Search Results (780)

The notion of the usual environment is a key factor in distinguishing tourism activities from a demand-side perspective, yet applying it in practice presents persistent difficulties when estimating tourism’s physical and monetary scale. These challenges are particularly pronounced in nautical tourism, and especially in the case of domestic same-day boat trips. Focusing on Croatia, a country where yachting makes up a substantial share of overall tourism flows, this study examines criteria for classifying domestic nautical same-day trips from the demand perspective. Qualitative research on the population of residents who are recreational boat owners was conducted. The aim of the research was to assess residents’ perception of the usual environment when on a same-day boat trip from the criteria of trip frequency, distance, motives, and activities. Seventeen in-depth interviews were conducted, providing insight into subjective and objective determinants of trip classification. Although the analysis revealed a blurred understanding of the distinction between boating as a lifestyle and as a tourism activity, the results indicate that official statistics likely underestimate the number of recreational same-day boat trips. This finding underscores the need for more precise measurement of total physical flows in nautical tourism as a prerequisite for effective sustainability assessment and informed management policies. Full article

Obesity has emerged as one of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century, with its prevalence increasing at an alarming rate globally. While individual factors such as diet and physical inactivity are well-known contributors, the built environment, particularly housing, plays a critical yet understudied role in shaping obesity-related behaviors. This study examines the multilayered relationship between housing and obesity, focusing on built and neighborhood environment, affordability, and the social environment. Poor housing quality, such as overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, can potentially lead to chronic stress and sedentary behaviors, while housing design influences physical activity through characteristics such as design features and outdoor spaces. Housing location affects access to amenities such as parks and healthy food options, with disparities in access contributing to obesity in low-income areas. Similarly, neighborhood walkability, influenced by infrastructure and land use, encourages active transportation and recreation. Housing affordability also impacts dietary choices and access to recreational facilities, particularly for low-income families. Moreover, the social environment within housing communities can foster or hinder healthy behaviors through social networks and community engagement. This study emphasizes the need for health-conscious urban planning and policies that address these housing-related factors to combat obesity and promote healthier lifestyles. By integrating these Obesity–Housing Nexus, policymakers can create environments that support physical activity, healthy eating, as well as overall health and well-being. Full article

The proximity of urban green spaces to residential areas has become a central principle in contemporary urban planning, with cities worldwide adopting “15-minute city” concepts that prioritize walking-distance access to parks. This study examined whether proximity to different types of parks influences park visitation, physical activity, and mental well-being in Bangkok, Thailand, where the government recently launched a 15-minute parks policy initiative to improve the proximity of urban residents to green spaces. Using a cross-sectional survey of 615 residents across Bangkok’s 50 districts, we measured proximity to six park types using GIS network analysis and assessed health outcomes through validated instruments (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, GPAQ for physical activity GPAQ for physical activity, and WHO-5 for well-being). Our findings revealed that only proximity to community parks (5–20 ha) was significantly associated with park visitation, sufficient physical activity, and good well-being. Proximity to smaller parks, including the new 15-minute parks, pocket parks, and neighborhood parks, showed no significant associations with any health outcomes, despite being within walking distance. These results suggest a critical size threshold below which parks cannot generate health and well-being benefits in Bangkok’s environment. The findings challenge the argument commonly used in proximity-based green space policies that assume closer parks automatically improve park visitation and public health benefits, indicating that cities facing similar constraints should balance between providing small park networks and securing larger, functional parks to support meaningful recreational use or health improvements. Full article

Adolescents’ physical activity patterns appear to be changing, with indications of a shift from nature-based activities toward more structured, indoor forms of exercise. However, it remains unclear how participation in outdoor recreation and fitness center use has developed in parallel over time, and whether these trends vary by degree of urbanization. The aim of the present study was to examine the trends in adolescents’ engagement in outdoor recreation and use of fitness centers across Norwegian municipalities between 2010 and 2019 and to assess how these patterns relate to individual and contextual factors. Repeated cross-sectional data were drawn from the Ungdata survey (N = 67,554), and multilevel linear models were applied to estimate time trends and test interactions with municipal population density. Analyses were adjusted for depressive symptoms, gender, school grade, and vegetation density (NDVI). The results indicated a significant decline in outdoor recreation during the period, particularly in more urban municipalities, alongside a marked increase in fitness center use. The two activity types were positively associated but not mutually exclusive. The findings point to a broader shift in adolescent activity preferences that may reflect changing environmental and sociocultural conditions. These patterns underline the need for public health approaches that recognize diverse forms of youth engagement in physical activity. Full article

Sport climbing has evolved into a demanding discipline where lower limb performance is increasingly relevant, particularly in indoor bouldering. This exploratory study aimed to identify trends in strength and flexibility variables of the lower limbs in 24 recreational climbers (17 males, seven females), classified by sex and climbing level. Male climbers showed significantly greater performance in all measures of strength and power, including vertical and horizontal jumps, pull-ups, and handgrip strength. In contrast, female climbers demonstrated superior lower-limb flexibility and hip mobility, with significant differences observed when normalized to height. They also showed slightly better ankle dorsiflexion, although this difference was not statistically significant. Climbing level (mean: 6c+) correlated significantly with pull-ups (r = 0.598, p = 0.002), relative grip strength (r = 0.440, p = 0.032), and fat mass (r = −0.415, p = 0.043). Despite the lack of association between lower-limb performance and climbing grade, unilateral tests such as the Hop Test and hip mobility assessments may hold value for injury prevention and movement control. These findings highlight that lower-limb training, particularly strength, unilateral control, and flexibility, should not be excluded from physical preparation in climbing. Preventive strategies focusing on joint stability are especially recommended for female climbers due to their higher joint laxity and increased ACL injury risk. Future research should incorporate climbing-specific assessments and explore these variables in other climber profiles, such as elite, youth, or injured athletes. Full article

In recent years, radiology has become a key factor in sports clinical decision-making, primarily due to two parallel trends: the need for timely imaging in elite sports and the increase in recreational and weekend exercise-related injuries among individuals who adopt a healthy lifestyle, often in outdoor settings and without structured physical preparation [...] Full article

Urban forests, as a form of green infrastructure, play a vital role in enhancing urban resilience, environmental health, and quality of life. However, users perceive and utilize these spaces in diverse ways. This study aims to identify latent perception types among urban forest visitors and analyze their behavioral, demographic, and policy-related characteristics in Incheon Metropolitan City (Republic of Korea). Using latent class analysis, four distinct visitor types were identified: multipurpose recreationists, balanced relaxation seekers, casual forest users, and passive forest visitors. Multipurpose recreationists preferred active physical use and sports facilities, while balanced relaxation seekers emphasized emotional well-being and cultural experiences. Casual users engaged lightly with forest settings, and passive forest visitors exhibited minimal recreational interest. Satisfaction with forest elements such as vegetation, facilities, and management conditions varied across visitor types and age groups, especially among older adults. These findings highlight the need for perception-based green infrastructure planning. Policy recommendations include expanding accessible neighborhood green spaces for aging populations, promoting community-oriented events, and offering participatory forest programs for youth engagement. By integrating user segmentation into urban forest planning and governance, this study contributes to more inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable management of urban green infrastructure. Full article

This study investigates the concept of landscape services (LS), which integrate environmental and sociocultural dimensions of sustainable development. Recognizing landscapes as essential to daily life and well-being, the research aims to support sustainable spatial planning by analyzing both their potential and their actual use. The study has three main objectives: (1) to assess the potential of 16 selected landscape types to provide six key LS through expert evaluation; (2) to determine actual LS usage patterns among the local community (residents); and (3) to identify agreements and discrepancies between expert assessments and resident use. The services analyzed include providing space for daily activities; regulating spatial structure through diversity and compositional richness; enhancing physical and mental health; enabling passive and active recreation; supporting personal fulfillment; and fostering social interaction. Expert-based surveys and participatory mapping with residents were used to assess the provision and use of LS. The results indicate consistent evaluations for forest and historical urban landscapes (high potential and use) and mining and transportation landscapes (low potential and use). However, significant differences emerged for mountain LS, rated highly by experts but used minimally by residents. These insights highlight the importance of aligning expert planning with community needs to promote sustainable land use policies and reduce spatial conflicts. Full article

