Positive Health Effects Of The Natural Outdoor Environment (Phenotype)

Abstract

Aims and methods: The PHENOTYPE project explores the proposed underlying mechanisms at work (stress reduction/restorative function, physical activity, social interaction, exposure to environmental hazards) and examines the associations with health outcomes for different population groups. It implements conventional and new innovative methods to characterize the natural environment in terms of quality and quantity, and uses smartphones to capture location-specific, objective physical activity data. Preventive as well as therapeutic effects of contact with the natural environment are explored through field and laboratory experiments. PHENOTYPE further addresses implications for land-use planning and green space management. Results: Results of the various studies show beneficial effects of green space on cardiovascular mortality and disease and mental health in adults, obesity, asthma and cognitive function and behavior in children and birth weight. Initial smartphone data show greater mobility of the subjects and considerable differences in physical activity levels, sometimes but always related to the natural environment. Data from field experiments provide some evidence for preventive and therapeutic psychological benefits, and physiological benefits of using natural environments in cardiac rehabilitation, but these appear to vary with the baseline health of the population and type of urban comparator environment. Conclusion: The project provides further evidence on links between exposure to natural outdoor environment and human health and well-being. Collectively our results suggest that better integration of human health considerations in land use planning and green space management may have significant population health benefits.