The effects of nature-based vs. indoor settings on the adaptability, performance and affect of calisthenics exercisers. A registered report

Comparisons of the beneficial effects of nature-based versus indoor physical activity have been extensively reported, but existing research addresses mainly aerobic activity (running, jogging), not other types. It is unclear if the psychological effects extend to functionality, i.e., if participants perform their activities better in nature. The present study investigated how engaging in similar exercise in nature-based and indoor settings differs in affective valence, perceived exertion, visual attention, movement adaptability, heart rate variability, and performance. Nature-based exercisers (N = 51) showed increased performance output than indoor exercisers (N = 53) (p < 0.001). There were no group differences in affective valence, perceived exertion, or visual attention. However, psychological states of nature-based exercisers showed stronger associations to performance output (r < 0.33) than those from indoor exercisers (r < 0.03). Nature-based exercisers' movement variability and structure, measured by non-linear and fractal techniques (sample entropy and detrended fluctuation analysis), were more regular (p < 0.001) and more functionally adaptive (group difference in long-term detrended fluctuation analysis, p = 0.022) to achieve better performance output. Heart rate variability measures were not different between groups. Distinct environments can influence movement adaptability in a calisthenics exercise routine, and ultimately contribute to better performance. These results show how action is specific to task environment, and how action implies not only the task, but also the characteristics of the environment. NCT05090501 (Clinicaltrials.gov). Registered 21 October 2021.