A new, small study of the neurological effects of “green exercise” — meaning physical activity done in nature — finds a short stroll outside in nature improves working memory and concentration substantially more than completing the same brief walk inside.
Researchers found that walking, inside or out, generally increased brain blood flow and cleared people’s minds. For the new study, they gathered 30 college students, tested their working memory and ability to focus, and on alternate days, had them walk for about 15 minutes inside a building or outside on leaf-canopied paths, before repeating the cognitive tests.
On most measures, the outside walk easily trumped the indoor version. Students concentrated better and responded faster.
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