Exercise and physical activity are the universal medical prescription for many, if not all, health conditions. Being active and not sedentary is a positive handicap for a healthy life. There is a rich and well established body of evidence showing that exercise promotes improvement of motor functional, cardiorespiratory, and metabolic conditions and it is especially important for preventing chronic conditions related to ageing, unhealthy habits, and obesity.

Many papers and studies demonstrate the importance of exercise and sports for a longer and healthier life, for performance improvement, and to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cancer, and dementia. Despite the great number of exercise science papers available, not all of the aspects of this fascinating theme have been investigated, leaving many issues of interest to be answered by today's researchers. The beneficial effects of exercise are well supported, but work remains to be done in establishing the physiological, biochemical, and psychological means by which exercise promotes human health.

This proposed collection seeks papers on exercise and its physical, mental, and emotional effects; the biological, biomechanical, and physiological mechanisms involved; the functional links between diet and physical activity; and the social and behavioral components of active and sedentary people and active ageing. We hope this Methods Collection will document techniques and research that can be used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking exercise to wellbeing.