Outdoor Sports Activities Research Articles

Changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Germany

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave, mobility restrictions and protective measures have impacted both public and private life. In Germany, the population was advised to stay home except for work, outdoor sport activities, and essential shopping. This study aims to evaluate how these measures affected physical activity and sedentary behavior, focusing on identifying the groups most affected. Methods In April and May 2020, we distributed a COVID-19-specific questionnaire to participants of the German National Cohort (NAKO). The questionnaire was specifically designed to assess changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior compared to pre-restriction levels, along with data on anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results Around 26 % of the 152,421 respondents reported increased sedentary time, and about 38 % reported reduced participation in sport activities compared to pre-restriction levels. Over one-third of those who previously met the WHO’s physical activity recommendation could not maintain it during the restrictions. There was also a notable decline in active transportation (M = - 0.12; 95% CI: -.126; -.117), whereas participants spent more time on recreational physical activities (M = 0.12; 95% CI: .117; .126). Based on multivariable linear and log-binomial regression models, we found that younger people were more affected by the restrictions than older adults. Factors such as transitioning to remote work, self-rated health, and depressive symptoms strongly correlated with changes in all physical activity domains, including sedentary behavior and adherence to physical activity guidelines. Conclusions The shift towards inactivity or low-intensity activities during the nationwide restrictions poses potential long-term health risks, highlighting the urgent need for public health policies to address the negative impact of COVID-19 restrictions on physical activity and sedentary behavior.

School students’ awareness on air pollution and its health effects in the Sultanate of Oman

The current study aimed to investigate the level of Omani school students’ awareness of air pollution and its health effects due to gender and grade variables. A study was conducted in four governorates in Oman, viz. Muscat, Al Dakhiliyah, north and south Al Batinah, in the 2022/2023 academic year. A closed online questionnaire was used with a total of 1,337 respondents from grades 9<sup>th</sup>, 10<sup>th</sup>,<sup> </sup>& 11<sup>th</sup>. The results of the study showed that the level of students’ awareness regarding air pollution and its health effects was moderate. Significant differences in students’ awareness of air pollution and its health effects due to gender and grade variables were obtained. Female students were more vulnerable than males to the effects of air pollution, hence they were significantly careful about air quality when doing outdoor sports activities. In contrast, male students’ awareness of the schools’ role regarding air pollution awareness and reduction actions was significantly higher than female students. Social media was a main source of access to information about air pollution. Inhaling contaminated air was the most common route of exposure to the toxic air pollutants reported by participants.

Analysis of the Peaks in the Bucegi Mountains, With Relevance for Sports Tourism Activities

Mountain peaks are geographical landmarks that arouse the interest of tourists practicing moun-tain tourism activities. Summiting a peak is an important reason, both for the views it offers over the landscape and for the personal satisfaction of reaching that point, which requires fitness and will. In addition to the recreational approach, the peaks can also be analyzed from a geo-morphometric point of view, concerning their shape, altitude, and prominence, aspects that matter in sports tourism activities. In this context, the present work aims to analyze the peaks of the Bucegi Mountains and establish their prominence. It is also aimed at the practical side of the problem, materialized through the methodological approach included in the research. Keywords: outdoor sport activities, mountain tourism, topographical prominence, key-saddle, parent-peak, sub-peak, lineage, orometric dominance, suspended syncline

Blended learning in physical education: application and motivation.

The aim of the research was to evaluate outdoor aerobic sport activities (OASA) in the physical education (PE) of university students using wearables and their potential to personalize the learning process and enhance motivation. In total, 368 university students participated. The OASA structure and the key points of application in PE were described. Descriptive statistics of the training units (n = 3,680) were processed. The students recorded their training data in the Strava app (10 sessions per semester), and the data were shared in the online sport community created on the Strava platform. Motivation was evaluated using a questionnaire. The focus was both on intrinsic motivation and extrinsic "ICT" motivation, based on Strava app features and tools. The most preferred outdoor aerobic sport activities were running (58%), cycling (13%), and walking (16%). The results provided insight into motivation and performance analysis. Students' motivation to participate in OASA was mainly in health concerns, such as staying in shape (94%), staying healthy (90%), and psychological concerns, such as having fun (88%), improving state of mind (88%), or relieving stress (83%). In achievement concerns, the motivation was a personal challenge (72%), while competing with others was ranked lowest (32%). The Strava app was a motivating tool for students to record, monitor, and analyze their individual activities and feel "connectedness" to the online sport community. 70% of students were motivated by the non-competitive character of PE, which gave them a personalized opportunity to train without being compared to others. The OASA management, with the use of blended learning methods and the Strava app, uses a motivational approach to create, support, and maintain students' healthy habits of physical activity through PE lessons. The need for students to be motivated to exercise can be confirmed in the analysis of the statistical descriptive parameters of running, cycling, and walking. There was a tendency for students to complete only the minimum required distance/time (not more). On the other hand, students enjoyed the training, and 99% of students confirmed that they would enroll again. That fact underlined the importance of motivating students with an effective learning strategy and giving support and guidance.

