The Effect of Affective Exercise Experiences and Environmental Factors on Adherence to Outdoor Exercise Programs

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between Affective Exercise Experiences (AEEs), environmental factors, and adherence to a structured public health exercise initiative. Methods: A prospective experimental design was employed in a primary care setting within green parks in a community in Northern Italy. Community-dwelling individuals who participated in a 15-week outdoor exercise program were recruited. Participants engaged in 43 low-to moderate-intensity outdoor exercise sessions, held three times a week from May to July 2022, with each session lasting 60 min. A total of 68 participants (mean age: 64.6 ± 8.6 years) completed the questionnaires. Results: A causal analysis revealed a small but significant positive effect of AEEs on adherence, with higher AEE scores associated with an increased likelihood of attending exercise sessions. The predictive model identified a combination of AEE scores, environmental temperature, distance from the exercise site, and weekday as significant predictors of adherence. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of AEEs, as well as environmental and demographic factors, in predicting adherence to structured exercise programs. The findings suggest that fostering positive affective experiences related to exercise could enhance adherence, particularly among older adults.