Outdoor physical activity is not associated with better mental health in a sample of predominantly Black people, but spending time in parks is.

ABSTRACT: Spending time outdoors may bolster mental health via relaxation and physical activity. Yet, most studies use self-report and involve majority White samples from higher income areas. Findings may not hold true using device-derived measurement, among minoritized participants, or in low-income neighborhoods. Our objectives were to test whether: i) time spent outdoors in physical activity is associated with mental health; ii) the effect is modified by the positive or negative outdoor conditions (amount of greenness or vacant houses/lots encountered while outdoors); iii) there is a correlation between our measures of outdoor conditions and perceived neighborhood conditions; and iv) there is a different relationship between time spent outdoors in parks (as an indicator of intentional nature expo

SUBMITTER: Pearson AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11542707 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature