DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-087-0-0173

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN SEASONAL DECLINE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS WITH HEALTH LIMITATIONS

Karin Baisová¹, Michal Marko², Štefan Adamčák³, Jana Luptáková¹

¹ Institute of Physical Education and Sports, Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryk 24, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia

² Faculty of Performing Arts, Academy of Arts in Banská Bystrica, Kollár 22, 974 01 Banská Bystrica, Slovakia

³ Faculty of Sports Science and Health, Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Tajovský 40, 974 01 Banská Bystrica, Slovakia

Physical activity in natural environments plays an important role in adolescent health, yet seasonality and health barriers may affect participation. Differences in gender may indicate needs for targeted interventions; therefore, the study examined differences in gender in seasonal changes in physical activity and their relationship to health limitations during summer and winter. The sample included 1,034 adolescents (boys, N = 545; girls, N = 489). Differences in responses underwent evaluation with the chi-square test and Cramér’s V. Seasonal changes in activity (summer - winter) underwent analysis with the Mann-Whitney U test. Seasonal differences in health limitations underwent assessment with McNemar’s test for paired binary data. Statistically significant differences in gender appeared in both the frequency of physical activity and health barriers (p < .001; small to medium effects). Girls showed significantly greater seasonal declines in physical activity (p < .001; r = .10). Among girls, health limitations increased significantly during winter (p = .007), whereas no significant seasonal changes appeared among boys. These findings highlight greater seasonal vulnerability among girls in relation to physical activity in natural environments. We recommend targeted school- and community-based programs that support winter physical activity and reduce health barriers, in particular, girls.

Klíčová slova: Adolescents, health promotion, outdoor recreation, participation barriers

stránky: 173-176, Publikováno: 2026, online: 2026