Green Exercise Research Articles

Clean-up actions as catalysts for sustainability and physical activity promotion

Abstract Issue The convergence of global sustainability and health promotion implies integrated policies and actions. Initiatives like the European Green Deal and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals emphasize the urgent need to address climate change while promoting health through behaviours such as physical activity (PA). Description We explore the relationship between PA, sustainability, and health outcomes, highlighting the European Green Deal’s impact on PA promotion and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s alignment with health behaviours. In addition, we further discuss the concept of “green exercise” and provide insights about how eco-friendly initiatives (e.g., plogging) may have dual benefits in both individual and environmental domains. Results Emerging eco-friendly activities, including plogging, plalking and pliking, directly benefit the environment, while holding the potential to contribute to PA accumulation. Walking while picking up litter (i.e., plalking) can represent up to 4-5 metabolic equivalents (METs), which corresponds to performing a moderate-intensity PA. If other activities - running or cycling - are performed while picking up litter, the number of METs (i.e., >6 METs) involved may correspond to performing a vigorous-intensity PA. Lessons The physiological impact of eco-friendly activities, such as litter picking, reveals their potential as moderate to vigorous-intensity PA, favouring compliance with WHO PA recommendations (i.e., 150 min/week). Integrated policies and actions are needed to address global challenges effectively, emphasizing the interconnectedness of PA promotion, sustainability efforts, and health outcomes. Key messages • Engaging in green initiatives fosters PA and supports the United Nations’ goals for health and sustainability. • Plogging and similar eco-activities offer dual benefits: cleaner environments and healthier lifestyles.

Benefits of a group-based running session on feelings of energy and fatigue: No augmenting effect of green exercise during the defoliation season

This randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of a brief session of group-based running on feelings of energy and fatigue, comparing exercise in a local nature reserve versus an outdoor built environment, and a sedentary control condition. Sixty-six physically active university students participated, with 56 providing full data for each time point. Consistent with previous research, participants in both exercise groups reported significantly increased energy and decreased fatigue compared to those in the sedentary control group. However, the type of outdoor environment did not significantly influence the magnitude of improvements. Contrary to expectations, there was no significant difference in energy enhancement or fatigue mitigation between participants who jogged in a local nature reserve versus those who jogged on a cinder track in an urbanized area. The study discusses potential reasons for this, including seasonal variations in forest volatile organic compounds (FVOCs) concentrations, which may impact the psychological effects associated with forest environments. Further research is needed to better understand the complex relationship between exercise, environment, and feelings of energy/feelings of fatigue.

Effect of Outdoor Cycling, Virtual and Enhanced Reality Indoor Cycling on Heart Rate, Motivation, Enjoyment and Intention to Perform Green Exercise in Healthy Adults.

Background: Despite the benefits of physical activity (PA), Italy ranks low in leisure-time PA among European countries. Integrating virtual (VR)/enhanced (ER) reality with exercise equipment could boost PA engagement. Limited studies have explored how VR/ER-integrated cycling activity, compared to outdoor settings, influences PA among university students. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of a brief cycling session outdoors and indoors on psychological and physiological outcomes, and secondly, investigate the potential of VR/ER-mediated nature experiences as a tool to promote green exercise. Methods: In February 2024, thirty-one subjects (20 M and 11 F; age 24.3 ± 3.2 years; BMI 23.5 ± 3.6 kg/m2) were involved in this randomized crossover-controlled trial, where they were assigned to three different conditions: ER cycling (ERC), VR cycling (VRC), and outdoor cycling (OUTC). Heart rate (HR), Physical Activity Enjoyment (PACE), Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), and Intention to Perform Green Exercise (INT-GE) were assessed at the end of each condition. Results: The OUTC condition showed significantly greater PACE, IMI, and INT-GE than ERC/VRC (p < 0.001), lower HRmean than ERC/VRC (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively), and lower HRmax than ERC (p < 0.05). Conclusions: VRC and ERC enhanced engagement and physiological responses during indoor cycling, but outdoor cycling offered superior benefits in motivation, enjoyment, and future engagement intentions. No significant differences were found between VRC and ERC in promoting intentions for outdoor activities, suggesting both technologies could be equally effective.

