Children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention-deficit disorder (ADD) show reduced symptoms after playing in natural areas

According to a study conducted by the Human Environment Research Laboratory (now the Landscape and Human Health Laboratory) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, children with ADHD or ADD showed significantly reduced symptoms following after-school or weekend activities in “green outdoor settings” (e.g., natural areas such as parks, farms, or a green backyard) compared to activities in other settings, including “built outdoor settings” (e.g., parking lots, downtown areas) or indoor settings. Analysis was based on parents’ reports of their children’s behavior during the hour after the activity, specifically:

• Ability to focus on unappealing tasks
• Ability to complete tasks
• Ability to listen and follow directions
• Ability to resist distractions

Particularly noteworthy was the finding that “green” areas were more effective than other outdoor areas in reducing ADHD/ADD symptoms, suggesting that it was not merely the fresh air and space to move around outside that was important, but rather the natural setting itself.

Source: Kuo, F.E. & Faber Taylor, A. (2004). A potential natural treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: evidence from a national study. American Journal of Public Health 94(9):1580-1586. See also: http://www.lhhl.uiuc.edu/adhd.htm