Does participating in physical activity in the outdoors have a greater effect on physical and mental wellbeing?
In a systematic review publish in the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, researchers explored the effects of participating in physical activity in natural environments compared to indoors on mental and physical wellbeing, health-related quality of life, and long-term adherence to physical activity.
We’ve read the study, and written up the finding below. At the foot of the article you’ll find a link to the full review.
What were the main findings?
The systematic review found that most trials showed some improvement in mental wellbeing as a result of outdoor physical activity compared to indoor activity.
However, it is important to note that the interventions in the included studies consisted of single episodes of walking or running indoors with the same activity conducted outdoors on a separate occasion.
The review also highlighted the heterogeneity of the outcome measures used in the trials, making it difficult to conduct a meta-analysis and assess the clinical relevance of the changes seen in mental wellbeing.
Additionally, the review identified a lack of variation in the type of green space used and in the type of exercise performed, which may have implications for the generalisability of the findings.
How can the results of this review be applied in promoting physical activity and wellbeing?
The results of this review suggest that there may be benefits to mental wellbeing from participating in physical activity in outdoor natural environments compared to indoor activity. However, it is important to note that the evidence is limited and further research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
The review also emphasises the need for well-designed trials comparing the effects of long-term physical activity interventions conducted indoors and outdoors on mental and physical wellbeing in different groups of people.
Additionally, easily transferrable outcome measures and measures to assess adherence to different physical activity programs should be included in future research. In promoting physical activity and wellbeing, it is important to consider the potential benefits of outdoor physical activity, especially in natural environments, and to encourage individuals to engage in such activities. However, it is crucial to recognize the limitations of the current evidence and the need for further research to better understand the specific impacts of outdoor physical activity on mental and physical wellbeing.
Link to the study:
This review was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology on March 1, 2011, Volume 45, Issue 5, pages 1761-1772. The DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for this review is 10.1021/es102947t, and it was first published online on February 3, 2011.
