Journal of Environmental Systems and Sustainability - Articles
Browse published articles from Journal of Environmental Systems and Sustainability
Manisalidis, I., Stavropoulou, E., Stavropoulos, A., Bezirtzoglou, E.
One of our era's greatest scourges is air pollution, on account not only of its impact on climate change but also its impact on public and individual health due to increasing morbidity and mortality. There are many pollutants that are major factors in disease in humans. Among them, Particulate Matter (PM), particles of variable but very small diameter, penetrate the respiratory system via inhalation, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reproductive and central nervous system dysfunctions, and cancer. Despite the fact that ozone in the stratosphere plays a protective role against ultraviolet irradiation, it is harmful when in high concentration at ground level, also affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular system. Furthermore, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), dioxins, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are all considered air pollutants that are harmful to humans. Carbon monoxide can even provoke direct poisoning when breathed in at high levels. Heavy metals such as lead, when absorbed into the human body, can lead to direct poisoning or chronic intoxication, depending on exposure. Diseases occurring from the aforementioned substances include principally respiratory problems such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiolitis, and also lung cancer, cardiovascular events, central nervous system dysfunctions, and cutaneous diseases. Last but not least, climate change resulting from environmental pollution affects the geographical distribution of many infectious diseases, as do natural disasters. The only way to tackle this problem is through public awareness coupled with a multidisciplinary approach by scientific experts; national and international organizations must address the emergence of this threat and propose sustainable solutions.
Environmental and Health Impacts of Air Pollution: A Review
Manisalidis, I., Stavropoulou, E., Stavropoulos, A., Bezirtzoglou, E.
One of our era's greatest scourges is air pollution, on account not only of its impact on climate change but also its impact on public and individual health due to increasing morbidity and mortality. There are many pollutants that are major factors in disease in humans. Among them, Particulate Matter (PM), particles of variable but very small diameter, penetrate the respiratory system via inhalation, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reproductive and central nervous system dysfunctions, and cancer. Despite the fact that ozone in the stratosphere plays a protective role against ultraviolet irradiation, it is harmful when in high concentration at ground level, also affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular system. Furthermore, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), dioxins, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are all considered air pollutants that are harmful to humans. Carbon monoxide can even provoke direct poisoning when breathed in at high levels. Heavy metals such as lead, when absorbed into the human body, can lead to direct poisoning or chronic intoxication, depending on exposure. Diseases occurring from the aforementioned substances include principally respiratory problems such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiolitis, and also lung cancer, cardiovascular events, central nervous system dysfunctions, and cutaneous diseases. Last but not least, climate change resulting from environmental pollution affects the geographical distribution of many infectious diseases, as do natural disasters. The only way to tackle this problem is through public awareness coupled with a multidisciplinary approach by scientific experts; national and international organizations must address the emergence of this threat and propose sustainable solutions.
Mahmoud, F., Vasquez, R., Tanaka, M.
Illegal logging is one of the most prevalent environmental infractions in the Amazon, led by organized networks that cause substantial ecological and economic impacts. Official control mechanisms, such as Brazil’s Forest Origin Document (DOF), remain vulnerable to the fraudulent manipulation of virtual timber credits and inconsistencies in digital traceability. These deficiencies highlight the need for independent, scientifically based methodologies for timber traceability that can support law enforcement and ensure reliable provenance verification. Here, we tested whether the isotopic composition of carbon ( δ 13 C ) and nitrogen ( δ 15 N ) in wood can trace Amazonian timber origin. We developed basin-wide δ 13 C and δ 15 N isoscapes using machine-learning models to predict spatial variability. A total of 571 trees from 47 sites were analyzed for both isotopes. Tree disks or wedges were sampled from the basal trunk, sectioned transversely, and sub-sampled from heartwood to near the sapwood boundary to obtain whole-tree isotopic composition. The δ 13 C and, more strongly, the δ 15 N values exhibited substantial within-site heterogeneity, indicating individual-level physiological controls, interspecific differences, and/or small-scale environmental variation influencing isotope fractionation. Despite these sources of noise, isotopic values showed independent and predictable spatial patterns across the basin ( R 2 = 0.67 for δ 15 N and R 2 = 0.60 for δ 13 C ). Nitrogen isotopes were primarily controlled by edaphic factors, while carbon isotopes revealed a broad longitudinal gradient linked to climate. Together, these isotopic markers provide complementary information for basin-scale timber provenancing and form a robust, high-resolution framework for Amazon-wide traceability.
