Move in nature, get strong with smart sports: physical activity habits and health-related psychological factors among adults exercising in green and smart sports environments.

INTRODUCTION

Sedentary lifestyles threaten physical and psychological well-being. Nature-integrated green sports environments and digitally supported smart sports environments may promote physical activity and sustainable health. This study examined the direct and indirect associations among green facility exposure/use, smart facility/technology interaction, physical activity, sport motivation, perceived stress, psychological resilience, and quality of life.

METHODS

A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational design was used with 300 adults living in Türkiye (168 women and 132 men; mean age = 33.4 years, SD = 9.7). Data were collected online between 22 May and 14 November 2025 and analyzed using a hybrid structural equation model combining observed composite indices and latent psychometric constructs.

RESULTS

The model showed acceptable fit (χ 2/df = 2.10, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.051, SRMR = 0.044). Physical activity was positively associated with sport motivation (β = 0.48, p < 0.001), which was positively associated with psychological resilience (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) and quality of life (β = 0.27, p < 0.001). Green facility exposure/use (β = 0.18, p < 0.05) and smart facility/technology interaction (β = 0.12, p < 0.05) were positively associated with physical activity. Perceived stress was negatively associated with psychological resilience (β = -0.33, p < 0.01) and quality of life (β = -0.29, p < 0.01). Indirect associations linked physical activity with quality of life through sport motivation and psychological resilience.

DISCUSSION: Green and smart exercise contexts may support physical activity and related motivational and psychological processes. Because the study was cross-sectional, the findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. Nature-based and technology-supported opportunities may inform sports-environment planning and public-health strategies.