Machine Learning-based Risk Prediction and Safety Management for Outdoor Sports Activities

Machine Learning-based Risk Prediction and Safety Management for Outdoor Sports Activities

Effects of Different Water-Repellents and Sewing Thread Parameters on Comfort Properties of Fabrics Used for Outdoor Sports Activities

Effects of Different Water-Repellents and Sewing Thread Parameters on Comfort Properties of Fabrics Used for Outdoor Sports Activities

Interrogating the Impact of Climate Change on Multiple Outdoor Sports Activities: A Critical Review

Over the years, the multiple outdoor sport activities have relied on the natural environment for critical resources such as energy, water, and the field of play. The relationship between outdoor sports activities and the environment has been primarily examined to understand how outdoor sports activities impact on the natural environment. However, the actual and potential deleterious effects of climate change on sports are under-researched. Yet, climate change impacts individuals’ sporting choices, since changing temperatures and precipitation patterns affect the participation of outdoor sports activities. In this paper, we examined the nexus between climate change and multiple outdoor sports on individuals’ health outcomes. After evaluating more than 150 publications, the researchers retained 45 articles and analyzed them to answer the research questions: (1) what evidence is available regarding the impacts of climate change on the performance of multiple outdoor sports activities. The research question was built around three themes; (1) nexus between climate change and outdoor sports activities; (2) heat effects on athlete performance; and (3) Mitigation and adaptive measures taken to prevent the impact of climate change on athletes involved in multiple outdoor sports. This review reveals that there is evidence of climate change impacts on multiple sports activities. The paper concludes that the changing heat waves and precipitation patterns affect individual participations in outdoor sports activities, which has direct ramifications for health and wellbeing of individuals participating in sporting activities. It is therefore, recommended that policy makers should be involved in engaging athletes, local leaders and other stakeholders in combating the impacts of climate change on outdoor sports.

Evaluation of physical fitness in Indian children by EUROFIT test battery

Introduction: Physical activity is a key component in maintaining and improving health, including physical, mental, and emotional health. Fitness tests are usually assessed in laboratories or on field. Field tests, as compared to laboratory tests, are widely used for their lower costs, and less time of administration. The EUROFIT test battery is a reliable field test for assessing fitness in children. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate physical fitness through flexibility, agility, speed, balance, endurance, and strength tests using the EUROFIT test battery in children involved in sporting activities and those who are not regularly involved. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 40 kids of primary class from a school in Kolkata, attending sports classes and general studies. For the sports category, we included children who were engaged in outdoor sports, whereas nonsports group comprised kids who did not participate in regular outdoor sports activities. Anthropometric measurement and the physical fitness tests were executed in a definite order and a comparative study was done between sports and nonsports groups. Results: Students having sports backgrounds performed significantly (P < 0.05) better than nonsports in five out of nine assessed parameters of the EUROFIT Test Battery. Conclusion: The result of the study showed better results in all tested variables in sports group children than nonsports participants. Our study provides valuable fitness data for children, which has utility for health and fitness screening, profiling, monitoring, and surveillance.

INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SERIOUS LEISURE, EVENT SATISFACTION AND PERCEIVED HEALTH OUTCOMES OF RECREATION: THE OUTDOOR SPORTS EXAMPLE

The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between serious leisure, event satisfaction and perceived health outcomes from recreation for individuals interested in outdoor sports and to determine whether these parameters differed in terms of some variables. The research included 293 volunteer outdoor sports participants (mean age 29.23±8.47 years). The participants answered the Serious Leisure Inventory-Short Form (SLI-SF), Event Satisfaction Scale (ESS) and Perceived Health Outcomes in Recreation Scale (PHORS). The analysis results found that the mean points for the SLI-SF, ESS and PHORS were not significantly different according to gender (p>0.05). According to the frequency of event participation, statistically significant differences were identified for all subscales of the SLI-SF, the ESS and all other subscales of PHORS apart from the prevention of a worse condition subscale (p<0.05). Additionally, there were statistically significant correlations identified between the mean SLI-SF, ESS and PHORS scores with the number of years of involvement in outdoor sports (p<0.05). In conclusion, individuals participating more frequently in outdoor sports activities were observed to have increases in serious leisure, event satisfaction and perceived health levels. At the same time, with the increase in the number of years of involvement of participants in outdoor sports, it can be said that there are increases in serious leisure, event satisfaction and health perception levels related to realization of a psychological experience.