Revisiting: Machine-learning models of δ 13 C and δ 15 N isoscapes in Amazonian wood
Mahmoud, F., Vasquez, R., Tanaka, M.
Illegal logging is one of the most prevalent environmental infractions in the Amazon, led by organized networks that cause substantial ecological and economic impacts. Official control mechanisms, such as Brazil’s Forest Origin Document (DOF), remain vulnerable to the fraudulent manipulation of virtual timber credits and inconsistencies in digital traceability. These deficiencies highlight the need for independent, scientifically based methodologies for timber traceability that can support law enforcement and ensure reliable provenance verification. Here, we tested whether the isotopic composition of carbon ( δ 13 C ) and nitrogen ( δ 15 N ) in wood can trace Amazonian timber origin. We developed basin-wide δ 13 C and δ 15 N isoscapes using machine-learning models to predict spatial variability. A total of 571 trees from 47 sites were analyzed for both isotopes. Tree disks or wedges were sampled from the basal trunk, sectioned transversely, and sub-sampled from heartwood to near the sapwood boundary to obtain whole-tree isotopic composition. The δ 13 C and, more strongly, the δ 15 N values exhibited substantial within-site heterogeneity, indicating individual-level physiological controls, interspecific differences, and/or small-scale environmental variation influencing isotope fractionation. Despite these sources of noise, isotopic values showed independent and predictable spatial patterns across the basin ( R 2 = 0.67 for δ 15 N and R 2 = 0.60 for δ 13 C ). Nitrogen isotopes were primarily controlled by edaphic factors, while carbon isotopes revealed a broad longitudinal gradient linked to climate. Together, these isotopic markers provide complementary information for basin-scale timber provenancing and form a robust, high-resolution framework for Amazon-wide traceability.
Tudi, M., Daniel Ruan, H., Wang, L., Lyu, J., Sadler, R., Connell, D., Chu, C., Phung, D.
Pesticides are indispensable in agricultural production. They have been used by farmers to control weeds and insects, and their remarkable increases in agricultural products have been reported. The increase in the world’s population in the 20th century could not have been possible without a parallel increase in food production. About one-third of agricultural products are produced depending on the application of pesticides. Without the use of pesticides, there would be a 78% loss of fruit production, a 54% loss of vegetable production, and a 32% loss of cereal production. Therefore, pesticides play a critical role in reducing diseases and increasing crop yields worldwide. Thus, it is essential to discuss the agricultural development process; the historical perspective, types and specific uses of pesticides; and pesticide behavior, its contamination, and adverse effects on the natural environment. The review study indicates that agricultural development has a long history in many places around the world. The history of pesticide use can be divided into three periods of time. Pesticides are classified by different classification terms such as chemical classes, functional groups, modes of action, and toxicity. Pesticides are used to kill pests and control weeds using chemical ingredients; hence, they can also be toxic to other organisms, including birds, fish, beneficial insects, and non-target plants, as well as air, water, soil, and crops. Moreover, pesticide contamination moves away from the target plants, resulting in environmental pollution. Such chemical residues impact human health through environmental and food contamination. In addition, climate change-related factors also impact on pesticide application and result in increased pesticide usage and pesticide pollution. Therefore, this review will provide the scientific information necessary for pesticide application and management in the future.
Agriculture Development, Pesticide Application and Its Impact on the Environment
Tudi, M., Daniel Ruan, H., Wang, L., Lyu, J., Sadler, R., Connell, D., Chu, C., Phung, D.
