Work

Dose-response relationship between green walking distance and pedestrians’ restorative outcomes: A pilot study with microclimate measurements

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Walking is a widely accessible form of physical activity for urban residents, offering substantial benefits for both physical and mental health. While walking in green spaces has been shown to reduce stress and improve physiological markers, the dose–response relationship between walking distance and restorative outcomes remains unclear, as does the influence of complex environmental exposures on these benefits.A controlled walking experiment was conducted in a green space in autumn with 36 participants. Each completed two randomized walks (1–2.5 km) with a one-week washout. Subjective scales measures were collected before and after stress induction, at midpoint, and post-walk. Electrodermal activity (SCL, SCR) was continuously recorded. Environmental factors—temperature, humidity, radiation, noise, and pollutants (NO₂, CO, PM2.5)—were monitored using a mobile station, and the universal thermal climate index was calculated.Wilcoxon test results showed that, among the distances tested, continuous walking for 2 km produced the greatest improvements in tonic arousal (SCL), acute electrodermal reactivity (SCR), and subjective restoration. Shorter walks (1–1.5 km) and longer walks (2.5 km) yielded relatively less outcomes, suggesting a threshold effect. Geographically weighted regression further indicated that environmental quality modulated these outcomes: air pollution, thermal conditions, and sensory satisfaction had measurable impacts on both SCL and SCR (R² = 0.258 and 0.098, respectively). The identified 2 km threshold provides a spatial reference for urban walking environment design, highlighting the importance of integrating microclimatic comfort, air quality, and aesthetic appeal to maximize restorative benefits for pedestrians.

Source: Building and Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.114124

Authors: Ruoxiang Tu, Yiwei Bai, Yonghong Xu, Yanchu Liang, Yiqiang Xiao, Shi Yin

Institution: South China University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Urban Green Space and Health

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,280