Impact of Climate Change in Physical Activity and Competitive Sports: Adaptive Measures and Evaluating Future Impacts in Arunachal Pradesh, India

The aim of this paper is to make a detailed study on climate change's impacts on physical activity and organized competitive sports with further attention paid to their adaptation efforts and evaluating the future impacts with special reference to Arunachal Pradesh, India. Linkages between climate and human activity cannot be ignored and it is a universal phenomenon and is certainly possible due to adaptations. These adaptations have direct linkage with physical, mental, emotional, social and overall wellbeing of human beings. Ignoring the degree of adaptation could impact the health upto severe consequences due to climate change. The relationship between sport and environment has to be examined to understand how environment and climatic parameters impacts sport in terms of training, performance and sports injuries. Arunachal Pradesh is a hub of youth potentials especially in sports. Looking at the present climatic crisis, the study aims to assess the impacts of climate change, and measures to be taken by organized competitive sport entities to adapt to the impacts. The study adopts a descriptive analysis including both qualitative and quantitative assessment by exploring secondary information. The findings of the study states that most of the outdoor sport activities especially endurance sports are strongly influenced by meteorological parameters. The effects of weather on sports are varied, performances can get reduced or improved, becomes very severe during extreme weather conditions leading to threat for life. If climate change progresses in scope and severity as predicted, no doubt physical activity and outdoor organized competitive sports is under threat. The valence of this paper lies in its conceptualization of the climate vulnerability on sport activities and its potential to inspire future research and interest in this domain. However, it is important for government, agencies, sports organizations, coaches, athletes, environmentalists, and health experts to have the tools to identify the risks and understand their vulnerabilities.

Study on Xiamen’s Spring and Winter Thermal Comfort of Outdoor Sports Space in the Residential Community

In humid subtropical areas, outdoor sports activities in winter and spring are very common. However, there is minimal research surrounding this topic, especially in terms of thermal comfort. This study explored the complex relationship between microclimate and human thermal comfort during various types of outdoor sports activities through a series of outdoor thermal experiments and analysis. The results indicated that (1) in winter and spring, the WBGT comfort threshold for outdoor sports space was 14.6–21.7 °C; (2) the WBGT comfort ranges when doing low-, moderate- and high-intensity physical activities were 13.7–26.2 °C, 14.5–24.0 °C, and 16.0–22.0 °C; (3) air temperature (Ta), G (global radiation) and relative humidity (RH) were the main thermal comfort influencing factors, which varied from the intensities of physical activities; (4) in winter, it was more comfortable to be slightly warm, while in spring, it was more comfortable to be neutral; (5) the ground materials, sunshine and vegetation coverage of outdoor sports space had a significant impact on adjusting Ta; (6) in addition to thermal comfort, factors such as time, weather, variety and quantity of outdoor sports spaces and facilities, high visual comfort, good accessibility, strong safety, regular maintenance of the space and facilities and the sharing level of outdoor sports spaces all had a major impact on outdoor sports activities; (7) semi-outdoor spaces with roofs should be considered next to outdoor sports spaces.

The Impact of Outdoor Sports Industry of COVID-19 in Changsha on Supply and Demand

The outdoor sports industry plays an essential leading role in developing the sports industry. Based on the essential characteristics and current development status of the outdoor sports industry in Changsha, the impact of COVID-19 on the demand and supply of the outdoor sports industry was studied. It is concluded that the demand side of the outdoor sports industry is affected by weather factors, high risks, competitive products generated by the progress of new technologies, epidemic prevention policies and related policies supporting outdoor sports development, and the transformation of people's pursuit of nature. On the supply side, it is mainly affected by the workforce shortage and innovative talents, limited site development, inadequate material supply, weakened entrepreneurial enthusiasm, and government policy support for entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises. In the face of hazards and opportunities, we should focus on improving the management and service level of outdoor sports enterprises, giving play to the function and role of sports social organizations, scientifically deploying major outdoor sports activities and event preparation, and enterprises to carry out self-rescue, and strengthening the long-term tracking research on the development of outdoor sports enterprises after the epidemic.