Pesticides are indispensable in agricultural production. They have been used by farmers to control weeds and insects, and their remarkable increases in agricultural products have been reported. The increase in the world’s population in the 20th century could not have been possible without a parallel increase in food production. About one-third of agricultural products are produced depending on the application of pesticides. Without the use of pesticides, there would be a 78% loss of fruit production, a 54% loss of vegetable production, and a 32% loss of cereal production. Therefore, pesticides play a critical role in reducing diseases and increasing crop yields worldwide. Thus, it is essential to discuss the agricultural development process; the historical perspective, types and specific uses of pesticides; and pesticide behavior, its contamination, and adverse effects on the natural environment. The review study indicates that agricultural development has a long history in many places around the world. The history of pesticide use can be divided into three periods of time. Pesticides are classified by different classification terms such as chemical classes, functional groups, modes of action, and toxicity. Pesticides are used to kill pests and control weeds using chemical ingredients; hence, they can also be toxic to other organisms, including birds, fish, beneficial insects, and non-target plants, as well as air, water, soil, and crops. Moreover, pesticide contamination moves away from the target plants, resulting in environmental pollution. Such chemical residues impact human health through environmental and food contamination. In addition, climate change-related factors also impact on pesticide application and result in increased pesticide usage and pesticide pollution. Therefore, this review will provide the scientific information necessary for pesticide application and management in the future.
Dvořák, T., Dubois, Z.
Infanticide by females occurs in many mammalian species but is rarely observed directly, making its social and ecological determinants difficult to identify. Here, we report the first direct observation of within‐pack infanticide by a female free‐ranging domestic dog. To assess whether this case can be better explained by resource competition or nutritional gain, we examined the social context in which it occurred. In our long‐term study population, we identified 26 cases characterised by a similar pattern of overlapping pregnancies within social groups. By comparing dominance rank and birth order across cases, we found that subordinate females time their births after or in synchrony with the alpha female, which may be a strategy to reduce infanticide risk. By giving birth later, the subordinate potentially allows the alpha a competitive advantage, thereby reducing the incentive for infanticide. Furthermore, subordinate free‐ranging dogs may use communal denning as a protective measure, as it hinders the identification of individual litters. In our study, the infanticide followed a period of rank instability. Social rank instability could elevate infanticide risk, since the absence of dominance signals might complicate the subordinate's assessment of the potential threat to its offspring, or because infanticide is used to consolidate dominance. On the other hand, we did not find support for the hypothesis that insufficient nutrition motivated the infanticide, based on an evaluation of the body condition scores within the pack and on the observation that not all killed pups were eaten. Taken together, our preliminary findings suggest that resource competition rather than nutritional gain may better explain infanticide by female free‐ranging dogs. Updated in version 2 to clarify the scope of the analysis.
A Direct Observation of Infanticide by a Female Free‐Ranging Dog ( Canis familiaris ) Supports the Resource Competition Hypothesis: methods and sensitivity checks
Dvořák, T., Dubois, Z.
Infanticide by females occurs in many mammalian species but is rarely observed directly, making its social and ecological determinants difficult to identify. Here, we report the first direct observation of within‐pack infanticide by a female free‐ranging domestic dog. To assess whether this case can be better explained by resource competition or nutritional gain, we examined the social context in which it occurred. In our long‐term study population, we identified 26 cases characterised by a similar pattern of overlapping pregnancies within social groups. By comparing dominance rank and birth order across cases, we found that subordinate females time their births after or in synchrony with the alpha female, which may be a strategy to reduce infanticide risk. By giving birth later, the subordinate potentially allows the alpha a competitive advantage, thereby reducing the incentive for infanticide. Furthermore, subordinate free‐ranging dogs may use communal denning as a protective measure, as it hinders the identification of individual litters. In our study, the infanticide followed a period of rank instability. Social rank instability could elevate infanticide risk, since the absence of dominance signals might complicate the subordinate's assessment of the potential threat to its offspring, or because infanticide is used to consolidate dominance. On the other hand, we did not find support for the hypothesis that insufficient nutrition motivated the infanticide, based on an evaluation of the body condition scores within the pack and on the observation that not all killed pups were eaten. Taken together, our preliminary findings suggest that resource competition rather than nutritional gain may better explain infanticide by female free‐ranging dogs. Updated in version 2 to clarify the scope of the analysis.
Souza-Silva, I., Martinelli, L., Holmes, B., Batista, A., Araújo, M., Garção, A., Ponton, S., Groenendijk, P., Locosselli, G., Ortega-Rodriguez, D., Amorim, D., Costa, F., Nardoto, G., Brunello, A., Costa, V., Assis-Pereira, G., Tomazello-Filho, M., Higuchi, N., Barbosa, A., Sena-Souza, J., Bataille, C.
