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The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions Carried Out in Outdoor Natural Blue and Green Spaces on Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Sofia Marini

    (Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy)

  • Mario Mauro

    (Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy)

  • Alessia Grigoletto

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Stefania Toselli

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Pasqualino Maietta Latessa

    (Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

In the last few years, interest about the natural environment and its influences on health conditions has been growing. In particular, physical activity interventions carried out in blue and green environment are being investigated as a potential strategy to increase health outcomes in people with and without chronic conditions. Many recent studies reported positive results, but a high number of these studies were focused on people with mental or physical disorders. In this scenario, the present systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA statement, was aimed at investigating the existing evidence regarding the effects of physical activity interventions carried out in green–blue space settings involving healthy people. A literature search was performed through PubMed, Cochrane, Cinahl, and Psychinfo, and the quality of each study was assessed. Out of 239 identified articles, 75 full texts were screened. Six eligible studies showed an improvement in health outcomes, such as well-being, mood, and physical performance, in the experimental group compared with the control group. No exhaustive conclusion can be drawn based on available evidence. However, this systematic review highlighted the need to extend this kind of intervention to reveal more robust evidence that green and blue exercises benefit health.

Suggested Citation

  • Sofia Marini & Mario Mauro & Alessia Grigoletto & Stefania Toselli & Pasqualino Maietta Latessa, 2022. "The Effect of Physical Activity Interventions Carried Out in Outdoor Natural Blue and Green Spaces on Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12482-:d:930033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michail Georgiou & Gordon Morison & Niamh Smith & Zoë Tieges & Sebastien Chastin, 2021. "Mechanisms of Impact of Blue Spaces on Human Health: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-41, March.
    2. Rodrigo Mora, 2012. "Moving Bodies: Open Gyms and Physical Activity in Santiago," Journal of Urban Design, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(4), pages 485-497.
    3. Mary Lynch & Llinos Haf Spencer & Rhiannon Tudor Edwards, 2020. "A Systematic Review Exploring the Economic Valuation of Accessing and Using Green and Blue Spaces to Improve Public Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-15, June.
    4. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
    5. Shanahan, D.F. & Lin, B.B. & Bush, R. & Gaston, K.J. & Dean, J.H. & Barber, E. & Fuller, R.A., 2015. "Toward improved public health outcomes from urban nature," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(3), pages 470-477.
    6. Chorong Song & Harumi Ikei & Miho Igarashi & Michiko Takagaki & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2015. "Physiological and Psychological Effects of a Walk in Urban Parks in Fall," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-13, November.
    7. Hong, Andy & Sallis, James F. & King, Abby C. & Conway, Terry L. & Saelens, Brian & Cain, Kelli L. & Fox, Eric H. & Frank, Lawrence D., 2018. "Linking green space to neighborhood social capital in older adults: The role of perceived safety," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 207(C), pages 38-45.
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