THAIS CEVADA
Laboratório de Neurociência do Exercício, Universidade Gama Filho (UGF), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
LUCENILDO SILVA CERQUEIRA
Laboratório de Biometria, Escola de Educação Física e Desportos (EEFD), UFRJ.
HELENA SALES DE MORAES
Laboratório de Neurociência do Exercício, Universidade Gama Filho (UGF), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)
TONY MEIRELES DOS SANTOS
Laboratório Performance, UGF
FERNANDO AUGUSTO MONTEIRO SABOIA POMPEU
Laboratório de Biometria, Escola de Educação Física e Desportos (EEFD), UFRJ
ANDREA CAMAZ DESLANDES
Laboratório de Neurociência do Exercício, Universidade Gama Filho (UGF), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).

Abstract:

Background: The practice of sports has beneficial effects on cardiorespiratory and muscle systems, behavioral function, and mental health. However, the in- fluence of elite sports on the development of resilience is not known. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to compare resilience, quality of life, and anxiety in ex-athletes of artistic gymnastic and other sports with non-athletic individuals. Methods: Ex-artistic gymnastics athletes (n = 17), ex-athletes of other sports (n = 15), and non-athletic individuals (n = 30) were recruited. Structured anamneses as well as depression, anxiety, resilience and quality of life scales were applied in all groups. Results: Significant difference between groups were found in resilience (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.049), general health status (p = 0.044), and emotional aspects of quality of life (p = 0.002). Ex-athletes showed greater resilience and better quality of life regarding to emotional aspects than non-athletes. Discussion: Sport seems to contribute to the development of a more resilient profile and better quality of life.

Keywords:Physical exercise, mood, mental health, coping, reward