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Contributions of Natural Environments to Physical Activity

Theory and Evidence Base

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Forests, Trees and Human Health

Abstract

The idea that nearby nature stimulates people to be more physically active is quite popular. In this chapter the literature regarding the link between physical activity and the residential environment is scrutinized. More specifically, after introducing the main concepts and a theoretical framework the evidence regarding three categories of activity is examined: physical activity in general, walking and cycling (mainly by adults), and outdoor play by children. Overall activity is deemed important because of its link to total energy expenditure, and thereby health. However, the other two categories are more likely to be linked to green aspects of the environment. Also attention is paid to the possibility that activity undertaken in a natural environment is especially beneficial for one’s health. At the end of the chapter conclusions are summarized, directions for future research are proposed and policy recommendations are given, as far as possible given the current state of affairs.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Alterra, Wageningen, UR, The Netherlands

    Sjerp de Vries

  2. University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany

    Thomas Claßen

  3. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland

    Stella-Maria Eigenheer-Hug

  4. University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland

    Kalevi Korpela

  5. EMGO Institute of VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Jolanda Maas

  6. University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom

    Richard Mitchell

  7. Mid Sweden University and GIH, Östersund, Sweden

    Peter Schantz

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  1. Sjerp de Vries
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  2. Thomas Claßen
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  3. Stella-Maria Eigenheer-Hug
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  4. Kalevi Korpela
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  5. Jolanda Maas
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  6. Richard Mitchell
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  7. Peter Schantz
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Correspondence to Sjerp de Vries .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Parks and Urban Landscapes, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, Frederiksberg C, 1958, Denmark

    Kjell Nilsson

  2. , Land Use and Social Research, Forestry Commission, Corstorphine Road 231, Edinburgh, EH12 7AT, United Kingdom

    Marcus Sangster

  3. , National Agricultural Research Foundatio, Forest Research Institute, Thessaloniki, 57006, Greece

    Christos Gallis

  4. , Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Radhustorget 1, Gävle, 80320, Sweden

    Terry Hartig

  5. , Alterra, Wageningen UR, Wageningen, 6700 AA, Netherlands

    Sjerp de Vries

  6. , Group Society, Environment & Culture, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (E, Sonneggstrasse 33, SOL E, Zurich, 9092, Switzerland

    Klaus Seeland

  7. , National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5 A - 2, Copenhagen K, 1353, Denmark

    Jasper Schipperijn

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de Vries, S. et al. (2011). Contributions of Natural Environments to Physical Activity. In: Nilsson, K., et al. Forests, Trees and Human Health. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9806-1_8

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