Green exercise versus indoor urban exercise: Related frontal brain thickness and cognitive performance

Background and aimsThis study compared, for the first time, cognitive function, and the cortical thickness of frontal areas in healthy adults who exercise regularly in outdoor green spaces ("green exercise group," GEG; n=22, mean age=39.91 years, females=11) with those who exercise in indoor urban settings ("urban exercise group," UEG; n=25, mean age=40 years, females=11). We further explored the associations between frontal brain thickness and cognitive measures in each group separately. MethodForty-seven healthy adults participated. All underwent a neuropsychological evaluation for short-term memory, working memory, and attention. High-resolution T1-weighted 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were acquired for each participant. The thickness of frontal brain regions was extracted and exported to JASP software for statistical analyses. ResultsThe GEG performed better on working memory and short-term memory tasks compared to the UEG. Additionally, the GEG exhibited increased thickness in the right anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) and the right superior frontal sulcus (rSFS). These areas were associated with short-term memory within the GEG. Fisher's test and Zou's intervals revealed that only the correlation between the rSFS and short-term memory was significantly different between the UEG and GEG. ConclusionThese findings suggest that exercising in outdoor natural areas might be related to better cognitive function and greater brain thickness in frontal areas. This study will contribute to the growing body of evidence linking brain, cognition and exercising in natural areas. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.

‘My body was no longer a problem’: Electric mountain biking, disability, and the cultural politics of green exercise

AbstractDisability is often overlooked in discussions of green exercise. Consequently, we still know little about how ableist ideologies might play out in the context of nature engagement, or the forms of pleasure that disabled people derive from participation in green spaces. In this paper, we address this gap in the literature by exploring the relationship between electric mountain biking and disability in England (UK). Adopting the work of Bernard Stiegler, we highlight the superficiality of existing ideologies of nature, analyse the myriad ways that e‐mountain bikes can challenge ableist attitudes towards outdoor recreation, and explore the freedoms and constraints that accompany the assemblages between e‐mountain bikes and ‘disabled’ bodies. Drawing on data from 20 online interviews, we highlight the social contexts and interactions that shape technological choices, adaptations, and outcomes within the disabled e‐mountain bike community. Our analysis reveals that, while e‐mountain bikes are stigmatised in green spaces, the enhanced level of social interaction that is afforded by the presence of such technology allows participants to de‐emphasise their perceived physical inadequacy and, instead, focus on promoting a more empowering image of the socio‐technical disabled body that is active, capable and self‐determined.

Physical activity habits and associated factors in open green spaces of young adults: A cross-sectional study.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between green space usage habits and physical activity in young adults. A cross-sectional and correlational design. The study was conducted with 455 young adults who were studying at a faculty between February and May 2023. The research data were collected face-to-face using a form prepared by the researchers in line with the literature and tested before collection. The form includes questions about green space use habits, green exercise levels, and leisure time activities in green spaces. The probability of male young adults to do physical activity in green spaces compared to women aOR: 2.4 (95% CI: 1.4-3.9, p = .001), the probability of young adults with higher family income to do physical activity in green spaces than those with low-income aOR: 5.4 (95% CI: 2.7-10.8, p < .001), the probability of young adults who do physical activity in indoor spaces to do physical activity in green spaces compared to those who do not aOR: 2.4 (95% CI: 1.5-3.6, p < .001), 500 m away from the green space aOR: 2.8 (95% CI: 1.6-4.9, p < .001) is more likely for those living farther away to engage in physical activity in green spaces than those living closer than 100 m. Young adults' gender, income, distance to green spaces, and sports activities under various conditions have an impact on physical activity in open green spaces.

Exploring purposeful outdoor physical activity and mindfulness for wellbeing: a practitioners' perspective

Mindfulness training can improve one's capacity for self-regulation, including attentional processes, behaviour, and mood control (Tang, Hölzel &amp; Posner, 2015, Nature Rev Neurosci, 16, 213-225). Green exercise has been shown to enhance both physiological and mental health measures with all populations, including adults with long-term diseases or mental health problems, benefiting from outdoor, nature-based interventions (Coventry et al., 2021, Pop Health, 16, 100934; Pretty, Peacock, Sellens &amp; Griffin, 2005, Int J Health Res, 15, 319-337). Engaging in outdoor activities and developing an affective relationship with nature is a key mechanism on the path to wellbeing benefits that go beyond the advantages of simply visiting or being in nature (Richardson &amp; McEwan, 2018, Front Psych, 9, 1500). The aim of the study is to gain insight into how purposeful outdoor physical activity can be used as a form of mindfulness and its potential impact on wellbeing from a practitioner’s perspective. 6-8 exercise professionals aged 18 and over, who have sufficient knowledge of exercise and wellbeing, for example exercise psychologists or health and wellbeing coaches will be recruited for this study. Recruitment for this study will take place by word of mouth and contact directly through a company or LinkedIn. Exercise psychologists must be BASES or BPS accredited. Data will be collected through interviews either at a location to suit the participant or remote (over Microsoft Teams) and analysed using thematic analysis. Interviews will be recorded using the voice memos app on an iPhone and then written up using the dictate function on Microsoft Word. Information collected in addition to the interview will be, participants sex and job title, including how long they have been in their position for. Interviews with each participant will include the following topic areas; discussion around their job and experiences so far within their job, outdoor physical activity and what it means to them, challenges or barriers they have observed from working with clients around physical activity, exploring their opinions on outdoor physical activity in green space, personal experiences being physically active in green space, self-development as a practitioner in the exercise psychology or health and wellbeing and any future recommendations for either other practitioners to think about when working with clients or individuals to think about when trying to include green space in their current physical activity routines.

