KMAN Publication Inc. International Journal of Sport Studies for Health 2588-5782 In Press 2025 12 13 Quantitative Risk Assessment of Outdoor Fitness Equipment Safety in Rainy Conditions Using the L-Type Matrix Method Quantitative Risk Assessment of Outdoor Fitness Equipment Safety in Rainy Conditions Using the L-Type Matrix Method 1 9 10.61838/kman.intjssh.4622 EN Journal Article 2025 10 29 <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><strong>Objective:</strong> To address a critical gap in proactive risk management for public recreational infrastructure, this study quantitatively assesses the safety risks posed by rainy weather on outdoor fitness equipment using the L-type matrix method.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> A mixed-method approach, which combines quantitative and qualitative data, was employed. A total of 240 participants from two similar outdoor fitness parks evaluated the usability of eight different equipment pieces (B1-B8) on a 0-2 scale (0=Unusable, 1=Cautious Use, 2=Usable) under wet conditions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the L-Type Matrix Risk Analysis—where probability (O) was calculated as O = 2 - Usability Score to accurately reflect accident likelihood—and one/two-way analysis of variance tests. Qualitative data from the focus group interviews were analyzed through content analysis.</p> <p><strong>Findings:</strong> The L-Type Matrix analysis revealed that seven out of the eight equipment pieces posed a "high risk," and one (B2 - Elliptical Bike) posed a "very high risk." The elliptical bike (B2) had the lowest usability score (0.23), correlating with the highest accident probability. No significant differences were found based on gender or age (p &gt; 0.05), confirming that environmental factors are the primary risk determinants, not user demographics. Qualitative findings strongly supported these results, with 81% of participants reporting significant safety concerns regarding surface slipperiness and 68% highlighting water accumulation and corrosion issues.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> This study provides quantitative evidence that rainy conditions create serious safety hazards in outdoor fitness areas. The findings underscore the necessity of integrating environmental safety parameters—such as non-slip and permeable surfaces, effective drainage, corrosion-resistant materials, and clear warning systems—as a core component of the design, planning, and maintenance of public exercise infrastructure. The application of the L-type matrix method demonstrates its utility as a practical tool for proactive risk assessment in this context.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> https://journals.kmanpub.com/index.php/Intjssh/article/download/4622/9006