Masa Baghal

12/20/19
Senior Project
Research Outline

Effects of Physical Fitness on Adolescent Mental Health

I. Abstract
A. Summary of Research Paper
II. Introduction
A. Capture Interest
B. Brief Background
D. Thesis: Exercising, eating a balanced diet, sleeping adequately, practicing
mindfulness, seeking help, and managing stress all come into play when nourishing
mental health. All are activities that are practiced every day and can play a role in either
elevating or depressing one’s psychological well-being depending on the extent they are
practiced. Physical fitness, in particular, is a major key to building and nurturing mental
health as well as physical health. Moderate exercise has been shown to improve sleeping
habits, reduce risk of illnesses, reduce stress, and help with mental health recovery
(Myers, p. 293). One’s physical fitness is defined by the extent a human’s bodily systems
can work together to help human’s function. Physical fitness includes body composition,
cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, muscular strength, power, balance, agility,
coordination, speed, and reaction time (Medline Plus, 2019)
III. Rising mental health diagnosis among adolescents
A. De-stigmatization
B. Social Media
IV. Body
` A. Increase in Physical Activity in relation to mental health.
B. Proven brain chemistry behind it.
C. Not A Cure-All solution, rather an effective add-on to a treatment.
i). Can aim to improve mental health through social, emotional, and
psychological aspects.
ii) Can increase social contact which can indirectly give or improve one’s
sense of belonging.
D. Frequency and Intensity
E. Effectiveness in Relation to Productivity
F. Physical Activity and Islam.
i) The Messenger of Allah (SWT) said: “Whoever among you wake up
physically healthy, feeling safe and secure within himself, with food for
the day, it is as if he has acquired the whole world.” (Sunan Ibn Majah).
ii) “And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with
your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed,
Allah loves the doers of good,” (2:195).
iii) “And thus We have revealed to you an inspiration of Our command.
You did not know what the Book or [what is] faith, but We have made it a
 light by which We guide whom We will of Our servants. And indeed, [O
Muhammad], you guide to a straight path (42:52).
G. Conclusion
i) Rewording thesis
ii). Concluding statement
H. Sources/References