Abstract Background Residential greenness has been associated with health, but exposure to visible, functional, and accessible green may be associated with different health outcomes. Sources of data We searched Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for quantitative studies evaluating health in relation to specific green space exposures. Areas of agreement There is evidence for associations between visible, functional, and accessible green space exposures and health, but most evidence is derived from observational studies. Areas of controversy High heterogeneity was found across studies with the possibility of publication bias. Some studies suggest stronger associations in low socioeconomic status and urban neighborhoods, but the evidence is inconclusive. Growing points Quantitative and clinical evidence for health impacts of interventions focusing on improving visible, functional, and accessible green space exposure is limited and therefore causal relationships can usually not be inferred. Areas timely for developing research Further research should include randomized controlled trials and consider different green space types, private green, spatial configuration, street network distances, and quality and use.
Lee et al. (Sat,) studied this question.