EFFECTS OF BIOPHILIC ENVIRONMENT ON MALE COLLEGE STUDENTS’ EXERCISE PERFORMANCE: A CROSSOVER STUDY

Abstract

Exercise performed in natural environments is associated with better psychological outcomes compared with indoor exercise. Biophilic design offers a potential strategy to incorporate nature-inspired elements into indoor exercise environments. The purpose of this study was to examine whether exercising in a biophilic designed indoor environment influences physiological performance and psychological outcomes compared with a traditional indoor gym environment. Twenty-four healthy college-aged males completed two graded treadmill exercise tests to exhaustion in a randomized crossover design, with the visits separated by 14 days. Exercise was performed in either a traditional indoor gym or a biophilic design environment incorporating live plants, nature sounds, enhanced lighting and outdoor views. Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and time to exhaustion were assessed during exercise. Psychological responses were measured post-exercise using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). No significant differences were observed between environments for maximal oxygen uptake, heart rate max, time to exhaustion, or oxygen uptake plateau occurrence or duration (p > 0.05). Participants reported significantly greater positive affect following exercise in the biophilic environment compared with the traditional environment (p =.02), with modest non-significant increases in enjoyment. These findings suggest that while acute exposure to a biophilic designed environment does not alter maximal physiological performance, it may potentially enhance the psychological experience of exercise. Incorporating biophilic design elements into indoor fitness spaces may improve affective responses to exercise and possibly make it more enjoyable