Search Results (289)

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor air quality (IAQ) is becoming a serious global concern due to its significant impact on human health. However, not all relevant health parameters are currently regulated. For example, particle number concentration (PNC) and its associated carbonaceous species, such as black carbon (BC), which are classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), are not currently regulated. Compared with IAQ studies in other types of buildings, studies focusing on IAQ in hospitals or other healthcare facilities are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of these outdoor pollutants, among others, on the indoor environment of a hospital under different atmospheric conditions. To identify the seasonal influence, two different periods of two consecutive seasons (summer 2020 and winter 2021) were selected for the measurements. Regulated pollutants (NO, NO₂, O₃, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5) and nonregulated pollutants (PM₁, PNC, and equivalent BC (eBC)) in outdoor air were simultaneously measured indoor and outdoor. This study also investigated the impact of indoor activities on indoor air quality. In the absence of indoor activities, outdoor sources significantly contribute to indoor traffic-related pollutants. Indoor and outdoor (I-O) measurements showed similar behavior, but indoor concentrations were lower, with peak levels delayed by up to two hours. Seasonal variations in indoor/outdoor ($\mathrm{I}/\mathrm{O}$) ratios were lower for particles than for associated gaseous pollutants. Particle infiltration depended on particle size, with it being higher the smaller the particle size. Indoor activities also significantly affected indoor pollutants. PM_x (especially PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) concentrations were mainly modulated by walking-induced particle resuspension. Vertical eBC profiles indicated a relatively well-mixed environment. Ventilation through open windows rapidly altered indoor air quality. Outdoor-dominant pollutants (PNC, eBC, and NO_X) had $\mathrm{I}/\mathrm{O}$ ratios ≥ 1. Staying in the room with an open window had a synergistic effect, increasing the $\mathrm{I}/\mathrm{O}$ ratios for all pollutants. Higher I/O ratios were associated with turbulent outdoor conditions in both unoccupied and occupied conditions. Statistically significant differences were observed between stable (TKE ≤ 1 m² s⁻²) and unstable (TKE > 1 m² s⁻²) conditions, except for NO₂ in summer. This finding was particularly significant when the wind direction was westerly or easterly during unstable conditions. The results of this study highlight the importance of understanding the behavior of indoor particulate matter and related pollutants. These pollutants are highly variable, and knowledge about them is crucial for determining their health effects, particularly in public buildings such as hospitals, where information on IAQ is often limited. More measurement data is particularly important for further research into I-O transport mechanisms, which are essential for developing preventive measures and improving IAQ. Full article

This paper demonstrates the benefits of adapting Zero Velocity Update (ZVU) algorithms in foot-mounted pedestrian inertial navigation by finely tuning the algorithm to account for the type of terrain over which the pedestrian travels. Conventional ZVU algorithms for foot-mounted inertial navigation are designed for indoor use and do not account for differences from various terrains. Different terrains affect the natural pedestrian gait and how zero velocity intervals (ZVIs) are identified. By tuning the algorithm to account for accelerometer and gyroscope magnitude and walking cycle duration across four terrains (concrete, grass, pebbles and sand), the accuracy is improved up to 31.04%, dependent on the terrain, and is viable for outdoor use. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although public health organizations encourage family walking, no studies have examined children’s physical activity and enjoyment during outdoor parent–child walks. This study addresses those gaps by examining children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and enjoyment during outdoor walks with their parents, along with parental barriers and their relationship with parent’s self-efficacy and co-activity minutes. Methods: Fifty parent–child dyads (children aged 6–12 years) completed 10 min, self-paced outdoor walks while wearing waist-worn ActiGraph monitors. Parents reported perceived barriers to walking outdoors with their child and self-efficacy for supporting their child’s daily physical activity. Results: Children reported high enjoyment (mean = 5.1 on a six-point scale) and attained high physical activity intensity (71.3% of time in MVPA, 22.0% in vigorous activity, mean step count = 1200). Parents reported an average of 2.6 barriers (SD = 1.0) to walking outdoors with their child, with poor weather (70%) and lack of time (70%) reported most frequently. Each additional barrier was associated with a 1.3-point reduction in parents’ self-efficacy (p = 0.007). Two barriers (‘diverse interests between parent and child’ and ‘other parent-suggested barriers’) were significantly associated with fewer co-activity minutes per week (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study highlights the benefits of parent–child outdoor walking for promoting MVPA and enjoyment in children. Because perceived barriers may lower parents’ self-efficacy in supporting their child’s physical activity, addressing these barriers may be essential for the success of family-based interventions that encourage walking together outdoors. Full article

