Nature Improves Concentration for Children with ADHD

A study, Nature Improves Concentration for Children with ADHD, recently published in the Journal of Attention Disorders, assessed the effects of outdoor environments on concentration in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study offered these key findings:

  • Children with ADHD showed better concentration after walking through a city park than after walking through a residential neighborhood or downtown setting.
  • Concentration improvements after walking through the city park were similar to the peak concentration improvements associated with two common ADHD medications. (Swanson, Wigal & Wigal, 2004)
  • Children rated experiences in the park more positively than experiences in residential or urban settings.