Variation in leisure sport conflicts and coping strategies depending on participation type and proximity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New conflict types have arisen in leisure sports activities due to social regulations designed to address COVID-19. We analyze the differences in conflict-inducing factors and coping strategies across various types of leisure sports and levels of spatial proximity. Korean adults aged between 20 and 60 years, who had participated in leisure sports activities since the COVID-19 outbreak in January 2020, were surveyed, and 508 responses were collected for analysis. The differences in leisure sports conflicts and coping strategies across the types of leisure sports participation and spatial proximity were tested. The results show that conflict due to prejudice was higher in typical indoor sports activities, such as Pilates, yoga, and gym workouts, whereas conflict due to competition or not observing etiquette was higher in indoor golf. Second, conflict due to prior expectations and prejudice was high in outdoor sports activities, such as jogging and hiking. Finally, all participants showed avoidance behavior, but it was observed more frequently in outdoor sports than indoor sports. The study reveals how much leisure conflict is induced by various types of leisure sports participation, particularly during outdoor activities, which usually feature a relatively low density of participants. It underscores the necessity of developing structural approaches to resolving leisure conflicts in dangerous spaces or requiring intensive management and creating new leisure sports activities.

The impact of the Covid19 pandemic on social and regional differences in the sports behaviour of the Swiss population

The Covid19 pandemic and the accompanying measures between March 2020 and March 2022 had a strong impact on the sport system. The various restrictions on sports activities affected not only school sports, but also clubs and fitness centres, as well as competitive sports in general. At the same time, a considerable increase in unorganised outdoor sports activities and a shift in sport preferences could be observed.
 In order to assess and quantify the short- to medium-term changes in the sporting behaviour of the Swiss population due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the Federal Office of Sport commissioned a representative population survey. For this purpose, 2,130 people aged 15 and over were surveyed in the summer of 2022 in the three national languages German, French and Italian by means of an online questionnaire. To facilitate comparisons over time, the survey was based on the survey instrument of the "Sport Switzerland" studies (cf. Lamprecht et al., 2020), with additional questions on the assessment and management of the Covid19 pandemic.
 For the present paper, on the one hand, results on the changes in sports behaviour during the Covid19 pandemic will be presented and it will be shown how these changes affected sports activity in the different settings in the medium term. On the other hand, the consequences of these changes on social and regional differences in sports behaviour (cf. Lamprecht & Nagel, 2022) will be examined. Did the Covid19 pandemic and the accompanying measures in the field of sport tend to increase or rather level out the differences according to age, gender, social status and place of residence? Did the pandemic lead to a situation in which population groups who were only sparingly and irregularly active in sport were increasingly discouraged from taking part in sport, while those who were more active in sport found it easier to switch to other types of sport and settings? With regard to the regions, it will be investigated whether a connection can be found between compliance with the Corona measures and the changes in sports behaviour.
 Finally, the question will be raised as to how lasting the measured changes and shifts are likely to be and how an increase in social inequality in the field of sport could be countered. 
 References
 Lamprecht, M., & Nagel, S. (2022). Sportsoziologie: Einführung. Nomos.
 Lamprecht, M., Bürgi, R., & Stamm, H. (2020). Sport Schweiz 2020: Sportaktivität und Sportinteresse der Schweizer Bevölkerung. Bundesamt für Sport BASPO.

Sports and the Pandemic: The Impact of COVID-19 on Active Living and Life Satisfaction of Climbers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes in every aspect of our lives. Because of the measures imposed, people were only allowed to leave their homes for certain purposes, and all types of cultural and sports events were canceled. Climbers were greatly affected by these limited options for regular physical activity outside of the home environment. Little is known about the crisis' effects on the climbing community in German-speaking regions. Thus, we surveyed 1028 German-speaking climbers (mean age 34.6 years, SD 10.4; 50.4% females) from December 2020 to February 2021. A cross-sectional online survey collected data on climbing frequency and preferences as well as levels of life satisfaction, using the standardized Short Life Satisfaction Questionnaire for Lockdowns (SLSQL) before and during the crisis. Results showed that due to the pandemic, study subjects climbed less frequently, preferred outdoor locations to climb, and showed decreased life satisfaction scores (21%, (d = 0.87, p < 0.001). In conclusion, these findings highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on climbing sports activities and life satisfaction in this study sample. To preserve physical and mental health, indoor and outdoor sport activities should be continued as much as possible with reasonable hygiene concepts in place.