Urban outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) has become an increasingly critical issue under the pressures of urbanization and climate change. Comparative analyses of urban blocks with distinct spatial morphologies are essential for identifying OTC issues and proposing targeted optimization strategies. However, existing studies predominantly rely on microclimate numerical simulations, while comparative assessments of OTC from the human thermal perception perspective remain limited. This study employs the thermal walk method, integrating microclimatic measurements with thermal perception questionnaires, to conduct on-site OTC investigations across three urban blocks with contrasting spatial morphologies—a business district (BD), a residential area (RA), and a historical neighborhood (HN)—in Beijing, a hot summer and cold winter climate city. The results reveal substantial OTC differences among the blocks. However, these differences demonstrated great seasonal and temporal variations. In summer, BD exhibited the best OTC (mTSV = 1.21), while HN performed the worst (mTSV = 1.72). In contrast, BD showed the poorest OTC in winter (mTSV = −1.57), significantly lower than HN (−1.11) and RA (−1.05). This discrepancy was caused by the unique morphology of different blocks. The sky view factor emerged as a more influential factor affecting OTC over building coverage ratio and building height, particularly in RA (r = 0.689, p < 0.01), but its impact varied by block, season, and sunlight conditions. North–South streets generally perform better OTC than East–West streets, being 0.26 units cooler in summer and 0.20 units warmer in winter on the TSV scale. The study highlights the importance of incorporating more applicable physical parameters to optimize OTC in complex urban contexts and offering theoretical support for designing climate adaptive urban spaces. Full article

(1) Background: Human walking involves adapting to diverse terrains, influencing gait biomechanics. This study examined how seven outdoor surfaces—flat–even, banked-right/-left, cobblestone, grass, sloped-down, and sloped-up—affect nonlinear gait dynamics in 30 healthy adults (14 females and 15 males). (2) Methods: Trunk and shank accelerations were analyzed for movement predictability (sample entropy, SE), smoothness (log dimensionless jerk, LDLJ), symmetry (step/stride regularity), and stability (short-/long-term Lyapunov exponents, LyE_s, LyE_l). (3) Results: Surface type significantly influenced all gait metrics, regardless of sex. Banked-right and sloped-down walking reduced SE, indicating less predictable movements. All surfaces except flat–even increased LDLJ, suggesting reduced smoothness. Cobblestone and sloped-down surfaces impaired step symmetry, while banked surfaces enhanced stride symmetry. LyE_s decreased on cobblestones (lower variability), while sloped-up increased it. LyE_l rose on all surfaces except cobblestones, indicating a more chaotic gait. No significant sex differences were found, though males showed a non-significant trend toward lower LyE_s. Notably, sex–surface interactions emerged for SE and stride symmetry on banked-right surfaces, with females showing decreased SE and increased symmetry. (4) Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of terrain and sex in gait dynamics research. Full article

Background/Objectives: How to best assist people living with dementia (PLWD) and their care partners to maximize quality of life and quality of living, through appropriate and effective non-pharmaceutical approaches, remains a focus of dementia societies and organizations worldwide. This scoping review explored the types, opportunities, benefits and challenges of outdoor-based care and support programs for community-dwelling PLWD and their care partners. Methods: The methodological framework proposed by Arksey & O’Malley (2005) and modified by Levac et al. (2010) was followed. Four research databases were searched from January 2000 to November 2024; 2817 articles were retrieved and 20 met inclusion criteria and underwent data extraction. Results: Program types included the following: nature-based, care farm, green care farm, and farm-based dementia care programs, representing more than half of the included articles; health walks; and outdoor horticulture/garden/gardening programs. The number of PLWD participants ranged from 4 to 136. The total number of care partner participants was 151 and the total number of service provider participants was 87. The essence of, and connections with, nature and the outdoors had notable relevance and value for PLWD. Reported benefits, assessed quantitatively and qualitatively, were numerous and those in the social domain were reported most often. Identified challenges and barriers were related to risks and safety and program development, and implementation and delivery. Conclusions: The noteworthy potential of outdoor-based care and support programs to promote and enhance the quality of life and quality of living of community-dwelling PLWD and their care partners was elucidated. As most PLWD prefer to, and do, continue to reside in their homes, including those with advancing symptoms, the findings have significant relevance and implications for real-world practice and policy. Future research addressing current gaps will strengthen this growing field of dementia research. Full article

