+26%
stronger brain synchrony in parks vs. boulevards
Exact: 26% higher ISC
Brain-to-brain synchrony (ISC) was 26% higher for parks than boulevards
ISC analysis of EEG data from 30 participants showed that parks elicited significantly more similar brain activity across individuals than boulevards or highways. The aggregate ISC score — reflecting how similarly participants' brains responded to the same dynamic video stimulus — was 26% higher for parks versus boulevards, indicating stronger collective attentional engagement with green urban environments.
On average, ISCs for parks were 26 and 40% higher compared to boulevards and highways, correspondingly.
Related findings
green space exposure linked to substantially enhanced cognitive function
Urban green spaces are associated with substantially enhanced cognitive function in older adults and those with dementia (effect size 0.52)
Yixin Zhang et al., 2025, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
20%
only a minority of reviewed studies addressed restoration and education
Few studies linked psychological restoration to education
G. Martinez et al., 2025, Environmental Education Research
stronger neural response to cognitive task after nature walk
P3 ERP amplitude was significantly larger following a nature walk than an indoor walk
Karly Knudson et al., 2025, Physiology & Behavior
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