Landscape as Playscape: The Effects of Natural Environments on Children's Play and Motor Development

TLDR

The study examined how playing in natural settings affects children’s motor development. Researchers used landscape ecology techniques, GIS, and GPS to conduct a quasi‑experimental study comparing 5‑ to 7‑year‑old children playing in natural versus conventional playgrounds. Children playing in natural environments showed significantly higher motor fitness, better balance and coordination, indicating that landscape features enhance physical activity and motor development.

Abstract

This study investigated the impacts of playing in a natural environment on motor development in children. Methods from landscape ecology were applied for landscape analysis and entered into a Geographic Information System (GIS). Localization of play habitats was done by use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS). A quasi-experimental study was conducted on five-, six-, and seven-year old children with an experimental group playing in a natural environment and a control group playing in a more traditional playground. When provided with a natural landscape in which to play, children showed a statistically significant increase in motor fitness. There were also significant differences between the two groups in balance and co-ordination in favor of the experimental group. The findings indicate that landscape features influence physical activity play and motor development in children.