A systematic review of evidence for the added benefits to health of exposure to natural environments

Abstract

BackgroundThere is increasing interest in the potential role of the natural environment in human health and well-being. However, the evidence-base for specific and direct health or well-being benefits of activity within natural compared to more synthetic environments has not been systematically assessed.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review to collate and synthesise the findings of studies that compare measurements of health or well-being in natural and synthetic environments. Effect sizes of the differences between environments were calculated and meta-analysis used to synthesise data from studies measuring similar outcomes.ResultsTwenty-five studies met the review inclusion criteria. Most of these studies were crossover or controlled trials that investigated the effects of short-term exposure to each environment during a walk or run. This included 'natural' environments, such as public parks and green university campuses, and synthetic environments, such as indoor and outdoor built environments. The most common outcome measures were scores of different self-reported emotions. Based on these data, a meta-analysis provided some evidence of a positive benefit of a walk or run in a natural environment in comparison to a synthetic environment. There was also some support for greater attention after exposure to a natural environment but not after adjusting effect sizes for pretest differences. Meta-analysis of data on blood pressure and cortisol concentrations found less evidence of a consistent difference between environments across studies.ConclusionsOverall, the studies are suggestive that natural environments may have direct and positive impacts on well-being, but support the need for investment in further research on this question to understand the general significance for public health.

Enhancing daily well-being at work through lunchtime park walks and relaxation exercises: Recovery experiences as mediators.

“…They are also in line with psycho-evolutionary theory (Ulrich et al, 1991), proposing that natural environments are conducive to recovery from stress, thereby reducing feelings of strain. Our results showed effects similar to those reported in earlier studies in the field of environmental psychology, where spending time in natural environments has been found to relate to better concentration (Berman et al, 2008) and less strain (Bowler et al, 2010). …”

“…Studies in the field of environmental psychology have provided evidence of improved attention after interacting with natural surroundings (Berman, Jonides, & Kaplan, 2008;Bowler, Buyung-Ali, Knight, & Pullin, 2010;Lee, Williams, Sargent, Williams, & Johnson, 2015).…”

“…Spending time in natural environments may reduce fatigue by decreasing attentional fatigue (Hartig, Evans, Jamner, Davis, & Gärling, 2003), providing a break from demands, and increasing positive affect. In experimental studies, direct exposure to natural surroundings has been consistently associated with less fatigue, most commonly examined among university students (Bowler et al, 2010). Natural environments may also be effective in decreasing strain and evoking a calming response.…”

Nature-Based Strategies for Improving Urban Health and Safety

“…Two prior reviews have focused on evidence of the role of nature in changing rates of physical activity as a mechanism to improve health. 64,77 While numerous studies on the link between green space and physical activity exist, many use cross-sectional ecologic study designs and find nonsignificant or negative associations. 64,66,78 However, one quasi-experimental study of a vacant-lot greening program in Philadelphia, PA, found an association between greened vacant lots and increased physical activity.…”

From species to communities: the signature of recreational use on a tropical river ecosystem

“…Users can appreciate the aesthetics of their surroundings, as well as enjoying exercise and social benefits—all of which contribute to quality of life (Bowler et al. 2010; Haines‐Young and Potschin 2010). Furthermore, use of such sites for recreation also fosters an appreciation and understanding of nature in local people, which ultimately is key to conserving habitats.…”