Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Blue spaces have been found to have significant salutogenic effects. However, little is known about the mechanisms and pathways that link blue spaces and health. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarise the evidence and quantify the effect of blue spaces on four hypothesised mediating pathways: physical activity, restoration, social interaction and environmental factors.
Fifty studies were included in our systematic review. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for physical activity, restoration and social interaction.
There is also evidence that blue spaces improve environmental factors, but more studies are necessary for meta-analyses to be conducted. Evidence is conflicting on the mediating effects of social interaction and further research is required on this hypothesised pathway. Blue spaces may offer part of a solution to public health concerns faced by growing global urban populations.
Keywords: physical activity, stress, social isolation, pollution, heat island, urban nature, park, lake, health, environment. This tremendous increase in the urban population has raised several environmental, social and health concerns [ 2 ]. Urbanisation is linked to increased risk of non-communicable diseases, premature mortality [ 3 ], as well as a higher risk of mental illnesses [ 4 ] and social isolation [ 5 ]. Urban growth is projected to continue and bring an additional 2.
It is therefore of paramount importance for city-planners to create sustainable and healthy urban environments, which promote mental and physical wellbeing. Natural environments bring several benefits to public health and social wellbeing in urban settings. Studies have shown that exposure to natural environments contributes to reduced mortality rates and increased wellbeing among urban dwellers [ 6 ].
