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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Health, Well-Being and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 44587

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jaroslaw Cholewa

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Guest Editor

Department of Health-Related Physical Activity and Tourism, Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
Interests: physical activity; Parkinson's disease; recreational training; tourism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Ivan Uher

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Guest Editor

Department of Physical Education and Sport, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Kosice Šrobárov 2, 041 80 Kosice, Slovak
Interests: healthy lifestyle; aging; quality of life

Dr. Jacek Wąsik

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Guest Editor

Department of Kinesiology and Health Prevention Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, Armii Krajowej 13/15, 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland
Interests: martial arts; biomechanics; healthy lifestyle; quality of life

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity is a significant aspect of a modern human’s lifestyle. It meets biological, social, and psychological needs and influences quality of life. Studies clearly indicate an increased interest in participating in recreational activities combining physical effort with providing a pleasant experience, adventures, and emotions. In addition, this phenomenon is followed by an increase in health and environmental awareness, which boosts the demand for activities practiced in places with a beautiful landscape, with a healthy climate, in a safe place, and far away from the nuisances of the environment. Physical activity performed in the natural environment may involve a potential risk to local biodiversity and microclimates. Therefore, environmental sustainability issues are important on many different stages, both in terms of the extent of impact (local, regional, national, global) and in terms of engagement (participants, the audience and organizers).

The aim of this Special Edition is to develop knowledge and an understanding of the dependence between the environment and external forms of physical activity. We encourage you to write articles in the fields of social science, humanities, natural science, as well as medical science. We will be pleased to receive documents that address all issues related to environmental sustainability and sport, and physical activity in the open air.

Potential issues may include:

Outdoor physical activity;
Sports vs. environment;
Effects of pollution and climate change on physical activity;
Effects of physical activity on the natural environment;
Environmental sustainability, research methods used in the field of sport and physical activity;
Knowledge of nature, of the environment and sustainability, and their interactions with sport and active lifestyles;
Interdisciplinary perspectives on environmental research and sustainability in terms of sport and physical activity.

Dr. Jaroslaw Cholewa
Dr. Ivan Uher
Dr. Jacek Wąsik
Guest Editors

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Keywords

outdoor physical activity
environment
sustainability
active lifestyle

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing Physical Activity and Exercise in Older Adults during COVID-19 in South Korea

by Kyunghwan Jung and Younglae Choi

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7482; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097482 - 2 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3090

Abstract

Physical activity and exercise participation among older adults have decreased dramatically because of the physical distancing measures implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, even in the face of unforeseen environmental changes, physical activity and exercise for older adults must be sustainable. This study aimed to identify the influencing physical activity and exercise participation among older adults in 2020 when varying levels of quarantine were in place as a protective measure against the COVID-19 pandemic to build a foundation for sustainable older adult health strategies. We utilized a large-scale dataset from the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans conducted in 2020. Twenty survey questions were used as predictors, and logistic regression and decision tree analyses were utilized to identify influencing factors. Through a logistic regression analysis, 16 factors influencing exercise participation were identified. Additionally, through a decision tree analysis, 7 factors that influence exercise participation and 8 rules were derived through a combination of these factors. According to the results of this study, the use of ICT technologies, such as ‘smartphone or tablet PC’, can be a useful tool to maintain or promote physical activity and exercise by older adults in a situation like the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, physical activity and exercise intervention strategies should be developed with comprehensive consideration of the influencing factors to ensure that physical activity and exercise among older adults can be sustained uninterrupted in the face of unforeseen circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles)

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12 pages, 1312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ruler Drop Method in Virtual Reality as an Accurate and Reliable Tool for Evaluation of Reaction Time of Mixed Martial Artists

by Alan Langer, Jacek Polechoński, Piotr Polechoński and Jarosław Cholewa

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010648 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4802

Abstract

Reaction time (RT) is one of the key factors in combat sports. Its high level is a predictor of sporting success. Therefore, RT tests are an important diagnostic tool in combat sports. The implementation of some conventional psychomotor tests in virtual settings can facilitate research and improve the objectivity and standardization of the measurement procedure. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of RT measurements, using the ruler drop method (RDM) implemented within immersive virtual reality (VR). Twenty-eight professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters were examined. The validity of the new VR measurement method was estimated by comparing the results obtained using the computer test and the conventional catch-the-ruler test. The reliability of the measurements was evaluated using an intraclass correlation procedure. Analysis of variance was used to examine the differences in RT in MMA fighters obtained from different tests. Significant correlations were found between the results of measurements in VR and the results of other tests, with the highest values observed between the tests performed in a virtual environment and computer-based tests. The values of the ICC intraclass correlation coefficients for all the reaction time tests conducted in the group of MMA fighters were at an adequate or high level. The analysis of variance showed that the reaction time of MMA fighters differed significantly between the tests. In VR and computer-based tests, reaction times were significantly longer than during conventional RDM measurements. RT did not depend on the hand used during the test. In conclusion, the VR environment allows for designing and conducting valid reaction time tests reliably and objectively, using standard testing procedures, while reducing the effect of human factors on the measurement results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles)

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12 pages, 797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accessibility of Inclusive Sports Facilities for Training and Competition in Indonesia and Malaysia

by Mustika Fitri, Nor Eeza Zainal Abidin, Novrizal Achmad Novan, Isti Kumalasari, Fahmil Haris, Boyke Mulyana, Selina Khoo and Naziaty Yaacob

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14083; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114083 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 9497

Abstract

Although the right to participate in sports is recognized in international conventions, accessibility to sports facilities has been cited as barriers to participation. Managers of sports facilities must know the standards that refer to the rules and accessibility to meet the needs of persons with disabilities to participate in sports and to attend sporting events. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the accessibility of sports facilities for training and competition in Indonesia and Malaysia. This study used a qualitative method through focus group discussions. Fifteen focus group discussions were conducted with 90 athletes from eight sports (boccia, goalball, basketball, badminton, ping-pong, swimming, powerlifting and blind football) who trained and competed in inclusive sports facilities. There were five major themes that we identified: access to training facilities, access inside training facilities, access during matches and athletes’ expectations of training and competition facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles)

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11 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Park Visitation and Physical Activity among Adults in Bangkok, Thailand

by Sigit D. Arifwidodo, Orana Chandrasiri, Niramon Rasri, Wipada Sirawarong, Panitat Rattanawichit and Natsiporn Sangyuan

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12938; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912938 - 10 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2229

Abstract

Visiting parks regularly can provide multiple health benefits, including increased physical activity levels. However, empirical evidence connecting park visitation and physical activity in urban settings in Southeast Asia remains scarce. This study explores the association between park visitation and physical activity among adults. A cross-sectional study using a survey questionnaire of 585 respondents in Bangkok, Thailand was conducted. Two binomial logistic regressions (odds ratio = ORs, 95% confidence interval = CI) with park visitation and physical activity level as the dependent variables were employed. We found that park visitation was influenced by individual and neighborhood environment correlates. People with a healthy lifestyle and who lived near parks were more likely to visit parks. We also found that park visitation was a strong predictor of physical activity. People who visited parks were almost four times more likely to meet the 2020 WHO global recommendation for physical activity of 150 min of medium and vigorous physical activity per week. The findings suggested that parks and green spaces are important settings for physical activity. The results of this study can inform policymakers on how to plan and design active environments that are conducive to physical activity and health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles)

12 pages, 801 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gait Speed as a Biomarker of Cognitive Vulnerability: A Population-Based Study with Cognitively Normal Older Adults

by Marcelo de Maio Nascimento, Élvio Rúbio Gouveia, Adilson Marques, Bruna R. Gouveia, Priscila Marconcin and Andreas Ihle

Sustainability 2022, 14(12), 7348; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127348 - 15 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1916

Abstract

We aimed to examine associations between cognitive vulnerability and gait speed (GS) in a large older sample. A cross-sectional study analyzed data from the “Health, Lifestyle and Fitness in Adults and Seniors in Amazonas” (SEVAAI) project. In total, 697 participants were included (mean age 70.35 ± 6.86 years). Usual and fast GS were evaluated, and cognitive performance was examined by the COGTEL test battery. There was a positive and large correlation between cognition (COGTEL score) and usual GS (r = 0.510; p < 0.001) and fast GS (r = 0.503; p < 0.001). The usual GS, as a continuous variable, indicated a chance of improved cognitive performance by up to 55%, and fast GS by up to 82%. After controlling for potential confounders (i.e., sex, age, MMSE and years of education), usual and fast GS indicated a chance of improving cognition, respectively, in 57% and 85%. Analysis of GS in quartiles (Q) showed high and significant associations between usual and fast GS and cognitive vulnerability. GS classified as Q1 (slower), Q2 and Q3 represented a greater chance of presenting cognitive deficits, respectively, than in participants with both GS classified as Q4 (highest). Cognitive vulnerability was associated with low GS. Usual and fast GS can be used as complementary measures for the evaluation of cognitively normal Brazilian older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles)

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14 pages, 691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Marketing in Promoting Sustainable Healthy Lifestyle among Student Population

by Nikola Milicevic, Ines Djokic, Nenad Djokic and Aleksandar Grubor

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1874; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031874 - 7 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3144

Abstract

Although there are some differences in healthy lifestyle measurement, physical activity is an indispensable factor within that construct. By increasing the level of physical activity of the population, the contribution to social sustainability is provided. Social marketing can be considered as a manner to promote behavior change (including increase in physical activity level). It uses commercial marketing tools in delivering social goods. In that context can be explained previous uses of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in social marketing researches aiming at increasing the level of physical activity of the population. In this paper, the modified TPB model, extended with self-identity and motivation variable, is implemented within the student population of the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, in 2019. The results show that intention to do regular physical activity in the week after the research was directly influenced by behavioral and normative beliefs and self-identity. It was influenced indirectly by students’ motivation. The motivation, however, directly affects students’ behavioral, normative and control beliefs. Nevertheless, the results differ among genders; although positive at both genders, the effects of normative beliefs and motivation on intention were significant only in female students (0.123 and 0.243, respectively). The authors also provide social marketing implications, i.e., potential activities within social marketing that could be performed in order to encourage students to be more physically active. In addition to belonging to relatively scarce similar researches in domestic context, the wider contribution of this paper can be identified from a methodological aspect, treating the behavioral, normative and control beliefs as formative constructs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles)

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9 pages, 4615 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cognitive and Executive Functions of Young Men regarding Sport Activity and Personality Traits

by Petra Pačesová

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11752; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111752 - 25 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2336

Abstract

Sport activity can be a moderator of change in the level of cognitive and executive functions. This research sample consisted of 71 men aged 22.66 ± 1.91 years. This group was split into two subgroups: nonathletes (n = 26) and athletes (n = 45). The athletes included open skill sport athletes (n = 21) and closed skill sport athletes (n = 24). We used a standardized S-test to detect the level of cognitive functions, a standardized EPQ-R questionnaire to find out the degree of neuroticism and a standardized IVE questionnaire to measure the level of impulsivity. For data processing, we used the Kruskal–Wallis test following the Mann–Whitney test. To calculate the effect of size differences we used the coefficients η² and r. Our research showed a higher level of cognitive function of athletes compared to nonathletes. More detailed data analysis showed that open skill sport disciplines are influential. There is also a negative relationship between the level of cognitive function and the degree of impulsivity and neuroticism. It seems that sport activity, specifically open skill sport disciplines, has the potential to increase the cognitive functions of young adult men. Personality traits—neuroticism and impulsivity—have a negative relationship with the level of cognitive functions of young men. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles)

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19 pages, 3181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Physical Activity Practices in Metropolitan Context: The Case of Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Portugal

by Ana Louro, Pedro Franco and Eduarda Marques da Costa

Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10104; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810104 - 9 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2965

Abstract

Physical activity is an important health determinant for people’s quality of life and well-being. This study intends to (1) identify how the practice of physical activity fits into families’ daily lives; and (2) verify to what extent the practice of physical activity is influenced by the urban model, family composition, and family perceptions. A survey was applied to 410 families (corresponding to 1006 individuals) in Lisbon Metropolitan Area (LMA), Portugal, focusing on different physical activities—gym, swimming, walking/trekking/hiking, and cycling. Results are based on descriptive and bivariate data analysis and show the existence of asymmetries in the practice of physical activity in LMA. The urban context impacts the choice and frequency of physical activity practices. The typology of family and age proved to be more differentiating factors than income, being reinforced by daily lives (e.g., daily movements, transport modes, etc.). Positive self-perceptions of quality of life and health levels are also conducive to more active practices, contrary to negative perceptions of the neighborhood that are related to practices in peripheral destinations. Conclusions highlight the need for differentiated measures of physical activity promotion according to the territories and communities’ characteristics in a multilevel approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles)

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12 pages, 3487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Local Wisdom of Miang Lifestyle and Community for Sustainable Development in Northern Thailand

by Dujrudee Chinwong, Panchana Charaj, Piyatida Panitsupakamol, Tamonwan Chankaew, Surarong Chinwong and Chalermpong Saenjum

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7381; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137381 - 1 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3968

Abstract

Miang or fermented tea leaf has been a part of the Mae Kampong community, one of northern Thailand’s famous tourist attractions, for a long time. Although the demand and popularity of Miang are decreasing, Miang is still important to the community lifestyle in various ways. Thus, this study aimed to investigate Miang consumption behavior, lifestyle, and wisdom in the Mae Kampong community, which would lead to sustainable development. The study involved a cross-sectional survey and a qualitative study. The research was done in Mae Kampong Village, Mae On District, Chiang Mai, Thailand. A total of 335 participants participated; 60.9% were female with an average age of 61.3 ± 12.2 years old. In all, 93.7% of the participants consumed Miang daily, mostly as a snack (86.5%). Consuming Miang as a staple food and beverage were less common. Furthermore, only 2.5% of the participants considered Miang as medicine. Miang is also the primary source of income and a tourist attraction. Additionally, Miang is an item in religious and local rituals. The Miang culture and the local lifestyle are bonded deeply as a sustainable economy, society, and environment. The wisdom in Miang culture encourages a better quality of life for the Mae Kampong community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles)

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Review

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8 pages, 422 KiB

Open AccessReview

Physical Activity, Natural Environment, Present Moment Awareness, and Its Consideration: A Qualitative Review

by Ivan Uher, Alena Buková, Milena Švedová, Tatiana Kimáková, Zuzana Küchelová, Mária Jusková and Jaroslaw Cholewa

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8436; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158436 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2592

Abstract

Longstanding research suggests a plausible relation between physical activity, the natural environment, and overall health. However, when investigating this relationship, most studies focused on the absence of disease or frailty as health indicators. The relation between physical activity (PA), subjective well-being (SWB), natural environment, and present moment awareness (PMA) remains unexplored. The presented qualitative review offers a perspective model of the relationship between physical activity, natural environment, and awareness of the present moment that helps us explore its underlying, relating pathways. Our review concludes that present moment awareness can be worthy of attention to detect the impact of physical activity, subjective well-being and staying in a natural environment on selected samples, as well as its influence on maximizing related benefits for health and well-being. The challenge after that is to consider how to monitor the complex interactions that will occur within the multiple levels of influence. Essentially, a unified model of research and practice which incorporates physiological and psychological theories is undoubtedly needed. If that happens, we can understand the role of the diverse regulators upon behavior and proceed to convey this evidence into future health-promoting interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles)

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Other

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26 pages, 1506 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Systematic Review for Knowledge Transfer at International Sport Mega-Events

by Jingfan Zhou

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 4902; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15064902 - 9 Mar 2023

Viewed by 2170

Abstract

Sport mega-events are characterized by a high degree of organizational complexity and are where games organizers take opportunities to strengthen their competencies and forge network connections via knowledge transfer. However, there is scarce evidence that the knowledge generated is transmitted between former and future host cities. This investigation aimed at examining the state of research on knowledge transfer at international sport mega-events. It followed the PRISMA protocol to identify critical research gaps and shed light on the barriers and enablers within this subject. Applying the quality and eligibility criteria yielded a final corpus of 11 academic and 6 non-academic works. The results demonstrate that a small group of scholars conducted empirical studies applying mixed research in this area. The three significant barriers were identified as the following: the Accessibility and Availability of Knowledge; the Lack of Absorptive Capacity; and the Dilemma of Knowledge Sharing and Knowledge Protection. Three crucial enablers were diagnosed as per the following: Knowledge Identifying and Tailoring Based on Needs, the Local Context, and Culture; Improving the Learning Culture and Capacities; and Communication, Cooperation, and Strategic Approach. The controversies among different studies also revealed the possible bias and insufficient knowledge transfer related to language, database, technology, geographic location, and priority setting, etc. We suggest further research focusing on specific cases between previous and future hosts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles)

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9 pages, 458 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Associations of Voluntary Exercise and Screen Time during the First Wave of COVID-19 Restrictions in Japan with Subsequent Grip Strength among University Students: J-Fit⁺ Study

by Shaoshuai Shen, Koya Suzuki, Yoshimitsu Kohmura, Noriyuki Fuku, Yuki Someya, Eri Miyamoto-Mikami, Dandan Ke, Shuich Machida, Kazuhiro Aoki and Hisashi Naito

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13648; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413648 - 10 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3008

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the combined effect of voluntary exercise and screen time during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions on subsequent grip strength among health and sports science students in Japan. The participants performed grip strength tests and had their weight assessed on 21 October 2020. Furthermore, they completed an online survey between 21 October and 28 October 2020, which included participants’ current age, height, voluntary exercise, and screen time during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (April and May 2020). In total, 380 participants provided complete data (mean age ± standard deviation [SD]: 18.8 ± 0.6 years; 233 males). Our results revealed that 87.6% of male students and 84.4% of female students performed voluntary exercise >1 day/week during the first wave of the pandemic. Moreover, 21.5% of male students and 23.1% of female students had >8 h/day of screen time. A trend toward greater grip strength was observed for both male and female students with high voluntary exercise and low screen time. In particular, grip strength (p < 0.05) was significantly greater in male students with high voluntary exercise and low screen time than those with low voluntary exercise and high screen time. In conclusion, this study revealed that during the first wave of COVID-19 restrictions, a combination of high voluntary exercise and low screen time positively affected the subsequent grip strength of health and sports science students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles)

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