Running Through the Haze: How Wildfire Smoke Affects Physical Activity and Mental Well-Being

With a warming climate, extreme wildfires are more likely to occur, which may adversely affect air quality, physical activity (PA), and therefore, mental well-being.

We assessed PA engagement and mental well-being between periods with and without wildfire smoke, and whether there were associations between changes in PA behavior and mental well-being. Questionnaires on PA and mental well-being during a period of wildfire smoke were completed by 348 participants; of these participants, 162 also completed a follow-up PA and mental well-being questionnaire during a period without wildfire smoke. Data were analyzed using generalized/linear mixed models. Relationships between mental well-being and PA were analyzed using repeated-measures correlations.

Leisure-time walking, moderate PA, and vigorous PA were all significantly lower during periods of smoke compared to periods without smoke. Participants also experienced significantly higher symptoms of stress (11.63 [1.91] vs 10.20 [1.70], P = .039), anxiety (7.75 [2.24] vs 4.38 [1.32], P < .001), and depression (9.67 [0.90] vs 7.27 [0.76], P < .001) during the period of wildfire smoke. Vigorous PA, the proportion of PA time spent outdoors, and the sum of PA during leisure time, were significantly negatively correlated with mental well-being, therefore, it is possible that PA could be used as a tool during times of wildfire smoke.

These data suggest that PA and mental well-being are adversely impacted during wildfire smoke events. Future research should consider the impact of strategies to support PA during wildfire events on PA and mental well-being.