Exploring the effects of a green exercise program on body composition and connection with nature in postmenopausal women

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 16-week green exercise program on body composition and nature connection in postmenopausal women. A total of 76 women, aged 44 to 71 years, were assigned to either a control group (CG, n = 20) or an exercise group (EG, n = 55). Participants in the EG engaged in a 16-week green multimodal exercise program, consisting of three 60-minute sessions per week. The program included cardiorespiratory exercise performed in a natural environment (three sessions per week, 30 minutes per session, at 40–75% of heart rate reserve), strength and muscle power training (two sessions per week, 2–3 sets of 8–12 repetitions), flexibility training (one session per week, 2–3 sets of 10–30 seconds), and neuromotor exercises (one session per week). Body composition was assessed using the InBody 120 bioimpedance device, which measured fat mass (FM), visceral fat level (VFL), and trunk and appendicular skeletal muscle mass. Connection to nature was evaluated using the Nature Relatedness Scale, which assesses the domains of self (NR-Self), perspective, and experience. Independent samples t-tests and two-way mixed-design ANOVAs were used, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Most participants reported natural menopause (90.8%), no use of hormone therapy (51.3%), and estrogen depletion for over six years (80.3%). The baseline values were similar between the two groups. Compared to the CG, the EG demonstrated greater changes (p ≤ 0.01) in %FM (-1.87% vs. -7.16%) and VFL (-3.80% vs. -13.46%). No differences in muscle condition were observed between the two groups. A significant change in NR-Self was observed over the intervention period, regardless of the participants' group assignment (F = 4.246, p = 0.043, partial η² = 0.055). The data revealed a significant interaction (pb 0.01) between time and group in the variation of %FM (partial η² = 0.135) and VFL (partial η² = 0.136). The data suggest that the exercise program was effective in improving total and central adiposity levels. Regardless of the group, the women revealed that they had incorporated nature as a fundamental part of their personal identity.