Biophilic Environmental Design, Traditional Exercise Design
Conditions
Keywords
Exercise, Biophilia, Environmental Design, Mood, Exercise Enjoyment
Brief summary
The goal of this observational study is to examine whether exercising in a biophilic environment - a space designed to include natural elements like real plants, simulated sunlight, nature sounds, and outdoor views - can improve exercise performance and enjoyment compared to a standard indoor gym environment in male college students age 18-25 who have regularly exercised prior. The main question it aims to answer is: Can biophilic design enhance the physical and mental benefits of indoor exercise? Researchers will compare the two environments to see if there is any changes in exercise performance and enjoyment for each participant. Participants will complete a treadmill fitness test in both settings to compare physical outcomes like maximal aerobic capacity, so the maximal amount of oxygen one can use during exercise, as well as perceived effort. After each treadmill test participants will be given surveys where they will be asked to evaluate their mood and enjoyment in that environment.
Interventions
OTHERExercise Environment
This intervention focused around the environmental design of the exercise room.
Sponsors
Colorado State University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Participants will be randomized into the biophilia group or the traditional group - that will be the environment that they start in. They will then go through a week wash out and then will go into the other environment for their exercise test.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Men between 18 and 25 years
Exclusion criteria
* Resting BP greater than 140/90 * Resting HR greater than 100 bpm * BMI greater than 30 kg/m\^2 * inability to exercise at moderate to vigorous intensities * major illness/health complication in the past
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maximal Aerobic Capacity (VO2Max) | Testing Day 1 | This will be taken using a K5 metabolic cart measuring breath by breath |
| Rate of Perceived Exertion | Every minute during testing day 1 | Participants will rate their perceived exertion every minute during the test and recovery period on a 6-20 scale. |
| Mood and Enjoyment Survey | Post Test Day 1 | Participants will receive a paper survey on mood and enjoyment to complete. |
| VO2 Plateau Duration | Post Test Day 1 | The time at which the participant is exercising at near maximal capacity. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Rate | During Testing Day 1 and 2 | Taken using a Garmin HR chest strap. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed