Physical activity in urban green spaces: a systematic review of participatory approaches

Urban green spaces (UGSs) are most effective in promoting physical activity (PA) when they are designed to align with the needs of the communities they serve, and participatory approaches address this need by capturing local knowledge and driving meaningful action. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on how participatory approaches address PA in UGS, analyzing variations in their context, process, output, outcome, and impact. A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect for literature from January 2000 to January 2025. Studies were included if they employed participatory approaches for assessing or promoting PA in UGS. Data extraction followed the comparison of the participatory processes framework, and study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool 2018. Of 1926 records, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. The results show that most approaches were researcher-led and operated at the local and regional levels. Despite being labeled participatory, several studies had a limited degree of participation, focusing mostly on (co-)data collection. Most studies had also limited spatial, social, and temporal reach, often confined to the study area and participant group. However, some approaches successfully increased PA in UGS and demonstrated positive social and individual benefits, with (co-)design and citizen science projects standing out for their strong participation and broader social impacts. Future studies and interventions should involve participants throughout all stages, establish clear participatory frameworks, enhance scalability, and incorporate strategies for long-term sustainability to optimize outcomes.