A Comparison of Exercise Intensity between Two Horticultural and Four Common Physical Activities among Male Adults in Their 20s

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the exercise intensity associated with four common physical activities for adults (running, skipping rope, walking, and muscle strength exercises) and two horticultural activities (creating a vegetable bed and garden maintenance). For this experiment, 19 males (mean age: 25.8 ± 2.3 years) randomly participated in the activities at a glasshouse at Konkuk University. Each of the six activities lasted for 5 minutes; the subjects rested for 5 minutes during intervals between the activities. A portable metabolic analyzer was used to store the oxygen and energy consumption values obtained upon measurement of each activity. In addition, a wireless heart rate monitor was used to measure the subjects' heart rate. According to the results, the four types of physical activities and two horticultural activities carried out by the subjects are moderate-to high-intensity activities [i.e., 3.8 ± 0.9 to 9.9 ± 2.1 metabolic equivalents (METs)]. Running (9.9 ± 2.1 METs) and skipping rope (8.8 ± 2.2 METs) were categorized as high-intensity physical activities, whereas creating a vegetable bed (5.0 ± 1.2 METs), walking (4.9 ± 0.8 METs), muscle strength exercises (4.5 ± 1.3 METs), and garden maintenance (3.8 ± 0.9 METs) were classified as moderate-intensity physical activities. The exercise intensities of horticultural activities in this study were similar to those of walking and muscle strength exercises. Therefore, participating in these horticultural activities is expected to garner health benefits similar to those reaped from the physical activities described in the current study.

Gardening Intervention for Physical and Psychological Health Benefits in Elderly Women at Community Centers

“…At the beginning of the study, demographic information, such as age, education level, marital status, and monthly income, was obtained via questionnaire from subjects in both groups. Additionally, a satisfaction survey regarding the gardening intervention (Park et al, 2015) was modified for this study and completed by participants in the gardening intervention group at the end of the 15-session gardening intervention. This satisfaction survey comprised a total of seven questions, including questions about overall satisfaction with the gardening intervention (e.g., what is your overall satisfaction for the gardening intervention?…”

Effect of gardening physical activity on neuroplasticity and cognitive function

“…Although there are only a small number of studies, the findings are nevertheless encouraging. Especially, since the existing research has linked the role of BDNF in synaptic plasticity and reduced risk of neurodegenerative pathologies [23,65]. One of the main limitations of these findings is that none of the studies used longitudinal designs with appropriate controls that could be followed for an extended period beyond the respective interventions.…”

“…Findings from studies showed a relationship between physical activity and cognitive improvement in other neurodegenerative diseases associated with cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease [19,20]. The evidence suggests that physical activity is responsible for the promotion of neuroplasticity, in that it can lead to the upregulation of BDNF, downregulation of endogenous corticosteroids and pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduction of oxidative stress, and improved cerebral blood flow and preservation of brain volume [19][20][21][22]; all of which contribute to improved brain health and preservation of cognitive function in neurodegenerative diseases and patients with neurological injuries [23].…”

Horticultural Therapy for Improving the Work Performance and Interpersonal Relationships of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

“…The results of this study also showed a tendency to increase VEGF, suggesting that HT may have a positive effect on brain nerve growth factors of persons with intellectual disabilities. Horticultural activity is a low-to-moderate-intensity physical activity [ 41 ], similar to that of aerobic exercises. Therefore, it is thought to have the possibility of positively affecting cognition by controlling the function of the hippocampus.…”