Physical education students outdoor and indoor sports preferences in relation to their pro-environmental behaviour

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. There is strong evidence linking outdoor physical activity with health benefits, but little is known about its impact on pro-environmental behaviour. Therefore, this study seeks to clarify this research problem. Material and Methods. We assessed pro-environmental behaviour in a group of 170 students (aged 21.79 ± 1.23) of the Academy of Physical Education and Sport who declared stronger attachment to one of the two forms of physical activity: outdoor or indoor. The analysis of the strength of pro-environmental attitudes was conducted using the Environmental Health Literacy (EHL) Scale. Results. Despite the lack of spectacular differences between the attitudes of students from the outdoor and indoor physical activity groups, a few dissimilarities related to air quality were noticed. Each of them indicated stronger pro-environmental behaviour of representatives of the outdoor physical activity group. They concerned the following issues: I avoid exercising because of pollution (p <0.05), I avoid opening my window due to poor outdoor air quality (p <0.05), I avoid inhaling car exhaust (p <0.05), I avoid exposing myself and family members to harmful chemicals (p <0.001). Similar results were obtained by dividing into male outdoor / indoor physical activity and female outdoor / indoor physical activity. Gender turned out to be a factor that differentiates pro-environmental behaviour to a much smaller extent. Opinions regarding only one statement indicated in favor of female subjects. Conclusions. Outdoor physical activity seems to be the reason for deeper pro-environmental reflection with respect to aerosanitary conditions, probably due to the awareness of health stress caused by exercising in polluted air.