Nature visit frequency and its influence on physical activity and pro-environmental behaviors

Mini-Oral Presentation B2.3

Authors

  • Andreia Teixeira University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro
  • Ronaldo Gabriel University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro
  • José Martinho University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro; University of Coimbra
  • Luís Quaresma University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro
  • Ana Alencoão University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro; University of Coimbra
  • Helena Moreira University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.607

Keywords:

Accelerometry, Natural Environment, Environmental Concern

Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity is an issue that needs to be addressed and nature visits could be a key health promotion strategy, contributing to increased levels of physical activity (PA). Purpose: Explore the differences in physical activity and pro-environmental behaviors accordingly the nature visit frequency. Methods: We recruited a sample of 219 individuals (77 men and 142 women). A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure nature visits and PEB’s. Physical activity was measured using ActiGraph accelerometers (wGT3X-BT). Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to explore the differences on total PA, moderate-vigorous PA, steps/day and PEB’s through the nature visit frequency (never, once a week, 2-3 times/week and ≥4 times/week). Results: There was a significant difference between groups with respect to moderate-vigorous PA ( p=0.01), steps/day ( p=0.02) and PEB’s ( p=0.04) according to the number of visits to natural spaces. Individuals who visit nature 2-3 times/week achieved higher levels of moderate-vigorous PA and performed a greater number of daily steps, compared to those who visited natural spaces only once time/week or never visit. It was the individuals who visited nature ≥4 times/week those who adopted a greater number of PEB's. Conclusions: Individuals who visited natural spaces 2-3 times per week tended to achieve higher levels of moderate-vigorous PA, perform a greater number of steps, and adopt a greater number of environmentally friendly behaviors. Funding: This work is supported by National Funds by FCT-Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the projects UIDB/04033/2020, UID04045/2020 and UIDB/00073/2020. The investigation was also supported by European funding program Interreg Atlantic Area, under the project (EAPA_772/2018-Triple-C).

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Teixeira, A., Gabriel, R., Martinho, J., Quaresma, L., Alencoão, A., & Moreira, H. (2021). Nature visit frequency and its influence on physical activity and pro-environmental behaviors: Mini-Oral Presentation B2.3. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.607