Conference Agenda

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among vulnerable population groups. This is linked to numerous behavioural, social, and environmental determinants. The aim of the research was to create thematic maps of the city of Rijeka based on analysis of the results from the “Barometer of Health of Residents of the City of Rijeka” and data obtained from key stakeholders in the City of Rijeka as part of the HORUS project (GA no. 101136516). The methodology for creating the maps was based on spatio-temporal patterns of NCDs and environmental interventions, using exploratory spatio-temporal data analysis (ESTDA) and spatial autocorrelation pattern estimation. Accordingly, thematic maps based on a geographic information system (GIS) were generated and adapted for display on the HORUS platform. Thematic maps show parts of the city of Rijeka with the proportions of residents who have healthy or unhealthy lifestyle habits (physical activity, smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages, diet, etc.), as well as urban variables such as population density, public transport, city connectivity, density of green spaces, economic activity, and others. These thematic maps formed the basis for the development and implementation of HORUS interventions in the city of Rijeka and will also serve as the basis for changing urban environmental management policies, while promoting the well-being, sustainability, and inclusion of the population and contributing to the development of healthier and more resilient cities.

Natural environments are increasingly recognised as health resources that support well-being and encourage healthy lifestyles including physical activity. However, engagement with nature varies substantially between individuals. Identifying behavioural profiles of nature engagement may help develop targeted health promotion strategies that strengthen resilience and support health-enhancing behaviours.

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 965 adults aged 18–76 years (M = 42.83, SD = 13.13; 91% female). Attitude–behaviour patterns across mindful, sensory and artistic, and body-related domains of nature engagement were assessed using the Nature-Based Self-Care Questionnaire. Measures of psychological resilience, perceived stress, life satisfaction and self-rated health were collected. Cluster analysis using standardised engagement variables identified behavioural profiles. Differences between clusters were examined using Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Four behavioural profiles emerged: Aligned High Nature Engagement (n = 201, 20.8%), Aligned Low Nature Engagement (n = 280, 29.0%), Moderate Attitude and Behaviour (n = 312, 32.3%), and High Attitude–Low Behaviour (n = 172, 17.8%). Significant differences were observed in psychological resilience (H(3) = 97.80, p < .001), self-rated health (H(3) = 52.60, p < .001), and life satisfaction (H(3) = 84.56, p < .001). Participants with high alignment between attitudes and behaviours reported the most favourable outcomes. Stress indicators also differed significantly across profiles.

Engagement with natural environments appears to be a modifiable health behaviour associated with stronger resilience and better perceived health. Health promotion initiatives and urban planning policies that increase accessible opportunities for everyday interaction with green environments may strengthen population well-being and support preventive public health strategies.

Purpose: The climate crisis is causing more frequent and intense heat waves, posing health risks and impairing endurance performance in runners. This study examined the challenges experienced and the strategies adopted by endurance runners when running in the heat.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 303 endurance runners of varying training levels (45% male, 38.2 ± 11.3 years) completed an online questionnaire assessing heat-related symptoms, perceived limits as well as adaptation strategies for running in hot conditions.

Results: Running in hot conditions (≥25 °C) commonly induced physical symptoms such as excessive sweating (82.2%), fatigue (48.5%), headaches (22.4%), and dizziness (13.5%), and elicited predominantly neutral to negative mental effects regarding motivation, concentration, mental resilience and self-confidence. Participants perceived 26.1 ± 4.7°C as the upper temperature limit for comfortable running, and 32.7% reported being likely to cancel sessions at ≥25 °C. Most runners (74.6%) adjusted their training on hot days, typically by changing the time of day (68.3%) or reducing pace (57.4%), followed by seeking shade (45.5%) or shortening distance/duration (40.9%). Pace and duration adjustments were rated as easiest, whereas finding shade or alternative routes was more challenging. Cooling strategies were believed to improve comfort (76.3%) and performance (72.7%), but the only commonly used method was pouring water over the head (47.9%). Although 63.4% felt prepared for heat, structured acclimation practices were infrequent.

Conclusion: Runners experience diverse physical challenges when exercising in hot conditions and rely primarily on simple training adjustments rather than structured heat acclimation. Improved education on effective heat adaptation could enhance safety and performance.

