Outdoor And Physical Activity: Barriers, Motivators, And Factors Influencing Them

Participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of at least 150 min·wk-1 moderate or 75 min·wk-1 vigorous is used as a benchmark for health and wellness. Moreover, engagement in outdoor activity of any type has been shown to boost mental health. An ideal lifestyle is one which incorporates both types of activities. However, studies reveal only 44%-62% of U.S. adults report meeting MVPA guidelines. Thus, there is a need to identify factors associated with increasing individuals’ time spent on physical activity, as well as in outdoor environments. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is two-fold: (1) to identify barriers and motivators involved in college students’ decisions to engage in outdoor and physical activities (OPA), and (2) to determine variables that predict perceived barriers (BOPA) and motivators (MOPA) to OPA. METHODS: College students (N = 1170, age 19.1 ± 1.76) were recruited over 6 semesters (Fall 2021-Spring 2024) to complete a survey quantifying their BOPA, MOPA, perceived stress (PSS), and exercise self-efficacy scores (ESS) using a series of 5-point Likert scales. Participants answered 15 additional items concerning demographics, self-perceptions, and habits. Pearson correlations were used to assess relationships between all items and BOPA and MOPA scores, and significant variables were included in linear regression models predicting BOPA and MOPA scores. RESULTS: Lack of time was the highest rated barrier and stress reduction was the highest rated motivator. Perceived health benefits of being outdoors had a significant impact on both MOPA (β = 0.322, p < 0.001) and BOPA (β = -0.219, p < 0.001) average scores. Time outdoors as a child had a significant impact on average MOPA scores (β = 0.117, p = 0.012). Total PSS and ESS significantly impacted average MOPA scores (β = 0.105, p = 0.029; β = 0.108, p = 0.024) and average BOPA scores (β = 0.119, p = 0.006; β = -0.178, p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate physical education, stress reduction, and time management could be influential in decreasing BOPA, while improving the population’s perceived health benefits of time outdoors could positively influence MOPA. Due to the relationship between time outdoors as a child and MOPA, the impact of policies aimed at increasing children’s outdoor exposure should be explored.