Illegal logging is one of the most prevalent environmental infractions in the Amazon, led by organized networks that cause substantial ecological and economic impacts. Official control mechanisms, such as Brazil’s Forest Origin Document (DOF), remain vulnerable to the fraudulent manipulation of virtual timber credits and inconsistencies in digital traceability. These deficiencies highlight the need for independent, scientifically based methodologies for timber traceability that can support law enforcement and ensure reliable provenance verification. Here, we tested whether the isotopic composition of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in wood can trace Amazonian timber origin. We developed basin-wide δ13C and δ15N isoscapes using machine-learning models to predict spatial variability. A total of 571 trees from 47 sites were analyzed for both isotopes. Tree disks or wedges were sampled from the basal trunk, sectioned transversely, and sub-sampled from heartwood to near the sapwood boundary to obtain whole-tree isotopic composition. The δ13C and, more strongly, the δ15N values exhibited substantial within-site heterogeneity, indicating individual-level physiological controls, interspecific differences, and/or small-scale environmental variation influencing isotope fractionation. Despite these sources of noise, isotopic values showed independent and predictable spatial patterns across the basin (R2=0.67 for δ15N and R2=0.60 for δ13C). Nitrogen isotopes were primarily controlled by edaphic factors, while carbon isotopes revealed a broad longitudinal gradient linked to climate. Together, these isotopic markers provide complementary information for basin-scale timber provenancing and form a robust, high-resolution framework for Amazon-wide traceability.
Machine-learning models of δ13C and δ15N isoscapes in Amazonian wood
Souza-Silva, I., Martinelli, L., Holmes, B., Batista, A., Araújo, M., Garção, A., Ponton, S., Groenendijk, P., Locosselli, G., Ortega-Rodriguez, D., Amorim, D., Costa, F., Nardoto, G., Brunello, A., Costa, V., Assis-Pereira, G., Tomazello-Filho, M., Higuchi, N., Barbosa, A., Sena-Souza, J., Bataille, C.
Illegal logging is one of the most prevalent environmental infractions in the Amazon, led by organized networks that cause substantial ecological and economic impacts. Official control mechanisms, such as Brazil’s Forest Origin Document (DOF), remain vulnerable to the fraudulent manipulation of virtual timber credits and inconsistencies in digital traceability. These deficiencies highlight the need for independent, scientifically based methodologies for timber traceability that can support law enforcement and ensure reliable provenance verification. Here, we tested whether the isotopic composition of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in wood can trace Amazonian timber origin. We developed basin-wide δ13C and δ15N isoscapes using machine-learning models to predict spatial variability. A total of 571 trees from 47 sites were analyzed for both isotopes. Tree disks or wedges were sampled from the basal trunk, sectioned transversely, and sub-sampled from heartwood to near the sapwood boundary to obtain whole-tree isotopic composition. The δ13C and, more strongly, the δ15N values exhibited substantial within-site heterogeneity, indicating individual-level physiological controls, interspecific differences, and/or small-scale environmental variation influencing isotope fractionation. Despite these sources of noise, isotopic values showed independent and predictable spatial patterns across the basin (R2=0.67 for δ15N and R2=0.60 for δ13C). Nitrogen isotopes were primarily controlled by edaphic factors, while carbon isotopes revealed a broad longitudinal gradient linked to climate. Together, these isotopic markers provide complementary information for basin-scale timber provenancing and form a robust, high-resolution framework for Amazon-wide traceability.
Pellegrini, C.
Editorial: Sea level rise and urban green infrastructure under future climate scenarios
Pellegrini, C.
Gunnarsson, M., Castellanos, S., Wójcik, V.
Impulsive individuals exhibit abnormal reward processing (heightened preference for immediate rewards, i.e., impulsive choice, IC) and a penchant for maladaptive action (the inability to inhibit inappropriate actions, i.e., impulsive action, IA). Both impulsive choice and impulsive action are strongly influenced by emotions (emotional impulsivity); yet how emotions impact impulsive behavior remains unclear. The traditional theory suggests that emotions primarily exacerbate impulsive action and prompts impulsive choice. The alternative theory states that emotions disrupt attention (attentional impulsivity, AImp) and prompt impulsive choice. However, the empirical evidence supporting these theories is inconsistent—few correlations have been reported between self-report measures of emotional impulsivity and behavioral measures of impulsivity beyond clinical populations. In two studies, we probed the interplay among emotions, impulsive action (IA), attentional impulsivity (AImp), and impulsive choice (IC). We elicited positive and negative emotions using emotional pictures and examined the extent to which elicited emotions altered behavioral indices of impulsivity. Our findings suggest that, in a nonclinical population, emotions accentuate impulsive behavior by disrupting attentional control. In particular, Positive Urgency plays an important role in inhibitory control. Keywords : impulsivity, emotions, mouse-cursor tracking.