Background and aim of the study: Temporary Urban Environment Changes (TUECs) are reversible, adaptable public-space modifications for active living, endorsed by the WHO’s 2025 Promoting Walking and Cycling toolkit. Despite this, implementation-focused evidence remains limited on how TUECs are governed and delivered, including how schemes are trialled, learned from and sustained. The aim of this study was to explore professional stakeholders’ accounts of conditions that enable or constrain TUEC implementation in Scotland.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive expert sample of stakeholders working at national (n=6), regional (n=2) and local (n=3) levels (n=11). Interviews (30–45 min) were recorded, transcribed, anonymised and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Questions covered stakeholder conceptualisation of TUECs, perceived impacts, and delivery barriers/enablers.

Results: Stakeholders described “temporariness” as a way to trial reversible change, learn from real-world use, and decide whether to adapt, retain or withdraw measures. Perceived benefits for physical activity and liveability were described as conditional on visibility and legibility, inclusive access, perceived safety/comfort, connectivity and maintenance. Delivery was constrained by unclear approvals, limited capacity and resources, design limitations, contested public narratives and equity concerns; enabling conditions included clearer authorisation routes and policy backing, cross-sector framing, resourcing and delivery partnerships, accessibility-first design, proactive communication and monitoring credible for decision-making.

Conclusions: TUECs may be a pragmatic public-health lever, but only when trialling is matched with stewardship and transparent review criteria. Policy and practice should prioritise accessibility-first delivery and evaluation systems that support equitable decisions about scaling, adapting or removing measures.

Funding: CSC Scholarship.

Background:

Large proportions of the population in Europe do not cycle regularly as a means of transport. This study aims to investigate the perceived barriers to cycling in order to provide advice for effective promotional measures, particularly for less active groups.

Methods:

Self-reported data were used from the population-based 2025 survey “Health in Germany” involving individuals aged 18 and older (n=32,374). Participants were asked to select from 15 potential barriers those that applied to them in terms of what prevents them from using cycling as a means of transport. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate differences between sociodemographic groups.

Results:

On average, individuals chose 5 factors preventing them from taking a bike for transport. The most frequently selected barriers were: weather conditions (51%), too long distances (45%), not wanting to sweat (43%), having too much luggage or people to transport (34%), and a lack of shower facilities (32%). Almost all of the barriers were selected more frequently by women than men. Older adults selected more often health issues (50%), lack of physical fitness (44%), lack of bike availability (40%), and concerns about accidents (38%). Individuals with a lower level of education were more likely to select the following barriers to cycling: lack of bike availability (35%), lack of physical fitness (34%), and health issues (31%).

Conclusions:

Our findings underscore the need for target group-specific measures to promote cycling as a means of transport and indicate which key barriers these measures should address.

Funding:

German Federal Ministry of Health

Introduction
Physical activity is a well-established protective factor for non-communicable diseases, including stroke. Beyond prevention, pre-stroke physical activity may also influence recovery trajectories following stroke. Active transportation, such as walking or cycling to work, has been associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, but its potential relationship with post-stroke recovery remains largely unexplored. This study investigates whether active transportation and leisure-time physical activity prior to stroke are associated with early and later post-stroke recovery outcomes.

Methods
This registry-based cohort study included 3,507 individuals with first-ever stroke from the Västerbotten Intervention Programme linked with national health registries. Transportation mode to and from work was self-reported for four seasons and classified as the predominant annual mode if reported in at least three seasons (walking, bicycling, bus, or car). Leisure-time exercise during the previous three months was categorized as no regular exercise, 1–2 times/week, or ≥2 times/week.

Two outcomes were examined: number of hospital days after stroke and dependency in activities of daily living (toilett, dressing, moving) at three months (Riksstroke follow-up). Adjusted models included age, sex, level of consciousness at admission (proxy for stroke severity), education, risky alcohol consumption, and leisure-time physical activity (in transport models). Logistic regression and negative binomial regression were used.

Preliminary Results
Higher age and reduced consciousness at admission were significantly associated with both greater ADL dependency at three months and a higher number of hospital days. No statistically significant associations were observed between transportation mode or leisure-time physical activity and either outcome after adjustment.