This mixed-methods study examined the influence of physical activity on mental health and sleep quality among 78 long-distance South Asian caregivers of older adults. As caregiving demands grow globally, long-distance caregivers face unique stressors intensified by cultural obligations and geographic separation. Quantitative analyses revealed a significant inverse relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality (p < 0.001), with caregivers experiencing frequent depressive feelings and reporting fewer hours of sleep. Although the relationship between physical activity and sleep did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.0903), a positive trend was observed: caregivers engaging in regular activity (≥5 days/week) reported better sleep. Depressive symptoms were also significantly associated with reduced physical activity (p = 0.0378). Qualitative findings enriched these results, illustrating how walking, yoga, and community sports were used to manage stress, enhance mood, and promote sleep. Participants emphasized the therapeutic value of outdoor environments and culturally familiar activities in coping with emotional strain. The findings suggest that physical activity plays an independent and protective role in caregiver well-being. Culturally responsive interventions that promote accessible physical activity may enhance mental health and sleep outcomes in this population, supporting sustainable caregiving and informing policy development for underrepresented caregiver groups. Full article

Forestry is recognized as one of the most physically demanding professions. Walking in presents unique biomechanical challenges due to complex, irregular terrain, with several possible risks. This study investigated how human gait adapts across solid surfaces, forest trails, and natural forest environments. Fifteen healthy adult participants (average age 38.3; ten males and five females) completed 150 walking trials, with full-body motion captured via a 17 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors (Xsens MVN Awinda system). The analysis focused on spatial and temporal gait parameters, including cadence, step length, foot strike pattern, and center of mass variability. Statistical methods (ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis) revealed that surface type significantly influenced gait mechanics. On forest terrain, participants exhibited wider steps, reduced cadence, increased step and stride variability, and a substantial shift from heel-to-toe strikes. Gait adaptations reflect compensatory neuromuscular strategies to maintain body balance. The findings confirm that forestry terrain complexity compromises human gait stability and increases physical demands, supporting step variability and slip, trip, and fall risk. By identifying key biomechanical markers of instability, this study contributes to understanding human locomotion principles. Understanding these changes can help design safety measures for outdoor professions, particularly forestry. Full article

Despite significant progress in fall detection systems, many of the proposed algorithms remain difficult to implement in real-world applications. A common limitation is the lack of location awareness, especially in outdoor scenarios where accurately determining the fall location is crucial for a timely emergency response. Moreover, the complexity of many existing algorithms poses a challenge for deployment on edge devices, such as wearable systems, which are constrained by limited computational resources and battery life. As a result, these solutions are often impractical for long-term, continuous use in practical settings. To address the aforementioned issues, we developed a portable, wearable device that integrates a microcontroller (MCU), an inertial sensor, and a chip module featuring Global Positioning System (GPS) and Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technologies. A low-complexity algorithm based on a finite-state machine was employed to detect fall events, enabling the module to meet the requirements for long-term outdoor use. The proposed algorithm is capable of filtering out eight types of daily activities—running, walking, sitting, ascending stairs, descending stairs, stepping, jumping, and rapid sitting—while detecting four types of falls: forward, backward, left, and right. In case a fall event is detected, the device immediately transmits a fall alert and GPS coordinates to a designated server via NB-IoT. The server then forwards the alert to a specified communication application. Experimental tests demonstrated the system’s effectiveness in outdoor environments. A total of 6750 samples were collected from fifteen test participants, including 6000 daily activity samples and 750 fall events. The system achieved an average sensitivity of 97.9%, an average specificity of 99.9%, and an overall accuracy of 99.7%. The implementation of this system provides enhanced safety assurance for elderly individuals during outdoor activities. Full article

