The relationship between perceived health and physical activity indoors, outdoors in built environments, and outdoors in nature.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A body of evidence shows that both physical activity and exposure to nature are connected to improved general and mental health. Experimental studies have consistently found short term positive effects of physical activity in nature compared with built environments. This study explores whether these benefits are also evident in everyday life, perceived over repeated contact with nature. The topic is important from the perspectives of city planning, individual well-being, and public health.

Methods

National survey data (n = 2,070) from Finland was analysed using structural regression analyses. Perceived general health, emotional well-being, and sleep quality were regressed on the weekly frequency of physical activity indoors, outdoors in built environments, and in

SUBMITTER: Pasanen TP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4233975 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature