Settings privileged for practice of physical activity: differences in body composition, nature visits and environmental concern

Mini-Oral Presentation B2.16

Authors

  • Andreia Teixeira University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro
  • Ronaldo E. Gabriel University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro
  • José Martinho University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro; University of Coimbra
  • Mário Santos University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro; University of Coimbra
  • Luís Quaresma University of Tras-os Montes and Alto Douro
  • Helena Moreira University of Bern

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.623

Keywords:

Natural Environments, Accelerometer, Adiposity

Abstract

Background: Natural environments may influence individual physical activity (PA) and subsequently body composition, reducing obesity and improving community health. Purpose: Examine, in both genders, the differences in body composition, PA, nature visits and pro-environmental behaviors (PEB’s) according to the settings privileged for the PA practice. Methods: We studied 216 individuals (77 men and 139 women). Participants wore the Actigraph GT3X accelerometer to collect information concerning to total PA, moderate-vigorous PA and steps/day. Body composition variables were assessed by octopolar bioimpedance (InBody 720). The contexts for PA, nature visits and PEB’s were self-reported. The data were analyzed using the Student’s T test or the Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. Results: More than half of the male and female sample (59.7% and 52.1% respectively) privileged outdoor spaces for the PA practice, preference reported particularly by older individuals. Only in men, the preference for outdoor settings contributed to the increase in visitation to nature. Women with higher levels of central adiposity have a preference for these outdoor spaces for PA practice ( p=0.01). Non-significant differences were observed in the remaining variables. Conclusions: The parks/outdoor spaces are the privileged contexts for PA practice by older people, regardless of gender. The same applies to women whit high central adiposity. In both genders, the preference for natural outdoor environments does not seem to translate into higher levels of PA. 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., Santos, M., Quaresma, L., & Moreira, H. (2021). Settings privileged for practice of physical activity: differences in body composition, nature visits and environmental concern: Mini-Oral Presentation B2.16. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.623