Leisure time physical activity can be a robust preventer of physical and mental illness. The health benefits of exercise have been well-documented, including decreased risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and increased mood, life-satisfaction and cognitive performance (An, Xiang, Yang, & Yan, 2016; Blair & Morris, 2009). Time spent outdoors is also emerging as a predictor of positive mental health, though the outcomes are often conflated with heightened levels of physical activity. This study sought to confirm the cognitive benefits of exercise in outdoor environments using established cognitive tests while measuring brainwave activity throughout the process using portable electroencephalograph (EEG) headsets. Participants completed cognitive performance tests before and after walking indoors, then again on a different session while walking outdoors. Repeated-measures analyses of variance revealed significant cognitive improvement after both walking sessions, with elevated mental restoration observed for the outdoor walking session, as measured by a Stroop Test. EEG measures revealed a significantly higher level of meditative state during the outdoor walking session, as compared to indoors. In addition, the gains in relaxed and meditative mental states were retained longer after walking outdoors. Results are discussed within the context of growing support for leisure time exposure to natural environments and outdoor prescriptions. Implications for planning, health policy, and public education are proffered in light of these findings.

Myriad research indicates that physical activity and natural environments enhance cognitive performance and mental health. Much of this research is cross-sectional or involves physical activity in outdoor environments, rendering it difficult to ascribe the results to a particular condition. This study utilized electroencephalography (EEG) and established cognitive performance tasks to determine the impact of a short intervention including either walking or sitting in an outdoor environment. In this experiment, a total of 50 participants were randomized into walking and sitting groups, with cognitive performance measured before, after, and 10 min post intervention. Both groups demonstrated improvements in cognitive performance, with no significant difference between groups. Elevated levels of relaxation during the intervention were the best predictor of post-test performance. Participants reporting a higher connection to nature, as well as state-based mindfulness during the outdoor intervention, also reported lower levels of frontal theta (i.e., rumination) during the interaction, while the walking group demonstrated higher relaxation. These findings provide a direct connection to neural mechanisms influenced by physical activity and the natural environment, and their impact on cognitive performance. This supports Attention Restoration Theory and the effectiveness of short outdoor interventions incorporating physical activity as a method of restoring mental attention.

Wilderness orientation programs (WOPs) are becoming a popular method of encouraging college student retention and success. Previous studies have identified outcomes and correlates of participation in these programs, but a cohesive model of impact is lacking. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of WOPs on first-year student success and sense of purpose. A secondary aim was to elucidate predictors and correlates of WOPs identified in previous research. Participants included 295 students at a liberal arts college. Results indicate that WOP participants demonstrated higher levels of first-semester social engagement and reflection, thus leading to higher grade point average, better retention and a higher sense of life purpose. WOP participation, however, had a negative direct influence on sense of purpose. These findings are discussed in light of previous research, presenting a preliminary model of WOP influence on first-year academic success.

Chattanooga is central to many rock-climbing locations that benefit the local economy. However, a lack of metrics quantifying the positive impacts render reliable access to and protection of land for the purpose of rock-climbing problematic. An influx of climbers also complicates land management policies and priorities. The purpose of this study was to determine the economic impacts of climbing in Chattanooga, and to clarify management preferences of activity participants. Surveys were collected over nine months at five popular climbing areas. Information regarding demographics, climbing style and level, management preferences, and spending patterns were collected. Economic data were analyzed with IMPLAN software to determine indirect and induced impacts, as well as state and federal tax implications. An total impact of US$7 million was assessed, with another half-million in state and federal taxes. Management preferences differed by climbing site and number of visits, demonstrating the diversity of opinion within the climbing community.

Physical and mental health trends in developed countries are waning concurrently with increases in sedentary leisure pursuits and time spent in built environments. Research demonstrates that outdoor physical activity can prevent physical and mental ailments, and that excessive passive leisure (i.e. gaming and social media) can induce negative public health effects. This study explores the mechanisms of active and passive leisure influence through real-time tracking of mental states while incurring a standard “dose” of social media and walking. Results indicate that social media induces anxiety and mental focus, while walking enhances relaxation and meditative state. Geographic information systems (GIS) reveal that natural elements along various urban walking routes are associated with higher inward attention, and that unimpeded greenways may be more mentally restorative than built environments. Implications are discussed within the context of leisure education, urban planning, and public health.

The totality experience is widely recognized as intense, triggering unexpected physical reactions and emotions that many find difficult to convey in words. Project Awe explores the possibility of capturing and quantifying the embodied experience of events such as totality, using biometric measures. This pilot study was the first attempt to capture our embodied reactions to the annular solar eclipse. The lead investigator, along with five volunteers, were fitted with EEG headsets and heart-rate monitors to capture physiological responses to observing the annular solar eclipse. The study revealed changes in brain activity characteristic of awe in all participants. The identification of a singular 'awe' variable enabled moments of awe and frustration to be identified at times of cloud cover, clear viewing, and during annularity. The insights gained from this pilot study offer valuable groundwork for future exploration of the ineffable nature of totality and other awe-inspiring events.