What Is the Relationship between the Neighbourhood Built Environment and Time Spent in Outdoor Play? A Systematic Review

Amalie Lambert, Janae Vlaar, Susan Herrington and Mariana Brussoni
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Amalie Lambert: Intern Architect, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
Janae Vlaar: Human Early Learning Partnership, University of British Columbia, Suite 440, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
Susan Herrington: School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of British Columbia, 379-2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
Mariana Brussoni: Department of Pediatrics, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, British Columbia Injury Research & Prevention Unit, F511-4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4, Canada

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-35

Abstract: Outdoor play has been associated with children’s and adolescents’ healthy development and physical activity. Attributes of the neighbourhood built environment can influence play behaviours. This systematic review examined the relationship between attributes of the neighbourhood built environment and the time children and adolescents (0–18 years) spend in self-directed outdoor play. We identified and evaluated 18 relevant papers using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and developed a narrative synthesis of study results. We found moderate evidence that lower traffic volumes (ages 6–11), yard access (ages 3–10), and increased neighbourhood greenness (ages 2–15) were positively associated with time spent in outdoor play, as well as limited evidence that specific traffic-calming street features such as fewer intersections, low traffic speeds, neighbourhood disorder, and low residential density were positively associated with time spent in outdoor play. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review on this topic. The limited number of “good quality” studies identified highlights the need for additional research on the topic.

Keywords: unstructured play; playability; child; adolescent; neighbourhood design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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