Green2Gold: Piloting ‘Team GB Family Activity Trails’ as a green exercise project for improving wellbeing and outdoor physical activity engagement in the East Riding of Yorkshire

Systematic review evidence suggests that participation in green exercise (GE; Coventry et al., 2021, SSM-Population Health, 16, 100934) including walking (Hanson and Jones, 2015, Brit J Sports Med, 49, 710-715) can positively impact health and wellbeing. The aim of the project, titled ‘Green2Gold’, was to collaborate with The British Olympic Association to co-create ‘Team GB Family Activity Trails’, a novel GE intervention, in two locations. Signposts were installed along the walking routes containing co-designed activities linked to Olympic sports, physical activity (PA), and nature. Each signpost contained a unique QR code to provide users with additional PA and education opportunities on the project’s website. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of trail engagement on health, wellbeing, and physical activity outcomes. An a priori power analysis (G*Power 3.1) using small effect sizes suggested a sample size of at least 34 participants. With institutional ethical approval, 37 participants age 5+ were recruited to test the trails three times within a six-week period, using a within-subjects repeated-measures experimental design. Pre- and post-intervention changes in perceived health, mental wellbeing, and PA and nature engagement were collected and analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Additional post-intervention feedback on enjoyment, motivators, and barriers were collected, with frequencies and crosstabulations calculated. In-the-moment changes in perceived health, mental wellbeing, and enjoyment were measured before and after each walk and compared using two-way repeated measures ANOVAs. Analyses were conducted using JASP software (v18.1). Single-item scores for general health (P &lt; .001), measures of mental health (P = 0.006 to 0.015), and number of days engaging in nature (P = .004) improved for both adults and children. Furthermore, significant pre-to-post intervention improvements in the perceived value of exercise and being outdoors (P = 0.015 to 0.031) and the number of days walking per week (P = 0.034) were reported for adults, with children demonstrating significantly improved future PA intention (P = .043). Overall, a significant effect of ‘Time’ was present for measures of perceived physical and mental health, fitness, nature connection, and feelings of inspiration (P &lt; 0.05) when assessed from pre-to-post walk on three occasions. No significant effect for ‘Walk*Time’ was present. The study provides preliminary evidence to support ‘Activity Trails’ endorsed by a well-recognised sporting body, such as an Olympic Association, as a free, self-directed activity to elicit positive perceived health, mental wellbeing, and nature engagement outcomes at a community level, with potential scalability options to other greenspaces in the UK.

Green Exercise as an Opportunity to Promote Equity in Physical Activity Engagement Across Diverse Populations.

Green Exercise as an Opportunity to Promote Equity in Physical Activity Engagement Across Diverse Populations.

The effect of forest-environment construction on the physical activity among Chinese adults

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the construction of the National Forest City (NFC), aiming at creating a pleasant living environment beneficial for people’s health and well-being. This study aimed to estimate the effect of the NFC policy on the frequency of physical activity (PA) for people in mainland China. Using the nationally representative data from the China Family Panel Studies in 2010 and its follow-up in 2018, 17 704 participants aged 18 and older were analyzed in our study. We employed the two-way fixed estimator in the difference in difference setting to analyze the PA of the adults in the cohort with different development levels of the forest-environment construction measured by the number of NFCs, and explore the relative differences before and after the construction of NFC. Subgroup analysis of age group, gender and living areas and a series of robustness tests were further conducted. The mean age of 17 704 participants in 2010 was (45.03 ± 13.67) years old, 51.74% of which were female and 48.26% were male. DID results showed that after the construction of NFC, the frequency of PA increased by 1.35 (β = 1.35, 95% CI:0.73–1.98) per week compared to those in provinces without NFC after adjusting covariates. And the improving effect of the forest-environment construction on PA frequency was intensified in middle-aged and older adults aged 45 and above (β = 2.03, 95% CI:1.09–2.96), males (β = 1.26, 95% CI:0.39–2.12) and females (β = 1.49, 95% CI:0.58–2.40) and those living in urban areas (β = 1.29, 95% CI:0.57–2.00). Our findings showed that the forest-environment construction under the NFC strategy has a positive role in the PA of older adults, indicating the health-promoting effects of the national green low-carbon environmental strategy. Considering the heterogeneity, it is essential to promote the benefits of green exercise for young and rural adults.