The rapidly changing dynamics of the digital age reshape the addiction relationship that high school students establish with technology. While smartphones remove boundaries in terms of communication and access to information, their usage triggers a source of anxiety and nomophobia. The increase in students’ anxiety levels because of their over-reliance on mobile phone use leads to significant behavioral changes in their mental health, academic performance, social interactions and financial dependency. This study examined the nomophobia levels of high school students according to selected socio-demographic indicators. Using the relational screening model, the multistage sampling technique was used to select a sample of 884 participants: 388 from Science High School and 496 from Anatolian High School (459 female, 425 male, Mage = 16.45 ± 1.14 year). Independent sample test and One-way ANOVA were applied. Depending on the homogeneity assumption of the data, Welch values were considered, and Tukey tests were applied as a second-level test from post hoc analyses. Comprehensive analyses of nomophobia levels revealed that young individuals’ attitudes towards digital technology differ significantly according to their demographic and behavioral characteristics. Variables such as gender, physical activity participation, grade level and duration of smartphone use are among the main factors affecting nomophobia levels. Female individuals and students who do not participate in physical activity exhibit higher nomophobia scores. Full article

Racket sports are very popular not only in professional sports but also among recreational players. As a result, their impact on the field of education has grown significantly in recent years. Table tennis (TT) offers significant advantages in terms of skill acquisition and health improvement. Nevertheless, its application within physical education (PE) curricula remains undetermined. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the use of TT as educational content in the subject of PE in primary school. The PRISMA 2020 methodology was used to conduct the systematic review. Six databases (ERIC, Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Sport Discus, and Web of Science) were used during the search process. The search cutoff date was December 31, 2024. After applying the eligibility criteria, 3595 articles were found. Only seven studies were selected for the final analysis and the data included 1526 students from primary school. The results indicate that TT is rarely used in primary education during PE classes. Research indicates interest among teachers and students in playing it during PE. Furthermore, due to the benefits, motivation, and interest this sport generates, educational experiences have been developed, such as roundtable discussions, table top tennis, balloon TT, and TT triathlon. A lack of materials, facilities, and teacher training for teaching this sport is notable. The teaching experiences analyzed in this review confirm that TT is a highly versatile and interesting sport as a subject matter in school PE. The use of TT allows for innovative, comprehensive, and inclusive PE, thanks to the sport’s multiple possibilities. Given its adaptability and low entry barrier, TT could serve as an effective tool for increasing children’s physical activity levels, improving motor skills, and fostering social–emotional development. However further research is needed to quantify its impact on health outcomes such as cardiovascular fitness or obesity prevention. Full article

Physical challenges such as illness, injury, and disability significantly alter women’s relationships with their bodies, disrupting established notions of functionality and self-worth. This study re-examines the Holistic Model of Positive Body Image and Outdoor Physical Activity through secondary analysis focusing on women with illness, injury, and disability. From the original sample of N = 553 female participants, open-ended survey responses were identified from n = 84 participants (15.2%) who self-disclosed as having illness, injury, or disability to examine how outdoor settings facilitate positive body image. Through reflexive thematic analysis, the study revealed three key mechanisms: (1) personalized redefinition of functionality transcending standardized metrics, (2) therapeutic engagement with natural environments fostering embodied acceptance, and (3) cyclical reinforcement between physical capability and psychological wellbeing. The findings confirm the model’s utility while indicating necessary adaptations to address the fluctuating nature of body functionality. The adapted model emphasizes how outdoor recreational activities create contexts for reimagining body-self relationships across the spectrum of physical experiences—from temporary recovery to ongoing adaptation of persistent conditions—with implications for rehabilitation professionals, outdoor educators, and healthcare providers. Full article

