Association between Active Use of Urban Green Spaces and Well-Being in Adults Aged 18–65 Years: A Systematic Review

Background:

Engaging in physical exercise in urban green spaces is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor for well-being, offering a range of benefits for physical, mental, and social health in growing urban environments.

Objective:

This systematic review aimed to analyze the scientific literature exploring the correlation between participating in physical exercise and sports activities in urban green spaces and the well-being of participants, encompassing physical, psychological, mental, and social aspects.

Methods:

This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search strategy included articles published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese within the databases Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) up to 15 June 2023. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, which included descriptive and observational epidemiological study designs and a population of adults 18–65 years of age. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies.

Results:

A total of 6,634 studies were identified, of which 31 met all the inclusion criteria. The review identified evidence suggesting that physical exercise in urban green spaces can have a positive impact on health, including improvements in diastolic blood pressure and cardiovascular health, such as heart rate, heart rate variability, cardiac and vascular function, as well as mood and self-esteem. In addition, evidence supports an association with decreased stress and a lower risk for mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, in addition to a strengthening of social cohesion and social interaction.

Discussion:

This systematic review suggests that physical exercise in urban green spaces is associated with positive health outcomes. The findings support a link between such activities and improvements in physical, psychological, mental, and social well-being. Despite variations in defining urban green spaces, the results highlight the importance of promoting physical activity programs in these environments to enhance the overall well-being of urban populations. https://doi.org/10.1289/JHP1040