Green Exercise, Blue Spaces and Active Leisure Events: The Performance of New Participants is Associated With Their Response to Event Characteristics

Active leisure events (ALEs) promoting activity among non-traditional sporting participants are an increasingly important part of health interventions and social prescribing. Identifying characteristics of ALEs that encourage engagement are key for enhancing their efficacy. Models revealed first-time participants returned to parkrun more quickly if they were male, older, performed poorly, attended a larger event with more new adult participants, a hard surface type and with woodland and freshwater on its route. Interaction terms between performance and event characteristics revealed poor performing new participants were particularly influenced by event size and less influenced by woodland and freshwater suggesting that they might find it easier to hide at large events and feel less out of place. This highlights the importance not just of identifying characteristics of ALEs that influence return rates but also identifying interaction terms with performance so the behavior of target demographics can be better understood. Organisers of ALEs might want to consider prioritizing the use of routes that maximize exposure to woodland and freshwater and consider introducing additional strategies designed to make less fit participants feel that they belong.

A GREEN ACTIVITY PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM FOR CHINESE AMERICANS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract Asian Americans account for approximately 161,000 cases of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) among adults ages 65 and older in the United States. Chinese Americans have among the highest incidences of AD/ADRD, and have experienced underdiagnosis, cultural stigmas, and less access to dementia care. In New York City specifically, 28.6% of Chinese American seniors live in poverty, leading to environmental racism, a lower likelihood of engagement in activities, decreased quality of life, and an increased risk of cognitive decline and developing dementia. Recommendations to support activity engagement among Chinese Americans include fostering social cohesion and linking individuals to local activity resources. Green activity prescriptions (GAPs) are one approach to achieving these objectives, and combine nature, social contexts, and meaningful activities to improve health and well-being. GAPs are co-designed with participants based on their interests, needs, and available community resources. Examples include: animal-assisted interventions, gardening, green exercise (walking), and conservation projects (composting). Past studies have provided evidence that these components have improved well-being for PLWD, supported function, and provided meaningful engagement. Yet, these early studies neglected Chinese Americans. GAPs have potential to support the health and well-being of Chinese American PLWD by addressing health inequalities and providing accessible, low-cost care, all while sustaining local green resources. Here we present the study design and implementation outcomes, including recruitment and engagement strategies, of a GAP intervention utilizing a community-based participatory approach aimed at supporting the health and well-being of Chinese American PLWD residing in lower-socioeconomic households within Brooklyn, NY.

Evaluating the impact of aerobic and resistance green exercises on the fitness, aerobic and intrinsic capacity of older individuals

ObjectiveOur study determined the impact of 12-week aerobic exercise (AE) and aerobic + resistance exercises (AE + RE) within the green exercise concept, on senior fitness, aerobic capacity, and intrinsic capacity (IC). MethodsThe study was a multicenter, randomized controlled study conducted at two senior living facilities with individuals aged 65 and above whose cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal conditions are suitable for moderate exercise and who have normal cognition levels. Block randomization was applied to 96 participants in a ratio of 1:1:1 to be assigned to AE, AE + RE, and control (C) groups. Intervention groups received exercise sessions led by physiotherapists within the senior living facilitiy gardens, with a frequency of once a week for 50 min, for 12 weeks. Also, they were prescribed additional exercise sessions on two additional days of the week. At the commencement of the study and 12th week, shuttle walking test, senior fitness test (SFT), intrinsic capacity assessment (with Timed Up and Go test, Mini Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, Mini Nutritional Assessment, handgrip strength test) was conducted of all participants. The primary outcome was the Z score of IC, secondary outcomes were VO2max and SFT subparameters. The study was registered in the Protocol Registry and Results System (Clinicaltrials.gov PRS) with the registration number NCT05958745. Results90 participants successfully completed the study, with 30 individuals in each of the AE, AE + RE, and C groups. By the end of the 12th week, the arm curl score was significantly higher in the AE + RE compared to the C (mean difference: 3.96, 95 % CI= 2.47 to 5.46, p = 0.01). There were significant differences in chair stand, two-minute step, 8-foot up-and-go, chair sit and reach, and back scratch tests in both AE and AE + RE compared to C. AE and AE + RE exhibited significantly higher shuttle test distances and VO2max values compared to the C (p < 0.0001). AE + RE achieved a significantly higher total IC score than the C (mean difference: 0.59, %95 CI= -0.07 to 1.26, p = 0.025). ConclusionIn this study within the green exercise concept, both AE and AE + RE led to similar improvements in strength, flexibility, mobility, endurance, and aerobic capacity. Notably, AE + RE demonstrated an additional benefit by increasing the total IC, while AE alone did not exhibit the same effect.

Association of Outdoor Physical Activity and Sports with Life Satisfaction among Women of Reproductive Age According to a European Representative Sample-A Longitudinal Analysis.

(1) Background: Low life satisfaction (LS) is associated with impaired mental and physical health. Outdoor physical activity (PA) has diverse somatic and psychological benefits. This study aimed to analyse the associations between sports settings and LS in women of reproductive age. (2) Methods: Special Eurobarometer on Sport and Physical Activity (2022, 2018, 2013) data on regularity and settings of sports/PA, LS and sociodemographic variables were analysed. The representative sample consisted of 18,489 women (34.60 ± 9.36 years). Pearson χ2 test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted, using IBM SPSS version 28.0 according to the STROBE guidelines. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. (3) There was a significant difference in LS based on sports settings (χ2 = 409.696, p < 0.001). In the outdoor group, a 21.4% higher probability of being "very satisfied" compared to the non-outdoor, 30.0% higher compared to the inactive group, was found (R2N = 0.151). Dividing the sample by age, a significant effect remained in middle adulthood (35-44 years p = 0.002 and 45-49 years p = 0.033). (4) Conclusions: Our results underline the importance of the promotion of outdoor, green exercise and the development of special interventions to maintain or improve the psychological well-being of women in reproductive age.

Barriers and Facilitators for Therapeutic Green Exercise in Patients with Chronic Conditions: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

Background: Exercise has indisputable advantages for people with chronic conditions. Engaging in physical activity within natural environments, known as green exercise, contributes to both physical and mental well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of people with chronic conditions and health professionals and the perceived facilitators and barriers to therapeutic green exercise. Methods: This was a qualitative study based on two focus groups. Ethical approval was received, and a thematic analysis was used to analyze the discussions. Results: Seven patients and eight health professionals participated in the study. The thematic analysis yielded thirteen main themes. Safety concerns and inadequate infrastructures were key barriers. Core facilitators were socialization, and multisensory exposure. Conclusions: Patients with chronic conditions and health professionals believe that green exercise improves physical activity engagement, and it would be beneficial if incorporated in the rehabilitation process. There are challenges to overcome to make therapeutic green exercise for people with chronic conditions more accessible.

Through the Eyes of She: Exploring Women’s Stewardship and Connection to Nature Using Mindfulness and Photo Elicitation in Newfoundland and Labrador Parks and Protected Areas

Urbanization contributes to a collective disconnection from nature and an increase in mental health-related illnesses. Women were the focus for this research, as they disproportionately experience anxiety, depression, phobias, and comorbidity of conditions. This qualitative study investigated the mental health benefits of practicing mindfulness in nature, and its influence on stewardship in Newfoundland and Labrador Parks and Protected areas. Feminist narrative inquiry and semi-structured interviews were used to explore ten women’s stories from parks and nature-based experiences. Drawing on the influences of attention restoration theory and mindfulness, this research used photo elicitation to explore natural features that provoked feelings of mindfulness. Barriers to participation were gender-related issues including fear, ethic of care, and financial and time constraints. Participation was facilitated by relationships, community, empowerment, and green exercise. Practicing mindfulness in natural spaces influenced feelings of deeper connection and environmental stewardship.

Green Exercise In Relation To Affinity For Nature, Resilience, And Self-efficacy

Green Exercise In Relation To Affinity For Nature, Resilience, And Self-efficacy

Predictors of successful return to parkrun for first-time adult participants in Scotland.

