Green Exercise: How Are Characteristics of Urban Green Spaces Associated with Adolescents’ Physical Activity and Health?

Abstract

This study investigates associations between characteristics of urban green spaces (UGSs) and adolescents’ self-reported green exercise (GE), general health, and body mass index (BMI). Data were collected through face-to-face personal interviews with 384 adolescents ages 13–19 between 1 March and 31 May, 2018 in UGSs in Aydın, Turkey. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine associations controlling for confounding factors. Stratified analyses were also conducted to determine differences between boys and girls. Positive associations with the duration of GE included many trees, lawns, soccer fields and basketball courts, play equipment, and self-reported general health. Whereas increased BMI was associated with increased benches/ seating, lawns and exercise trails were positively associated with self-reported general health. Negative relationships with increased BMI included many trees, open areas, and outdoor fitness equipment. Increased distance from UGSs was negatively associated with the frequency of GE. In stratified analyses, positive associations between boys’ duration of GE and self-reported general health were found. Whereas soccer fields and basketball courts were associated with girls’ frequency of GE, exercise trails and play equipment were correlated with girls’ self-reported general health. Negative associations with the boys’ frequency of GE included increased BMI and screen time. Whereas increased distance from UGSs was negatively associated with girls’ frequency of GE, many trees, lawns, exercise trails, play equipment, open areas, flowerbeds, and outdoor fitness equipment were negatively correlated with girls’ increased BMI. Findings suggest that adolescents’ GE and health could be promoted with many trees, lawns, flowerbeds, open areas, play and outdoor fitness equipment, exercise trails, and soccer fields and basketball courts. Findings of this study should be tested with longitudinal or intervention studies in future research.

Designing Urban Green Space (UGS) to Enhance Health: A Methodology

“…Finally, both Gardsjord et al [ 32 ] and Moore et al [ 9 ] have addressed gender differences regarding urban space and physical activity: some studies have found girls to be less active than boys, partly due to perceived gender stereotypes (e.g., football is for boys). In contrast, Akpinar [ 42 ] found a positive correlation between the existence of sports fields and physical activity amongst girls.…”

“…Indeed, Gardsfjord et al [ 32 ] note that it is worth applying these ideas in UGS design; for young people, access to green space is critically important for promoting physical activity. Other studies have also demonstrated that children and young people prefer “naturalness”, whether in the form of trees or flowerbeds [ 40 , 42 ].…”

The Beneficial Effects of Short-Term Exposure to Scuba Diving on Human Mental Health

“…A growing number of studies suggest that exposure to natural outdoor environments can help improve human health and wellbeing by reducing stress, encouraging social relationships, and increasing physical activity [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. The majority of these studies have focused on the benefits of doing outdoor activities in green spaces [ 5 , 6 ], indicating that this improves mental wellbeing and cognitive functioning [ 7 , 8 ]. Several studies also link living close to a green space with better overall mental health, reduced mental distress, lower rates of anxiety, and increased life satisfaction [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

Environmental enrichment: A concept analysis

“…Concept analysis requires the identification of antecedents and consequences 9 . Availability of green spaces, neighborhood safety, walkability to community centers, and accessibility of community and health resources are some identified antecedents of EE 38–40 . As such, the antecedent of greater accessibility, neighborhood walkability, and green spaces increases physical activity among children 38 and older adults 39 .…”