`Healthy Body - Healthy Mind`- Scientific Fact or Myth?

The Latin phrase mens sana in corpore sano, or `a healthy mind in a healthy body`, has been well known since the days of the old world, and is still used today as the slogan for many military and civilian fitness programs. However, although numerous studies have suggested beneficial effects of physical activity on brain function, mood and anxiety, this is still considered to be a myth due to a lack of scientific evidence. For that reason, we explored the correlations between exercise and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in an animal model. Our previous published report described a possible beneficial effect of training on resilience and recovery from stress in trained animals. The current report will present work on a subgroup of animals that refused to take part in physical training before being exposed to the stressors. It will also discuss the possible therapeutic effects of physical activity on PTSD. Consequently, we conclude that physical exercise may enhance behavioral responses to stress. It is associated with improving mental resilience and may also have a therapeutic effect in animal models. On the other hand, imposing physical activity may heighten the risk for PTSD.