comparatively understudied muscle-strengthening exercise, as an alternative or augmentation therapy for mental illness, and psychobiological factors which might influence these relationships. Professor Vincent Gouttebarge is a former professional footballer and currently Extraordinary Professor of Sports Medicine at the University of Pretoria and based at the Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine department of the Amsterdam University Medical Centers. He is also Chief Medical Officer at FIFPRO (Football Players Worldwide) an