Can sports reduce stress levels?
Contrary to popular belief riding motorcycles reduces stress levels and is used as a highly effective form of therapy.
The use of sports as a form of therapy for patients has proven to be highly effective in improving mood and overall health. What exactly happens to our bodies when we exercise? It positively impacts the level of serotonin in our body, a chemical that helps regulate our mental health, it releases endorphins, also known as, the “euphoria chemical”, it reduces stress by reducing the levels of cortisol released in our bodies and it also stimulates the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which can help improve a person’s mood.
Although sports as a mode of therapy is not a novelty, a study conducted by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Doctor Ryuta Kawashima Laboratory of the Department of Functional Brain Imaging, the Institute of Development and Aging and Cancer at Tohoku University in 2008, provides results which show that riding a motorcycle on a daily basis may reduce stress levels. Incorporating riding into daily life improves cognitive functions - specifically the prefrontal cortex function, which results in the reduction of stress for the rider.
The study observed two different reasons why including motorcycle riding into daily lives could be beneficial. Firstly, to determine whether the brain is stimulated by riding a motorcycle and the examination of the effect of operating with motorcycles, as a part of a lifestyle on brain functions. The main purpose of the study was to comment on the different ways in which mental health can be improved through sports and different manners. The study explains that “the ultimate goal of this research is to realize a "smart ageing society" in which people will be able to live fulfilling, healthy lives. This was the intention behind the current experiment.”
Vanni Oddera is an expert in the field of using sports as a method of therapy, dubbed as ‘Mototerapia’ in Italian. Oddera is a motocross freestyle champion that transformed his passion for motorcycles and the feelings they evoke into a form of therapy, for children in particular. By providing an experience that the general population might take for granted - such as riding on a motorcycle - he provides a feeling of adrenaline and positivity into the lives of children who are limited to wheelchairs or may never have the opportunity to leave their hospital room. Oddera provides a sensation of liberty that is taken away from children whose lives are controlled by their diseases.
In a video released regarding Oddera’s use of ‘mototerapia’ (‘mototherapy’) on children, the parents claim that “After he (their child) does ‘mototerapia’ he relaxes, he is tranquil and he is happy.” Oddera is viewed as a hero in the eyes of these children; taking them for rides on a dirt bike through the hallways of hospitals or involving them in other activities that cause the release of adrenaline. Through his therapy, with motorcycles, Oddera not only provides a sensation of liberty for these children but also brings excitement, happiness and carefree moments into their lives.
Motorcycles have been present in Oddera’s life since his childhood, playing a crucial role in the development of his character and the person he has become today. In 2008 whilst he was at an international competition, in Moscow, he met a taxi driver that had lost his legs, which changed his outlook on life and therefore then inspired his creation of ‘mototerapia’. “Mototerapia is about giving passion and freedom to people who need it. It betters the quality of life by ‘waking’ instincts a person might not be aware of having, it creates endorphins and simply put, it provides pleasure.” Oddera went on to explain how motorcycle riding could lower stress levels, “Motorcycles create a sense of freedom and that sense of freedom is the enemy of stress. When you’re riding your motorcycle, you’re completely alone, far away from everyone and all the challenges life can put in front of you.”
What exactly happens when a person rides a motorcycle?
The brain of the rider is stimulated and in turn, releases endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that are produced in the pituitary gland of the brain. These hormones produce a feeling of euphoria in the body, along with a decreased sense of pain and lowered levels of stress. Motorcycle riding has always been associated with the feeling of being carefree, exhilaration, relaxation and fear (to some extent).
The use of exercise as therapy can be used for different mental health issues, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). Blumenthal et al. conducted a study in which the objective was “To assess the effectiveness of an aerobic exercise program compared with standard medication (ie, antidepressants) for treatment of MDD in older patients, we conducted a 16-week randomized controlled trial.” The study observed 156 men and women of the ages 50 or above, in which they were allocated to a random aerobic exercise, antidepressants (sertraline specifically) or they participated in a combination of the aerobic exercise and medication. The participants had to partake in evaluations of depression before and after the study.
The use of sports therapy can be effective in the reduction of stress as well as aiding in other mental illnesses and quality of life. Regardless of the type of physical activity that is exerted, it has a positive correlation to a patient’s overall health as well as mental health.