Accurate information on trail difficulty is essential for ensuring safety and enhancing the effectiveness of forest-based health and recreational activities. This study examined the physiological responses of middle-aged adults to varying trail difficulty levels across both controlled indoor and natural outdoor walking environments. A total of ten healthy individuals aged 40–50 years participated in walking tasks across three designated trail difficulty levels: Moderate, Difficult, and Very Difficult. Physiological indicators assessed included step speed (SS), step count (SC), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (OS), energy expenditure (EE), metabolic equivalents (MET), and oxygen consumption (VO₂). As trail difficulty increased, HR, RPE, VO₂, EE, and MET consistently showed upward trends, whereas SS and SC demonstrated significant decreases. Additionally, the outdoor setting imposed generally greater physiological demands compared to the indoor condition, suggesting that terrain complexity and elevation changes amplify physical exertion during real-world trail use. The findings contribute valuable empirical evidence for the design of individualized exercise programs, improved trail difficulty classifications, and the advancement of forest-based health promotion policies. Full article

We are working on an innovative approach to outdoor human motion capture, using a wearable device that integrates a low-cost GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver and an INS (Inertial Navigation System) via a zero-velocity update (ZUPT) methodology. In this study, we focused on using these devices to reconstruct the foot trajectory. Our work addresses the challenge of capturing precise foot movements in uncontrolled outdoor environments, a task traditionally constrained by the limitations of laboratory settings. We equipped devices that combine inertial measurement units (IMUs) with GNSS receivers in the following configuration: one on each foot and one on the head. We experimented with different GNSS data processing techniques, such as Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) positioning with and without Moving Base (MB), and after the integration with the IMU, we obtained centimeter-level precision in horizontal and vertical positioning for various walking speeds. This integration leverages a loosely coupled GNSS/INS approach, where the GNSS solution is independently processed and subsequently used to refine the INS outputs. Enhanced by ZUPT and Madgwick filtering, this method significantly improves the trajectory reconstruction accuracy. Indeed, our research includes a study of the impact of moving speed on the performance of these low-cost GNSS receivers. These insights pave the way for future exploration into tightly coupled GNSS/INS integration using low-cost GNSS receivers, promising advancements in fields like sports science, rehabilitation, and well-being. This work seeks not only to contribute to the field of wearable technology, but also to open possibilities for further innovation in affordable, high-accuracy personal navigation and activity monitoring devices. Full article

Improvement of recreational areas between the residential areas to achieve human behavior and the concept of humanization is urgently needed to achieve the 2030 vision of Saudi Arabia. This study aims to develop a parametric urban optimization framework to optimize the outdoor thermal comfort in outdoor recreational areas between residential buildings in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, based on the 2030 vision of Saudi Arabia to achieve a high standard of quality of life with thermal comfort. Measurement was conducted inside the sports walking path with walk-through observation and interviews. Then, case study geometry was generated computationally, using Rhinoceros software and its plug-in Grasshopper to implement the set of development scenarios. Then, the optimization process for the case study was integrated with 192 proposed development solutions to assess the solutions’ influence in reducing the Universal Thermal Comfort Index (UTCI) and average solar irradiance, besides increasing energy generated by PV panels. EnergyPlus engine and Ladybug plug-in are used to integrate PV panels with shading scenarios, to utilize the high solar irradiation, and to calculate the generated electrical energy. The results concluded that trees with diameters between 10 and 15 m could achieve thermal comfort and reduction UTCI by 11.26 K and average solar irradiance by 642.77 W/m² with average energy generation of PV panel and optimum inclination angle of 20°. The integration of PV with shading scenarios generates electricity for every square meter of PV panel, equal to 578.84 kWh/m² for lighting poles and service areas within the recreational areas. The results of this study help to improve the current park as a prototype, for which results can be implemented in more than 8100 instances of gardens, parks, and municipal squares in Saudi Arabia. Full article

