The Polypill Model: Conceptual considerations on the physical, psychological and social effects of sport

Background In view of its manifold physiological effects, sport is increasingly referred to in the literature as a "polypill". Sport is like a drug with pleiotropic effects. The sports science criticizes this clinical view for being too one-sided and warns against the medicalization of sport. Method The present article takes up this criticism and summarizes the biopsychosocial effects of sport. Particular attention is paid to the psychological and social effects of sporting activity. The deliberations lead to a conceptual model; the Polypill Model of Sport. Results Sport is first differentiated in its organizational forms. This is followed by the description of individual effects of sporting activity on physical, psychological and social resources. These extend to motor, i.e. conditional and coordinative, skills, cognitive, emotional and motivational aspects as well as self-related and external social skills. Although sport (especially regular sport) can strengthen physical, psychological and social resources, non-physiological stress, on the contrary inadequate care and normative structures always harbour an individual latent potential for harm. In addition, the sport-specific socialization and enculturation processes are integrated into the model under the terms "socialization in the sport", "socialization in sport" and "socialization through sport". Many skills learned in sport (especially psychological and social skills) can also be important for other areas of life. Conclusions The term polypill systematizes physical as well as psychological and social effects of sport. The Polypill model of sport proposed here can be used in university and non-university teaching as well as in specific study and training planning.