MicroRNAs (miRNAs), also known as microribonucleic acids, are small molecules found in specific tissues that are essential for maintaining proper control of genes and cellular processes. Environmental factors, such as physical exercise, can modulate miRNA expression and induce targeted changes in gene transcription. This article presents an overview of the present knowledge on the principal miRNAs influenced by physical activity in different tissues and bodily fluids. Numerous research projects have emphasized the significant impact of miRNAs on controlling biological changes brought about by physical activity. These molecules play main roles in important processes such as the growth of skeletal muscle and heart muscle cells, the creation of mitochondria, the development of the vascular system, and the regulation of metabolism. Studies have shown that physical exertion utilizes the contributions of miR-1, miR-133, miR-206, miR-208, and miR-486 to revitalize and restore skeletal muscle tissue. Moreover, detecting alterations in miRNA levels and connecting them to the specific outcomes of various exercise routines and intensities can act as indicators for physical adaptation and the reaction to physical activity in long-term diseases. Numerous studies have confirmed that extracellular vesicles (EVs) which composed of different members such as exosomes have the ability to reduce inflammation through the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, physical activity greatly affects the levels of specific miRNAs present in exosomes derived from skeletal muscle. Therefore, exosomal miRNAs target some pathways that are related to growth and development, such asWnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). Exercise-induced exosomes have also been identified as important mediators in promoting beneficial effects throughout the body. The aim of this review is to summarize the effect of exercise on the function of miRNAs and exosomes.

Objectives/Background: Regular physical activity is a key health behavior associated with physical and mental well-being. However, sustaining physical activity remains challenging among adults, and the psychological mechanisms that support continued engagement require further clarification. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, this study examined the roles of autonomous motivation and controlled regulation in health behavior engagement, focusing on the mediating role of physical activity self-regulation strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 468 Korean adults. Autonomous motivation and controlled regulation were assessed using the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-3, and physical activity self-regulation strategies were measured using the Physical Activity Self-Regulation Scale. Health behavior engagement was assessed using a single-item measure based on the stages of change for exercise. Structural equation modeling with bootstrapping was used to examine direct and indirect relationships among the study variables. Results: Both autonomous motivation (β = 0.649, p < 0.001) and controlled regulation (β = 0.153, p < 0.001) were positively associated positive with self-regulation strategies. Self-regulation strategies were positively associated with health behavior engagement (β = 0.336, p < 0.001). Autonomous motivation showed both a significant direct effect (β = 0.131, p = 0.018) and a significant indirect effects through self-regulation strategies (bias-corrected 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.206, 0.420]) on health behavior engagement, indicating partial mediation. In contrast, controlled regulation showed no significant direct effect (β = −0.062, p = 0.144) but had a significant indirect effect through self-regulation strategies (bias-corrected 95% CI [0.043, 0.131]). Conclusions: Autonomous motivation appears to be a stronger predictor of health behavior engagement than controlled regulation, both directly and indirectly through self-regulation strategies. These findings highlight the importance of motivational quality and suggest that self-regulation strategies are a key mechanism through which motivation is translated into physical activity engagement among adults. Interventions should therefore combine autonomy-supportive approaches alongside the development of practical self-regulatory skills to promote sustained physical activity.