Physical activity is essential for promoting good health and reducing burdens on healthcare systems. parkrun organise free weekly events where participants complete a 5km route. Studies have identified characteristics of participants associated with lower levels of participation. The aim of the study was to identify predictors of the likelihood of returning to parkrun for first-time adult participants. The return rate of adult first-time participants was determined for all 5km parkrun events in Scotland over a 1-year period from February 2019. The dataset consisted of 20,191 adult participants made up of 11,459 females and 8,732 males across 58 venues. A General Linear Mixed Model was used to identify factors associated with return rate. Return rates were negatively correlated with event size and positively correlated with the proportion of first-time adult participants at the event. Age was positively correlated with return rate and males were more likely to return. New participants that finished in a relatively slow time were disproportionately less likely to return. Return rates were positively correlated with the amount of freshwater and woodland on the route. These findings provide potential opportunities to manage events to enhance their efficacy. Specific events could be promoted as first-timer days to encourage new participants to attend together. New events could be prioritised in proximity to events that currently experience high attendances to reduce attendances locally. As the presence of freshwater and woodland are associated with higher return these habitats could play a role in generating the benefits of green exercise. If so the creation of more routes running through or alongside these habitats could be beneficial. The findings are likely to be widely applicable to other mass participation events and those interesting in understanding the mechanism by which green exercise provides its benefits.

Additional Health Benefits Observed following a Nature Walk Compared to a Green Urban Walk in Healthy Females

Chronic stress and obesity are major public health concerns and represent significant risk factors for a plethora of non-communicable diseases. Physical exercise represents a valuable health intervention in both cases, providing benefits for mental and physical health, as well as appetite regulation. While the emerging field of ‘green exercise’ suggests that the presence of nature may amplify the benefits of exercise, the quality of evidence has been questioned. To address this, we recruited 22 healthy females to complete a crossover randomised trial comprising a 75 min walk in both a forest and urban area, separated by 2–7 days. Markers of mood (Profile of Mood States), stress (sympathetic-adreno-medullar [resting heart rate, blood pressure] and hypothalamic–pituitary axis activation [salivary cortisol]) and eating behaviour (energy intake and salivary ghrelin) were measured before and after each walk. While both walking interventions improved mood and reduced physiological stress, the nature intervention (but not the urban intervention) also led to further improvements in total mood disturbance, depression, confusion and esteem-related affect (F(1,21) ≥ 4.98, p ≤ 0.037). Salivary ghrelin (F(20) = 0.229, p = 0.637) and energy intake (t(20) = −0.54, p = 0.60) did not respond differently in the two environments. Overall, while walking improved mood and physiological stress in both environments, walking in a forested environment provided additional benefits for mood not seen following the urban walk.

The significance of green exercise for the health and wellbeing of Italian immigrants in Norway: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundGreen exercise (physical activity in presence of nature) has beneficial effects for health and wellbeing. Green exercise is a popular form of recreation in the Nordic countries, but participation is lower among the immigrant population from non-Western countries. However, no attention has been given to immigrants from the European Economic Area regarding this topic. Given the cultural and structural differences that surround green exercise in Italy and Norway, the case of the Italian immigrants in Norway is of interest to enrich our understanding of green exercise and its significance for health and wellbeing among immigrants in the Nordic countries.MethodsThis convergent mixed methods study investigated the pathways that link green exercise to health and wellbeing among Italian immigrants in Norway. Quantitative data were collected through an online survey (n = 321), which was oversampled to better reflect the sociodemographic profile of the reference population. Logistic regression was used to model the association of green exercise with self-rated health (SRH) or satisfaction with life (SWL) before and after controlling for selected confounders (age, gender, educational level, language proficiency, social support, and childhood experiences with green exercise). Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 14) and analysed thematically. Merging of the two strands was done using a simultaneous bidirectional approach.ResultsThe logistic regression found a significant bivariate association of green exercise with both SRH and SWL, though the association remained significant only for SWL after controlling for confounders. From the thematic analysis, three themes were identified: Green exercise opportunities contributing to overall satisfaction, Closeness to nature, and Embracing a new lifestyle. The integrated findings indicate that green exercise supported the immigrants’ wellbeing, especially by providing stress relief, though socioeconomic status and acculturation may have a major impact on general health. Familiarity, appreciation of nature benefits, social support, and acculturation were identified as facilitating factors.ConclusionsThis study provides novel insights into how green exercise supports health, wellbeing, and inclusion among immigrants to the Nordic countries and emphasizes the importance of developing culturally adapted strategies to enhance this health-promoting activity among immigrant populations.