Perceptions on Nordic Walking in women post COVID-19 pandemic: motivations and future intentions

Abstract

Problem statement. The COVID-19 pandemic effect led to a reduction in psychological, social, and physical wellbeing, due to social isolation and sedentariness. Interventions are needed to prevent and improve wellbeing, especially among adult women, for whom the greatest health problems arisen. Ecological exercise can produce greater health benefits than indoor training, including improved humor, self-esteem, physical fitness and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. Nordic Walking (NW) is an ecological activity, whose beneficial effects can be extended to both healthy people and those with diseases. However, we had to try to understand the motivations that make an individual, especially in adulthood, choose to engage in physical activity (PA), using the push-pull motivational framework. Purpose. The aim of the study was to investigate the adult women's motivations to practice PA post-COVID-19, the relationship among the variables analyzed, and their perceptions about the intention to practice NW in the future, to improve their physical, social, and mental wellbeing. Methods. A convenience sample of 65 women (50.07 ± 7.85 years old) was recruited for the study. A structured questionnaire was formulated, based on a thorough literature review, consisting of three sections: demographic characteristics, pull-push motivational factors to PA and future intention to perform NW. Results. Most adult women did not perform PA because of the boredom caused by the repetition of exercises and for fear of infection. However, they would prefer to practice outdoor activities in the future, including NW, through a teaching method different from the prescriptive one, the solution to which could be the heuristic learning. Motivations to take part in PA course varied according to the age: the younger ones had the need to improve their mental and physical state, while the older ones the need for social and autonomy. Conclusions. Future studies should focus on implementing an original and innovative protocol, that is not performance-oriented, but also aimed to improve social and mental wellbeing. The utility of the study is to provide more information to wellness instructors to attract potential customers to participate in PA courses.