Havinga, S.T. (Sanne) (2020) Quality of life of adults joining nature walking groups: an observational study. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Introduction: There is growing interest in walking as a form of exercise. Randomized clinical trials showed that walking in groups with a high frequency (3 sessions/week) has beneficial effects on quality of life (QoL). However, implemented walking programs often offer walks once a week. This raises the question if such walking initiatives have the same positive effect on QoL. An example of such an initiative is Healthy Nature Walking (GNW). Aim: To examine to what extent QoL of GNW walkers differs from literature norms and scores of a non-randomized peer reference (PR) group. Method: Two groups of participants were included: participants who walk voluntarily for an undefined duration and frequency with a GNW walking group in their neighbourhood (GNW group, n=244; 68,1±7,6 years; 71,3% female) and a PR group (PR group, n=77; 65,3±8,1 years; 50,6% female) not joining GNW. Because the PR group was not representative, a matched GNW group was developed (matched GNW group, n=77; 66,0±8,4 years; 53,2% female). QoL was measured with the WHOQOL-BREF including physical, psychological, social relationships, and environmental domain. Results: The GNW group experienced a better QoL compared to literature norms. The matched GNW participants experienced a lower QoL compared to the PR group. Adherence was high and most participants reported improved health, social well-being, and QoL compared to before they started walking with GNW. Conclusion: The GNW group experienced a better QoL compared to the literature norms, but a lower QoL compared to the PR group. Despite these mixed results, most GNW participants reported better QoL compared to before they started walking with GNW. This positive observation, together with the higher QoL for GNW walkers vs. literature-based norms, legitimizes further research. Following new GNW walkers over time with QoL assessments from the moment participants start with walking with GNW is recommended.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Heuvelen, dr. M.J.G. van |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 18 May 2022 09:54 |
| Last Modified: | 18 May 2022 09:54 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3353 |
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