Green exercise: The combined effect of the environment and exercise on physical activity and health

Gladwell, Valerie (2016). Green exercise: The combined effect of the environment and exercise on physical activity and health. [Data Collection]. Colchester, Essex: UK Data Archive. 10.5255/UKDA-SN-852253

The intersections between environment and human health are increasingly important in modern society, and are reflected by changing national and EU policy priorities. With increasing rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease, new approaches to both prevention and rehabilitation following major diseases are required without the side-effects of drug intervention and the direct cost of pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, improving general health and well-being reduces the financial burden that accompanies ill-health. Physical activity has been shown to improve both physiological and psychological well-being, but further research is required to ascertain how different environments can influence and shape health. Exercise in the natural environment (referred to as "green exercise") could be a powerful tool to help fight the growing incidence of cardiovascular disease and could help supplement expensive drug-based therapies. This project will explore the physiological and psychological benefits of green exercise and the response to stress during and recovery from exercise in simulated, real and after a period of training in different environments. The barriers of individuals exercising in these potential restorative environments will be assessed using a survey. The project will hopefully show that the protection of green spaces is imperative to aid people's physical health and psychological well-being.

Data description (abstract)

This data consists of a national, online survey, with a sample of 2079 (22-65 year old) employed individuals, UK representative panel (distributed by Harris Interactive). Included are: demographic information, living location and conditions, neighbourhood and socialization, physical activity, other activities, commuting, , visits and engagement with green space, green exercise and barriers to visiting green space.

Data creators: