Search Results (10)

To overcome the shortcomings of traditional polyurethane, such as poor weather resistance and susceptibility to hydrolysis, this study systematically explores the preparation techniques of organic silicon-modified polyurethane and its application in intelligent sports fields. By introducing siloxane into the polyurethane matrix through copolymerization, physical blending, and grafting techniques, the microphase separation structure and interfacial properties of the material are effectively optimized. In terms of synthesis processes, the one-step method achieves efficient preparation by controlling the isocyanate/hydroxyl molar ratio (1.05–1.15), while the prepolymer chain extension method optimizes the crosslinked network through dual reactions. The modified material exhibits significant performance improvements: tensile strength reaches 60 MPa, tear resistance reaches 80 kN/m, and the elastic recovery rate ranges from 85% to 92%, demonstrating outstanding weather resistance. In sports field applications, the 48% impact absorption rate meets the requirements for athletic tracks, wear resistance of <15 mg suits gym floors, and the impact resistance for skate parks reaches 55%–65%. Its environmental benefits are notable, with volatile organic compounds (VOC) <50 g/L and a recycling rate >85%, complying with green building material standards. However, its development is still constrained by multiple factors: insufficient material interface compatibility, a comprehensive cost of 435 RMB/m², and the lack of a quality evaluation system. Future research priorities include constructing dynamic covalent crosslinked networks (e.g., self-healing systems), adopting bio-based raw materials to reduce carbon footprint by 30%–50%, and integrating flexible sensing technologies for intelligent responsiveness. Through multidimensional innovation, this material is expected to evolve toward multifunctionality and environmental friendliness, providing core material support for the intelligent upgrading of sports fields. Full article

Sedentary behaviors are increasing in the population, so strategies for the increment of physical activity levels are needed. The use of green space seems to be a valid support to be more active. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a period of outdoor training (Nordic walking (NW)) with indoor resistance training (GYM) in a nonclinical population based on anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and functional parameters. This study was conducted on 102 participants (77 middle-aged people performed NW and 25 performed indoor training). Participants were measured twice: at baseline and after three months. Anthropometric measurements (weight, BMI, skinfolds, perimeters), body composition, bioelectrical impedance, vectorial analysis (BIA and BIVA), and physical tests were carried out. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to evaluate the effect of the treatments, groups, and sexes. There were several intervention effects linked to a decrease in fat parameters (such as skinfolds, fat mass, and percentage of fat mass). Considering the type of intervention, NW showed a higher increase in muscle mass and a higher decrease in fat parameters than the GYM group. In conclusion, the two types of training could represent a good way to remain active and prevent sedentary behaviors. Full article

Sixty-three men (15–35 years of age) regularly training in Danish gyms and supplement users were interviewed about the use of supplemental protein and food supplements, intake of caffeine- and (-)-epigallocathechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-containing supplements and beverages and any experienced adverse effects. Protein powder (60%), fish oil (54%) and multivitamin/mineral supplements (41%) were the most popular products. The daily supplementary protein intake (mean 0.42 g/kg body weight, users only) in adult men contributed substantially to their protein intake and exceeded the recommended allowance (0.83 g/kg body weight) for six adult participants (14%). Thirty-eight percent of the adult men exceeded the daily caffeine intake presumed to be safe (400 mg) with coffee as the main contributor. Thirty percent drank green tea and among this percentage, two participants had an extreme daily intake (1.5 and 2 -L). EGCG intake could not be estimated from the food supplements due to the lack of label information. Eighteen participants (29%) reported having experienced adverse effects but seventeen did not consult a physician or report the adverse effect to the Danish food authority. The most common adverse effects were insomnia, shaking, headache and palpitations, itching of the skin and stinging. Pre-workout products accounted for 53% of the adverse effects. Three adverse effects came after intake of two brands of supplements known to have contained substances such as 1,3-dimethylamine or derivatives of phenylethylamines previously having caused serious adverse effects. Full article

The contactless recording of a photoplethysmography (PPG) signal with a Red-Green-Blue (RGB) camera is known as remote photoplethysmography (rPPG). Studies have reported on the positive impact of using this technique, particularly in heart rate estimation, which has led to increased research on this topic among scientists. Therefore, converting from RGB signals to constructing an rPPG signal is an important step. Eight rPPG methods (plant-orthogonal-to-skin (POS), local group invariance (LGI), the chrominance-based method (CHROM), orthogonal matrix image transformation (OMIT), GREEN, independent component analysis (ICA), principal component analysis (PCA), and blood volume pulse (PBV) methods) were assessed using dynamic time warping, power spectrum analysis, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, with different activities (at rest, during exercising in the gym, during talking, and while head rotating) and four regions of interest (ROI): the forehead, the left cheek, the right cheek, and a combination of all three ROIs. The best performing rPPG methods in all categories were the POS, LGI, and OMI methods; each performed well in all activities. Recommendations for future work are provided. Full article

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of forest conservation activities on the physical and psychological wellbeing of participants. The experiment was conducted in a forest near an urban area and involved 61 participants (average age: 22.5 ± 1.8). The participants selected one of three activities (pruning, stacking cut branches, and removing vines) in the forest conservation program. The effects of these activities on the musculoskeletal system were assessed using the Ovako Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS); the physical intensity of the activities was evaluated using heart rate data. The psychological evaluation measurement indexes used the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment instrument, and the Perceived Restorativeness Scale. As a result of the OWAS assessment, forest conservation activities were found to be action categories 1 and 2, which were less burdensome to the musculoskeletal system. All forestry activities were found to be light levels of physical intensity. Psychological evaluation of the participants revealed that positive emotions such as self-esteem, quality of life, and perceived restorativeness increased significantly, whereas negative emotions decreased significantly. This forest conservation program, that involved low-intensity activities which were less burdensome to the musculoskeletal system, had positive physical and psychological effects on the local residents who participated. Full article

With the increase in demand for more sustainable energy sources, recent researchers have been looking into harvesting energy spent by humans for various purposes. One of the available sources of such energy is exercise equipment. While a few products are available in the market to harvest the power expended during an exercise session, these products are costly, and the cost may prohibit a day-to-day user from purchasing those. Motivated by this challenge, this paper describes a long-running research project that uses a static exercise bicycle to sustainably harvest human energy. A regenerative spin bike that uses the friction between a flywheel and a BaneBots wheel was designed and deployed. For the motor mount, two methods are investigated: linear preloading and rotary preloading. A commercially available indoor static bicycle is modified to incorporate the flywheel and the motor attachment. The generated electricity is converted to DC using a three-phase rectifier. A car charger is used for charging any devices attached to the setup. The resulting configuration is very effective in operating small electronic devices. This setup, which uses only off-the-shelf components, can be considered a replacement for its expensive custom-made counterparts. Full article

The wellbeing benefits of engaging in a nature-based programme, delivered by the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector, were examined in this study. Prior to attending The Conservation Volunteers’ Green Gym™, attendees (n = 892) completed demographics, health characteristics and the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Short-Form Scale. Attendees (n = 253, 28.4%) provided a measure on average 4.5 months later. There were significant increases in wellbeing after engaging in Green Gym, with the greatest increases in those who had the lowest starting levels of wellbeing. Wellbeing increases were sustained on average 8.5 months and 13 months later in those providing a follow up measure (n = 92, n = 40, respectively). Attendees who continued to engage in Green Gym but not provide follow up data (n = 318, 35.7%) tended to be more deprived, female and self-report a health condition. Attendees who did not continue to engage in Green Gym (n = 321, 36.0%) tended to be less deprived and younger. These findings provide evidence of the wellbeing benefits of community nature-based activities and social (‘green’) prescribing initiatives and indicate that Green Gym targets some groups most in need. Full article

This systematic review aimed to investigate the type of physical activity carried out in green urban spaces by the adult population and to value its impact on the population’s health. Additionally, another purpose was to examine if the presence of outdoor gyms in green urban spaces can promote participation in physical activity among adults. Searches of electronic databases, with no time restrictions and up to June 2020, resulted in 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. A quantitative assessment is reported as effect size. Many people practiced walking activity as a workout, which showed improvements in health. Walking is the most popular type of training due to its easy accessibility and it not requiring equipment or special skills. Outdoor fitness equipment has been installed in an increasing number of parks and has become very popular worldwide. Further, outdoor fitness equipment provides free access to fitness training and seems to promote physical activity in healthy adults. However, other studies about outdoor fitness equipment efficiency are needed. People living near to equipped areas are more likely to perform outdoor fitness than those who live further away. The most common training programs performed in green urban spaces included exercises with free and easy access, able to promote physical health and perception. Full article

Combined diet and physical activity school-based interventions (rather than only diet or physical activity interventions) are more likely to help prevent children from becoming overweight in the long term. However, such interventions are less prevalent, and therefore, this pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of a gardening intervention coupled with awareness about plant-based meals among 9−10 year old children in a London primary school. We recruited 60 children from two Year 5 classes, one class participated as an intervention group, and results were compared against another class who acted as the control group. Children’s physical activity (PA) was measured using GENEActiv wrist-worn accelerometers. Their fruit and vegetable intake and attitudes to and preferences in eating fruits and vegetables were measured using a self-report questionnaire. Furthermore, three focus groups were held with children in the intervention group to understand the reasons behind any change as a result of the intervention. Results are inconclusive; however, they indicate some impact on reduction of sedentary behaviour, increase of moderate to vigorous PA, knowledge of nutrition and some level of acceptance in trying new vegetables. School-based interventions involving gardening show some promise to increase children’s PA and improve their attitudes to eating fruits and vegetables. Full article

Exercise in natural environments (“green exercise”) confers numerous health benefits, but little is known about why people engage in green exercise. This study examined the importance of nature experiences as a motive for physical activity and the motivational profile of people who engage in green exercise compared to gym- and sports-based exercise. Physical activity motives and typical times spent in different domains of physical activity were reported by 2168 Norwegian adults in a survey. Experiencing nature was generally rated as the second-most important physical activity motive, exceeded only by convenience motives, and it was especially important for older adults and those who engage in greater amounts of instrumental physical activity. Green exercisers reported stronger motives concerning convenience and experiencing nature, whereas gym- or sports-based exercisers reported stronger motives for physical health and sociability. The motives associated with different leisure-time exercise domains may assist in understanding optimal promotion of green exercise. Full article