A 3 MONTH EXERCISE PROGRAM PERFORMED IN A GREEN BLUE SPACE: PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM THE “PARCO DEL MARE” STUDY.

A growing number of studies suggests that access and exposure to natural outdoor environments, in particular green-blue spaces, have beneficial impacts on health. However, evidence is limited regarding the evaluation of the effectiveness and the efficacy of physical activity interventions carried out in this type of settings involving healthy population. Therefore, the aim of the “Parco del Mare” pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility and the effects of a moderate-intensity exercise program carried out in a green-blue setting, on health outcomes (assessed through validated tests and questionnaires). Healthy adults with no contraindication to practice physical activity were recruited and divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG) involved in the exercise sessions performed twice-a-week for 3-months in the Parco del Mare setting and the control group (CG) receiving no intervention. Several physical tests (Sit to stand, 6MWT, Handgrip dx/sx) and BMI were performed at baseline (T0) and follow-up (T1). Preliminary results conducted on a sample of 26 subjects (EG=16; CG=10; mean age 47.64 ± 1.9 years; 18 females) show that after 3 months of intervention the EG significantly improve physical performance compared to the CG. Preliminary results are confirming the hypothesis: the intervention carried out in the Parco del Mare setting is expected to be feasible and effective in improving direct and indirect health parameters, quality of life and physical performance in healthy adults.