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Urban Green Spaces and Twenty Four Hour Movement Behaviours in Preventing Non Communicable Diseases: A Narrative Review
Sana Shaik, Shifa Mohamed Rafi
Tbilisi State Medical University, United Arab Emirates
Purpose: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, largely driven by physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour, poor sleep, and urban environmental factors. Urban green spaces may influence 24-hour movement behaviours, including physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep quality. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on how green environments shape these behaviours and contribute to NCD prevention, integrating perspectives from urban planning, behavioural science, and public health.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published from 2000 to 2025. The initial search yielded 1,245 articles; after removing duplicates, 830 studies were screened. Of these, 175 full-text articles were assessed, and 92 studies were included. Studies examining associations between green space exposure and physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, or health outcomes were considered. Findings were analysed qualitatively using epidemiological, environmental health, and public health literature.
Results: Proximity to green spaces is consistently associated with higher physical activity, lower sedentary behaviour, improved sleep, and enhanced wellbeing. Indirect reductions in cardiovascular risk factors, obesity, and metabolic disorders were also observed.
Conclusions: Integrating accessible green spaces in urban planning can support healthy 24-hour movement behaviours and offer a practical strategy for NCD prevention. Environmental interventions should complement health promotion programs.
Support/Funding Source: No external funding was received.