This study provides user-centered insights into how inclusive forest design can support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of older adults. It operationalizes universal design principles in natural settings and confirms their relevance through empirical evidence. With the acceleration of global population aging, adapting forest recreation environments to meet the specific needs of older adults is increasingly urgent. This study investigates how infrastructure influences both participation and emotional well-being among older visitors to forest recreation areas. Data were collected from 446 participants aged 65 and older, using a structured survey distributed through in-person contact and digital snowball sampling. Participants reported their infrastructure preferences and their emotional responses related to forest visits. The findings show that older adults highly value site cleanliness, shaded seating, accessible restrooms, and clear signage. Expectations varied significantly according to health status, age group, and visitation frequency. Emotional well-being was positively associated with both comfort and visit frequency. These results demonstrate how inclusive infrastructure plays a vital role in supporting older adults’ access to and enjoyment of forest environments. The study affirms that universally designed forests not only reduce barriers but also promote psychological health and active aging, contributing to developing more equitable and sustainable nature-based recreation areas. Full article

In high-density and land-scarce urban environments such as Taipei—a typical example of compact development in East Asia—informal green spaces (IGSs)—defined as unmanaged or unplanned vegetated urban areas such as vacant lots, street verges, and railway margins—play a growing role in urban environmental and social dynamics. This study explores residents’ perceptions of IGSs and examines how these spaces contribute to urban sustainability and land governance. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines the literature review, field observations, and a structured public opinion survey in Taipei’s Wenshan District, the study identifies key perceived benefits and drawbacks of IGSs. Findings show that residents highly value IGSs for enhancing urban greenery, offering recreational opportunities, and promoting physical and mental health. However, concerns persist regarding safety, sanitation, and maintenance—particularly fears of waste accumulation, mosquito breeding, and risks to children. The results highlight the dual nature of IGSs as both vital ecological assets and potential sources of urban disorder. These insights underscore the need for inclusive, community-based governance models that can transform IGSs into legitimate components of green infrastructure. The study contributes to emerging discussions on adaptive urban land governance by proposing that informal spaces be strategically integrated into urban planning frameworks to enhance environmental equity, resilience, and citizen well-being. Full article

The increasing use of Global Positioning System (GPS) tools reshapes nature-based recreational practices. While previous research has examined the role of GPS technologies in outdoor recreation, limited attention has been given to the specific factors driving GPS use in nature-based settings such as natural parks. This case study examines the sociodemographic, behavioural, motivational and experiential factors influencing GPS use among visitors to the Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser Natural Park (Catalonia, Spain). A structured visitor survey (n = 999) was conducted over a one-year period and a hierarchical binary logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the explanatory contribution of four sequential variable blocks. The results showed that the behavioural factors (i.e., physical activity intensity) emerged as the strongest predictor of GPS use. Additionally, the final model demonstrated that visitors who were younger, engaged in higher-intensity physical activities, motivated by health-related goals, undertook longer routes, and reported more positive experiences were significantly more likely to use GPS tools during their visit. These findings highlight the need to adapt communication strategies to diverse visitor profiles and leverage volunteered geographic information (VGI) for improved visitor monitoring, flow management, and adaptive conservation planning. Full article

While the interest and participation in general endurance training and recreational sports competitions have continuously increased in recent decades, the number of recreational master-level endurance athletes has additionally multiplied. Athletes, active men and women older than 40 years of age, who participate in competitive athletics are usually referred to by the term master athletes (MAs). Previous research revealed the significant benefits of regular moderate physical activity, i.e., its positive influence on cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular health; however, recent data have raised concerns that long-term endurance exercise participation is associated with cardiac remodeling and potential adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Previous research also indicated potential structural, functional, and electrical remodeling in MAs due to prolonged and repeated exposure to high-intensity endurance exercise—a condition known as athlete’s heart. In this review, we focus on the association between extreme levels of endurance exercise and potential cardiovascular controversies, such as arrhythmogenesis due to new-onset atrial fibrillation, accelerated coronary artery atherosclerosis, and exercise-induced cardiac remodeling. Additionally, the exercise-dependent modulation of immunological response, such as proteomic response and cytokine alterations, is discussed. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of nutritional supplements in MAs and their potential benefits and harmful interactions. We aim to provide sports medicine practitioners with knowledge of these contemporary longevity controversies in sports cardiology and to highlight the importance of shared decision making in situations of clinical uncertainty. Full article