건강한 대학생의 2분 스텝 검사시 산림 야외 및 병원 실내환경이 수행능력과 운동자각도에 미치는 영향

Effect of Forest and Hospital Environments on Repetition and Perceived Exertion During the Step Test Among College Students

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the effects of environmental factors and mask wearing on aerobic exercise assessment by comparing the performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of healthy college students during a 2-min step test conducted in a hospital (indoor) while wearing a mask with those conducted in a forest (outdoor) without wearing a mask. Methods: This study involved 24 healthy college students in their 20s (male, n=16; female, n=8). All participants performed the 2-min step test in a forest (outdoor) environment without wearing a mask and in a hospital (indoor) environment while wearing a mask. The number of repetitions and RPE in each environment were measured and compared. Results: The number of repetitions outdoors was significantly higher than that indoors (p<.05), and the indoor RPE was significantly higher than the outdoor value (p<.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that wearing a mask may increase dyspnea and reduce exercise performance, and exercising in a natural environment may improve physical performance. More studies are needed to more precisely analyze the effects of natural environments on physical and psychological performance, including diverse participants and environmental factors.