Classification of the Effort Index and Biomechanical Overload in Natural Trails of UNESCO Global Geoparks—A Network Perspective of Trails of the Araripe UGG (NE Brazil)

Eduardo S. Guimarães (), Artur A. Sá, Rafael C. Soares, Paulo Felipe R. Bandeira, Helena Moreira, Jaqueliny R. S. Guimarães, Francisco do Ó de Lima Júnior and Ronaldo C. D. Gabriel
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Eduardo S. Guimarães: Department of Sport Sciences, Exercise and Health, UTAD—University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Artur A. Sá: Department of Geology, UTAD—University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Rafael C. Soares: Araripe UNESCO Global Geopark, URCA—Universidade Regional do Cariri, Rua Carolino Sucupira, Crato 63105-000, CE, Brazil
Paulo Felipe R. Bandeira: Motor Evaluation Study, Application and Research Group—GEAPAM, URCA—Universidade Regional do Cariri, Rua Cel. Antônio Luis 1161, Crato 63105-000, CE, Brazil
Helena Moreira: Department of Sport Sciences, Exercise and Health, Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD) and Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Jaqueliny R. S. Guimarães: Department of Medicine, URCA—Universidade Regional do Cariri, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz 1161, Crato 63105-000, CE, Brazil
Francisco do Ó de Lima Júnior: Department of Economics, URCA—Universidade Regional do Cariri, Araripe UNESCO Global Geopark, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz 1161, Crato 63105-000, CE, Brazil
Ronaldo C. D. Gabriel: Department of Sport Sciences, Exercise and Health, Centre for the Research and Technology in Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 21, 1-31

Abstract: Natural trails in UNESCO Global Geopark territories show strong salutogenic, inclusive and interactive characteristics as potentials and opportunities for ecosystem health. It is essential to provide information to inform the hiker as to the characteristics of the environment and the attractions and challenges of the route. Based on a network analysis methodology we aimed to identify the indicators of centrality and strength of connection in order to classify the effort index and biomechanical overload of the Araripe UNESCO Global Geopark trails in Brazil. The results showed strong connection and centrality of the variables related to the biomechanical overload in the effort index. In the trail of Pontal de Cruz the altimetric variation and the surface of the ground are highlighted in the biomechanical overload that presented a horizontal course equivalent 2.6 times larger than the presented distance. In Sítio Fundão trail, the surface of the ground also stood out, increasing the exposure in 36% of the presented distance. On the Missão Velha Waterfall trail, the variable that stood out was the biomechanical overload on the knee, equivalent to a horizontal increase of 28% of the measured distance. The methodology presented sought to optimise the mapping, management and consolidation of a network of natural trails aggregated to a high geotouristic, scientific, educational, cultural and well-being potential as presented in the Araripe UGG territory.

Keywords: geotourism; health provision; ecosystem service; green exercise; health lifestyle; sustainable development; network analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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