兒童早期長時間在綠自然戶外環境活動，對其腦結構發展有顯著的幫助，而幼稚園與小學期間多從事運動，在其小學與青少年階段的腦部工作記憶表現功能顯著高於運動量過低者。也有研究指出每天戶外活動2小時，光線進入眼球時會促進視網膜分泌多巴胺（Dopamine），這種神經傳導物質會抑制眼球的眼軸變長機制，因而避免或降低近視產生。
而下篇研究也發現在綠色戶外環境活動能顯著降地過動症症狀。
A Potential Natural Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Evidence From a National Study. October 2004, American Journal of Public Health 94(9):1580-6
Abstract
Objectives. We examined the impact of relatively “green” or natural settings on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms across diverse subpopulations of children.
Methods. Parents nationwide rated the aftereffects of 49 common after-school and weekend activities on children’s symptoms. Aftereffects were compared for activities conducted in green outdoor settings versus those conducted in both built outdoor and indoor settings.
Results. In this national, nonprobability sample, green outdoor activities reduced symptoms significantly more than did activities conducted in other settings, even when activities were matched across settings. Findings were consistent across age, gender, and income groups; community types; geographic regions; and diagnoses.
Conclusions. Green outdoor settings appear to reduce ADHD symptoms in children across a wide range of individual, residential, and case characteristics.
