Exploring the impact of physical activities on subjective well-being: a cross-sectional study in Bologna, Italy

Aim: In the context of rising mental issues due to various modern challenges, this study examines the relationship between physical activity (PA) and subjective well-being (SWB) among residents of Bologna, Italy. Subject and methods: Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from a representative sample of adults aged from 20 to 79. PA levels, including moderate physical activity (MPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA), were measured using a questionnaire survey, while the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale assessed SWB. The data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for sex differences in categorical variables, two-way ANOVA for age and sex interactions on continuous variables, and hierarchical regression analyses to examine relationships between SWB and MPA/VPA while controlling for covariates, including a composite analysis of total physical activity hours. Results: Our analysis demonstrated that PA positively affected people’s mental health. Participants engaging in PA levels recommended by the WHO exhibited markedly better values in SWB than those who did not reach these thresholds. The study identified age, health issues and work situation as significant sociodemographic and lifestyle factors influencing SWB. Notably, no significant benefits were observed when MPA and VPA were included in a unified model, while the total weekly duration of PA still exhibited a dose–response relationship with SWB. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of PA in enhancing SWB and highlights the need for tailored PA guidelines considering demographic variations. The findings advocate for future longitudinal studies to elucidate the causal relationships and refine PA recommendations for diverse populations.