This study presents the design, development, and evaluation of a multifunctional stepladder that integrates four functionalities: a stepladder, Pilates chair, wheelchair, and walking aid. Unlike existing research that focuses on single-function assistive devices, this study uniquely integrates a stepladder, wheelchair, walking aid, and Pilates chair into one multifunctional device, offering a compact, space-saving solution that addresses multiple daily needs in a single design. Building upon previous research, which conceptualized a multifunctional stepladder by synthesizing ideas, features, and functions from patent literature, existing products, and scientific articles, this study focuses on the design and testing phases to refine and validate the concept. Using sustainable materials like mild steel and aluminium, the design was optimized through structural simulations, ensuring durability under loads of up to 100 kg. Usability tests revealed that the invention significantly reduced task completion times, saved five times the space compared to single-function products, and provided enhanced versatility. Cost analysis highlighted its affordability, with a retail price of MYR 1392—approximately 35% lower than the combined cost of its single-function counterparts. Participant feedback noted strengths such as eco-friendliness, practicality, and ergonomic design, alongside areas for improvement, including portability, armrests, and storage. Future work includes enhanced portability for stair navigation, outdoor usability tests, and integration of smart technologies. This multifunctional stepladder significantly contributes to caregivers by reducing the physical burden of managing multiple assistive devices, enhancing efficiency in daily caregiving tasks, and providing a safer, more convenient tool that supports both mobility and exercise for elderly users. This multifunctional stepladder also offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and user-centric solution, addressing usability gaps while supporting global sustainability and accessibility initiatives. Full article

In recent years, there has been a systematic return of humans to nature, the importance of the services and benefits provided by forests and other green spaces has increased, and thus the interest in recreational facilities that appear in forest areas has also increased. Recreational infrastructure in forests is essential to enhance the visitor experience while ensuring the ecological sustainability of forest ecosystems. The aim of our research was to establish how the socio-demographic factors have influenced the public perception of recreational infrastructure in forests, and how the demand for certain types of recreational land facilities has changed. The research material consists of the results of a questionnaire survey (online and traditional) carried out in Poland from September to October in 2020. A total of 1402 people were surveyed. A logistic regression (LR) model was used to determine the influence of the socio-demographic profile of the respondents on their perception of the importance of recreational infrastructure. The results indicate that linear recreational infrastructure, i.e., cycling (38.6% of respondents), walking (32.9%), and educational paths (19.7%), were of greatest interest. Viewpoints were highly preferred by respondents (29.9% of respondents). The demand for recreational facilities was mainly determined by the age and number of children owned and the place of residence of the respondents. Other socio-demographic characteristics, i.e., education level, gender, and satisfaction with the standard of living, were less influential on respondents’ views. Among the most needed recreational amenities in forests, social (52.2%) and recreational (46.5% of respondents) facilities were highlighted. The factors most strongly determining respondents’ views on the need to develop a particular type of recreational facilities in the forest were frequency of visits to the forest and distance of residence from the forest. Other factors such as age, education level, gender, or the number of children owned determined respondents’ opinions on the issues analyzed to a lower extent. The results are of great use, allowing public forest managers to better plan infrastructure in forest areas. Our research provides valuable insights into the management of forests, especially those with dominant social functions. The resulting recommendations allow us to prepare forests for changing demographic trends (an expected increase in urbanized areas and aging population) and rising social expectations. We prove that forests and recreational infrastructure are crucial in promoting people’s physical and mental health. Properly planned recreational infrastructure is able to encourage more physical activity outdoors and more frequent visits to forests. Full article

Human gait is usually studied in clinical environments, but wearable devices have extended gait analysis beyond traditional assessments. Older adults tend to walk differently indoors and outdoors; however, most gait assessments are conducted on indoor surfaces. It is therefore important to evaluate gait in various outdoor environments. Insights gained from these assessments significantly enhance our understanding of the impact of environmental factors on gait performance and ensure that clinical evaluations are effectively aligned with everyday locomotion. A total of 100 participants with foot pain, 38 young (18–45 years) and 62 older adults (65–80 years), completed a 10-Metre Walk Test (10MWT) in three randomised conditions at their typical, comfortable walking pace, including (1) 10MWT of indoor walking, (2) 10MWT of outdoor walking on grass and (3) 10MWT of outdoor walking on a sidewalk. Wearable inertial sensors recorded gait data and the magnitudes of the following gait measures: gait speed, cadence, stride length, stride duration and asymmetry. A statistical analysis using ANOVA and post hoc comparisons revealed a significantly lower gait speed (p < 0.001), lower stride length (p < 0.001) and lower asymmetry (p < 0.001) indoors compared to outdoors, demonstrating that environmental factors significantly affect spatio-temporal gait parameters. Wearable sensor-based gait analysis performed in controlled clinical settings may underestimate real-life conditions. Some important spatio-temporal parameters, useful in detecting people with gait impairment and at risk of falling, are significantly affected by environment and individual postural ability more than demographic factors. Full article