Changes in physical activity trends and the health status in south Korean adult males before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study aims to investigate changes in physical activity and health trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea using data from the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Korea National Sports Participation Survey (KNSPS). A total of 15,656 adult males (5487 people in 2019, 4791 people in 2020, and 5378 people in 2021) were selected for this research. Descriptive statistical analysis, chi-square test, and one-way analysis of variance were performed. In this study, we revealed changes in sports activities, participation levels, health and fitness status perception, and health and fitness maintenance factors of Korean adults before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the participation rate in outdoor sports activities, such as walking, gate ball, golf, and fishing has increased compared to before the COVID-19 outbreak. On the other hand, the participation rate of indoor sports activities, such as bodybuilding, swimming, yoga, and Pilates showed a decreasing trend. Participation period, frequency, and intensity, which evaluate the level of sports participation, also showed significant differences during COVID-19, but as the sports participation levels have not changed regularly, it cannot be attributed to COVID-19. Finally, health and fitness status perception were found to be worse after the COVID-19 outbreak than before. In addition, the rate of considering regular physical activity participation as a factor to maintain health and fitness after the COVID-19 outbreak increased. The results of this study can be used as basic data to recognize the impact of the pandemic on our lives and promote healthy and regular physical activity in preparation for any pandemic that may occur in the future.

Inventory of Geological Records in the Carmo Natural Park, São Paulo, Brazil: An Incentive for Geoconservation

With an area of 2,339 km2, the Carmo Natural Park is located in the eastern part of the São Paulo metropolitan region and offers a range of basic services for visitors to enjoy a variety of cultural attractions and outdoor sports activities. From a conservation perspective, the geological units and structures that have been cataloged also have high educational potential. These records reveal tectonic events and/or metamorphic processes that occurred hundreds of millions of years ago and can be used for a variety of academic proposals and different groups of people to develop new cognitive skills and understand the geological processes that have shaped the landscape of the Earth’s surface. A clear understanding of the mechanisms by which geological features were formed will help the general population find effective solutions to the challenges posed by different geological processes that directly affect daily lives. In light of what has been mentioned, and given that the selected geosites bring together lithological units that provide ideal conditions to illustrate and explain a set of geological processes that have occurred at different scales and magnitudes, the integration of these data with other areas of knowledge, in particular with those of land use planning, should allow the implementation of programs to minimize geological risks, environmental protection, and rational use of non-renewable natural resource.

Behavioral factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection

ObjectiveTo study the association between behavioural factors and incidence rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection.DesignCase–control web-based questionnaire study.SettingQuestionnaire data were collected in the Capital Region of Denmark in December 2020 when limited...

Protocol for a prospective quasi-experimental study on SARS-CoV-2 transmission during outdoor sports events in France: the COVID-ESO project

IntroductionThe spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in the community remains a major concern despite the application of control measures including the banning of mass sporting events. The circulation of...

Where does environmental sustainability fit in the changing landscapes of outdoor sports? An analysis of logics of practice in artificial sport landscapes

ABSTRACT Environmental sustainability in sport is an increasingly important issue. In this paper, we want to highlight a specific phenomenon, namely artificially constructed landscapes and the outdoor sport activities that take place therein. More specifically, we are interested in the logics that govern peoples’ practice of sport in such artificial landscapes and what challenges with regards to environmental sustainability that follow from these logics. The purpose of this paper is to identify what individual athletes perceive as meaningful logics when practicing sport in artificial landscapes and to analyse and discuss potential environmental consequences of these logics. The sports we focus on are cross-country skiing and canoe slalom, two sports that historically have been dependent on specific geographies and contexts. We build on two research questions: What logics of practice govern individual athletes’ practice of sport in artificial landscapes? And what environmental challenges are potential consequences of the logics that are expressed by the athletes? Our findings indicate that the logic of performance is dominant for the sport practitioners who train in artificial landscapes, at the expense of perspectives such as nature experience and environmental sustainability. If performance is key, then the role of the training landscape is also first and foremost to present the best possible conditions for performance. But if the athlete/exerciser see their training as a means of experiencing nature, then other values than performance and comparability can become more important. When the environmental impact of individual athletes and of the artificial landscapes in which they do their training come under increased scrutiny, the role of logics of practice in the sport and movement culture needs further attention. Being aware of nature and the environment is also a logic that could be found meaningful in the process of making sports more sustainable.