Connectedness to Nature Does Not Explain the Variation in Physical Activity and Body Composition in Adults and Older People.

Andreia Teixeira,Aurélio Faria,Irene Oliveira,José Martinho,Helena Moreira,Ronaldo Gabriel,Graça Pinto,Luís Quaresma

doi:10.3390/ijerph182211951

Abstract

Connectedness to nature (CN) is a significant predictor of pro-environmental behaviours, human health and well-being. However, research on how this connection to the natural world might promote a more active lifestyle and improve body mass composition according to gender is lacking. This study investigated the influence of CN on physical activity (PA) and body composition in adults and older people. We recruited a sample of 219 individuals (77 men and 142 women), and a self-administered questionnaire was used to measure CN and obtain demographic data. Body composition was assessed by bioimpedance, and PA was assessed by accelerometry. Correlations and stepwise multiple regressions were used in data analysis. CN’s association with other variables was more pronounced in women than in men, and we only identified significant associations with steps/day and body composition. However, this variable would not be included in the regression models that we developed. Adiposity levels and muscle status were significant predictors of PA in women. In both genders, age, percentage of fat mass and fat-free mass were selected as regressors in the models developed for visceral fat area and muscle condition (R2 Adjusted ≥ 0.908).

Highlights

Highlights Connection to nature was associated with central adiposity and muscle condition in women.Women who are more connected to nature perform a greater number of daily steps.Connection to nature is higher among older people and employees.Connection to nature did not explain variation in physical activity and body composition.The relationship between people and nature received growing attention [1] from researchers, health professionals and environmentalists due to its effect on human and environmental well-being
The parameters estimated in the models developed for the body composition variables included %FM, FFM and age, and for VFA, some demographic parameters were introduced in the models
To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to investigate the relationship between connectedness with nature and body composition

Summary

Introduction

Highlights Connection to nature was associated with central adiposity and muscle condition in women.Women who are more connected to nature perform a greater number of daily steps.Connection to nature is higher among older people and employees.Connection to nature did not explain variation in physical activity and body composition.The relationship between people and nature received growing attention [1] from researchers, health professionals and environmentalists due to its effect on human and environmental well-being. Connection to nature was associated with central adiposity and muscle condition in women. Women who are more connected to nature perform a greater number of daily steps. Connection to nature is higher among older people and employees. Connection to nature did not explain variation in physical activity and body composition. The relationship between people and nature received growing attention [1] from researchers, health professionals and environmentalists due to its effect on human and environmental well-being. The concept of connectedness to nature (CN) seeks to describe the feeling of an affective (emotional) and cognitive bond with the natural environment and the sense of a person’s place in nature [2]

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Conclusion