A systematic review of outdoor gym use: Current evidence and future directions.

Anna K Jansson, David R Lubans, Jordan J Smith, Mitch J Duncan, Rebecca Haslam, Ronald C Plotnikoff

Journal: Journal of science and medicine in sport 2020;22(12):1335-1343

PMID: 31444034

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

While outdoor gyms are being rapidly installed around the globe, little is known about their implications on physical activity, and fitness and other health-related outcomes. The primary objective of this systematic review was to examine the effects of outdoor gyms on physical activity, fitness and other health-related outcomes. Secondary objectives were to describe outdoor gym characteristics, user characteristics, and outdoor gym usage.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

Peer-reviewed papers published in English were obtained through online database searches of the following databases; EBSCO, SPORTdiscus, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and Informit. Searches covered the periods from database inception to January 2019. Studies that reported on the efficacy of outdoor gym use for physical activity, health-related outcomes or descriptive aspects of outdoor gyms and their users were eligible for inclusion.

RESULTS

There was some support that outdoor gyms may improve physical activity, fitness and other health-related outcomes, however few experimental studies have been conducted. There was no consistency between outdoor gyms in terms types and number of installed equipment for each facility. Further, this review found discrepancies of whom were the most likely users of outdoor gyms and when they were mainly used.

CONCLUSIONS

This review contributes to the limited evidence on the impact and characteristics of outdoor gyms on physical activity and fitness and health-related outcomes.

Address: Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Australia.; School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia.; Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Australia. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.003

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MeSH Terms: Exercise, Humans, Physical Fitness, Public Facilities, Recreation, Sports and Recreational Facilities