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

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  • Andreia Teixeira

    (University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • Ronaldo Gabriel

    (Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Department of Sports Science, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • José Martinho

    (Geosciences Centre (CGeo), Department of Geology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • Graça Pinto

    (Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), Department of Sports Science, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • Luís Quaresma

    (Department of Sports Science, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • Aurélio Faria

    (Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), Department of Sport Science, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal)

  • Irene Oliveira

    (Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Department of Mathematics, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
    Center for Computational and Stochastic Mathematics, CEMAT-IST-UL, University of Lisbon, 1600-214 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Helena Moreira

    (Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), Department of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
    Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Department of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal)

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 (R 2 Adjusted ≥ 0.908).

Suggested Citation

  • Andreia Teixeira & Ronaldo Gabriel & José Martinho & Graça Pinto & Luís Quaresma & Aurélio Faria & Irene Oliveira & Helena Moreira, 2021. "Connectedness to Nature Does Not Explain the Variation in Physical Activity and Body Composition in Adults and Older People," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-20, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:22:p:11951-:d:678827
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dan Li & Haiyun Xu & Yue Kang & Koen Steemers, 2023. "Systematic Review: Landscape Characteristics Correlated with Physical Activity of the Elderly People," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-18, March.

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