Researchers at the University of Illinois have confirmed previous studies which concluded that exposure to green spaces has a calming effect on children with ADHD. The studies found that time spent outdoors improved both attention and impulse control.

An Oct. 17 article by Mary Helen Jones of the Henderson (NC) Daily Dispatch provided the following details about this discovery:

The "degree of green" appears to matter with greater effects from the greenest or most wilderness-like environment.

A walk in the forest trumps a walk in the park or playing organized sports in recreational park fields. Park experiences reap better results than a walk in a neighborhood or downtown area. "Green" play more effectively reduced ADHD symptoms than active play in a gym or play on paved surfaces. ...

According to researcher Frances E. Kuo, "as little as 20 minutes of outdoor exposure could potentially buy you an afternoon or a couple of hours to get homework done."

Labels: attention, impulsivity, environment

Posted By: Aspen/CRC