River Competition: A Case Study

When I embarked on my research project it was nearing the end of rowing season. I was training seven times a week in preparation for the Head of the River Competition. My interest in the health benefits of exercise led me to look at previous research and the current literature regarding the health outcomes of exercise. I knew in my own mind how I had personally benefitted from exercise however I intended to extend my knowledge about why I was feeling mentally stronger and more resilient. This personal journey prompted me to look at other young people and whether there were any distinct differences between girls and boys in their exercise patterns and their attitudes towards exercise. The industry experts I interviewed confirmed there was a link between the effects of exercise with neurological and physical outcomes. A number of key findings supported this idea. The quantitative data conjugated from the peer survey, gave me a good indication that an increasing number of youth are not as active as they should be, even though the benefits of exercise are well publicised.
Word Count: 161
Research processes:
Completing a mind map assisted in …show more content…
This type of finding was important to me as I could relate it to all of the vigorous exercise I had undertaken in the rowing season. I could reflect on how I felt before, during and after the season. Portugal (2013) supported this by explaining that “‘exercise is associated with the increased synthesis and release of both neurotransmitters and neurotropic factors” (p.14). Portugal (2013) further added that these changes alter the structure and functions in the brain, which effect the physiological, psychological and biochemical well being of an individual. This includes the release of endorphins such as dopamine that interact with other neurotransmitters to create an exercise ‘high’, reduce pain and assist in decreasing anxiety (Booker, H