Barton, J and Pretty, J (2010) 'What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health- A multi-study analysis.' Environmental Science and Technology, 44 (10). 3947 - 3955. ISSN 0013-936X

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Abstract

Green exercise is activity in the presence of nature. Evidence shows it leads to positive short and long-term health outcomes. This multistudy analysis assessed the best regime of dose(s) of acute exposure to green exercise required to improve self-esteem and mood (indicators of mental health). The research used meta-analysis methodology to analyze 10 UK studies involving 1252 participants. Outcomes were identified through a priori subgroup analyses, and dose-responses were assessed for exercise intensity and exposure duration. Other subgroup analyses included gender, age group, starting health status, and type of habitat. The overall effect size for improved self-esteem was d = 0.46 (CI 0.34-0.59, p < 0.00001) and for mood d = 0.54 (CI 0.38-0.69, p < 0.00001). Dose responses for both intensity and duration showed large benefits from short engagements in green exercise, and then diminishing but still positive returns. Every green environment improved both self-esteem and mood; the presence of water generated greater effects. Both men and women had similar improvements in self-esteem after green exercise, though men showed a difference for mood. Age groups: for self-esteem, the greatest change was in the youngest, with diminishing effects with age; for mood, the least change was in the young and old. The mentally ill had one of the greatest self-esteem improvements. This study confirms that the environment provides an important health service. © 2010 American Chemical Society.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science and Health > Biological Sciences, School of Faculty of Science and Health > Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, School of
Depositing User:	Jim Jamieson
Date Deposited:	16 Sep 2011 09:01
Last Modified:	06 Sep 2017 15:15
URI:	http://repository.essex.ac.uk/id/eprint/683

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