Title: Interactions between physical activity and the environment to improve adolescent self-esteem: a randomised controlled trial

Authors: C. Wood; G. Sandercock; J. Barton

Addresses: School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK ' School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK ' School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK

Abstract: Natural environments promote physical activity (PA) and are psychologically restorative. In adults, performing PA in nature provides additive benefits for self-esteem (SE). Studies in adolescents indicate no such effect. However, they have not examined the effect of interaction with natural environments. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of exercising in natural and built environments on adolescent PA and SE. Sixty adolescents participated in a natural and built orienteering course in a randomised order. PA was assessed throughout whilst SE was assessed pre- and post-intervention. There was a significant effect for PA due to environment (P < 0.001) and sex (P < 0.01). Almost half the time in the natural environment was spent in moderate to vigorous PA, compared to a quarter in the built. The PA significantly improved SE (P < 0.05); however there was no environmental effect (P > 0.05). Natural environments should be used as a tool for engaging adolescents in PA.

Keywords: interactions; adolescent physical activity; adolescent self-esteem: randomised trials; controlled trials; green exercise; natural environment; built environment; orienteering; adolescents; health; youth.

DOI: 10.1504/IJENVH.2014.067359

International Journal of Environment and Health, 2014 Vol.7 No.2, pp.144 - 155

Received: 25 Jan 2014
Accepted: 25 Mar 2014
Published online: 07 Feb 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article