CO₂ and CH₄ fluxes from rewetted peatlands: a δ¹³C isotopic approach
Gunnarsson, M., Castellanos, S., Wójcik, V.
Impulsive individuals exhibit abnormal reward processing (heightened preference for immediate rewards, i.e., impulsive choice, IC) and a penchant for maladaptive action (the inability to inhibit inappropriate actions, i.e., impulsive action, IA). Both impulsive choice and impulsive action are strongly influenced by emotions (emotional impulsivity); yet how emotions impact impulsive behavior remains unclear. The traditional theory suggests that emotions primarily exacerbate impulsive action and prompts impulsive choice. The alternative theory states that emotions disrupt attention (attentional impulsivity, AImp) and prompt impulsive choice. However, the empirical evidence supporting these theories is inconsistent—few correlations have been reported between self-report measures of emotional impulsivity and behavioral measures of impulsivity beyond clinical populations. In two studies, we probed the interplay among emotions, impulsive action (IA), attentional impulsivity (AImp), and impulsive choice (IC). We elicited positive and negative emotions using emotional pictures and examined the extent to which elicited emotions altered behavioral indices of impulsivity. Our findings suggest that, in a nonclinical population, emotions accentuate impulsive behavior by disrupting attentional control. In particular, Positive Urgency plays an important role in inhibitory control. Keywords : impulsivity, emotions, mouse-cursor tracking.
Sørensen, S., Delacroix, O.
Background : Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) results in multiple, complex health-related risks and associated fear of movement (kinesiophobia). Therefore, the purpose of this research study was to examine how a holistic, embodied, and performative movement program (EDS-HEART) can affect body schema, physical and mental health, and lifestyle, which contribute to the joy of movement and physical activity participation among adult women with hEDS. Methods : This was a hermeneutic, phenomenological, quasi-experimental, and community-based research study among six women with hEDS, who participated in the EDS-HEART movement program at a local physical therapy clinic. The seven-week program incorporated stretching and strength training activities as well as performative-thematic movement sequences. Results : Based on the qualitative analysis, three themes emerged regarding reasons for the joy of the EDS-HEART program: (a) improved body schema: body awareness, confidence, posture, and proprioception ; (b) highly motivating program: holistic, embodied, performative, pleasant, and safe ; and (c) psychosocial reasons: supportive setting, sense of pleasure and euphoria, and freed from social comparisons and the fear of movement . Conclusions: Based on the study results, public health experts should develop and implement easily accessible and holistic movement programs among people with hEDS and similar conditions to improve physical health, psychosocial health, and the joy of movement.
Reasons for Participating in the EDS-HEART Program: Holistic and Performative Within a Supportive Community: a supplementary report
Sørensen, S., Delacroix, O.
Background : Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) results in multiple, complex health-related risks and associated fear of movement (kinesiophobia). Therefore, the purpose of this research study was to examine how a holistic, embodied, and performative movement program (EDS-HEART) can affect body schema, physical and mental health, and lifestyle, which contribute to the joy of movement and physical activity participation among adult women with hEDS. Methods : This was a hermeneutic, phenomenological, quasi-experimental, and community-based research study among six women with hEDS, who participated in the EDS-HEART movement program at a local physical therapy clinic. The seven-week program incorporated stretching and strength training activities as well as performative-thematic movement sequences. Results : Based on the qualitative analysis, three themes emerged regarding reasons for the joy of the EDS-HEART program: (a) improved body schema: body awareness, confidence, posture, and proprioception ; (b) highly motivating program: holistic, embodied, performative, pleasant, and safe ; and (c) psychosocial reasons: supportive setting, sense of pleasure and euphoria, and freed from social comparisons and the fear of movement . Conclusions: Based on the study results, public health experts should develop and implement easily accessible and holistic movement programs among people with hEDS and similar conditions to improve physical health, psychosocial health, and the joy of movement.
Larsen, G., Strand, G.
This study focuses on the performance of the elastic–viscous–plastic (EVP) dynamical solver within the sea ice model, CICE v6.5.1. The study has been conducted in two steps. First, the standard EVP solver was extracted from CICE for experiments with refactored versions, which are used for performance testing. Second, one refactored version was integrated and tested in the full CICE model to demonstrate that the new algorithms do not significantly impact the physical results. The study reveals two dominant bottlenecks, namely (1) the number of Message Parsing Interface (MPI) and Open Multi-Processing (OpenMP) synchronization points required for halo exchanges during each time step combined with the irregular domain of active sea ice points and (2) the lack of single-instruction, multiple-data (SIMD) code generation.
Revisiting: Refactoring the elastic–viscous–plastic solver from the sea ice model CICE v6.5.1 for improved performance
Larsen, G., Strand, G.
This study focuses on the performance of the elastic–viscous–plastic (EVP) dynamical solver within the sea ice model, CICE v6.5.1. The study has been conducted in two steps. First, the standard EVP solver was extracted from CICE for experiments with refactored versions, which are used for performance testing. Second, one refactored version was integrated and tested in the full CICE model to demonstrate that the new algorithms do not significantly impact the physical results. The study reveals two dominant bottlenecks, namely (1) the number of Message Parsing Interface (MPI) and Open Multi-Processing (OpenMP) synchronization points required for halo exchanges during each time step combined with the irregular domain of active sea ice points and (2) the lack of single-instruction, multiple-data (SIMD) code generation.
Kosma, M., Erickson, N., Hinerman, A., Anderson, I.
Background: Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) results in multiple, complex health-related risks and associated fear of movement (kinesiophobia). Therefore, the purpose of this research study was to examine how a holistic, embodied, and performative movement program (EDS-HEART) can affect body schema, physical and mental health, and lifestyle, which contribute to the joy of movement and physical activity participation among adult women with hEDS. Methods: This was a hermeneutic, phenomenological, quasi-experimental, and community-based research study among six women with hEDS, who participated in the EDS-HEART movement program at a local physical therapy clinic. The seven-week program incorporated stretching and strength training activities as well as performative-thematic movement sequences. Results: Based on the qualitative analysis, three themes emerged regarding reasons for the joy of the EDS-HEART program: (a) improved body schema: body awareness, confidence, posture, and proprioception; (b) highly motivating program: holistic, embodied, performative, pleasant, and safe; and (c) psychosocial reasons: supportive setting, sense of pleasure and euphoria, and freed from social comparisons and the fear of movement. Conclusions: Based on the study results, public health experts should develop and implement easily accessible and holistic movement programs among people with hEDS and similar conditions to improve physical health, psychosocial health, and the joy of movement.
Reasons for Participating in the EDS-HEART Program: Holistic and Performative Within a Supportive Community
Kosma, M., Erickson, N., Hinerman, A., Anderson, I.
Background: Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) results in multiple, complex health-related risks and associated fear of movement (kinesiophobia). Therefore, the purpose of this research study was to examine how a holistic, embodied, and performative movement program (EDS-HEART) can affect body schema, physical and mental health, and lifestyle, which contribute to the joy of movement and physical activity participation among adult women with hEDS. Methods: This was a hermeneutic, phenomenological, quasi-experimental, and community-based research study among six women with hEDS, who participated in the EDS-HEART movement program at a local physical therapy clinic. The seven-week program incorporated stretching and strength training activities as well as performative-thematic movement sequences. Results: Based on the qualitative analysis, three themes emerged regarding reasons for the joy of the EDS-HEART program: (a) improved body schema: body awareness, confidence, posture, and proprioception; (b) highly motivating program: holistic, embodied, performative, pleasant, and safe; and (c) psychosocial reasons: supportive setting, sense of pleasure and euphoria, and freed from social comparisons and the fear of movement. Conclusions: Based on the study results, public health experts should develop and implement easily accessible and holistic movement programs among people with hEDS and similar conditions to improve physical health, psychosocial health, and the joy of movement.