Interactions with artificial water features: A scoping review of health-related outcomes

Abstract

There is growing evidence that people's interactions with water are beneficial to their health. However, existing studies have focused primarily on natural bodies of water such as seas, rivers, and lakes. Artificial water features such as ponds and fountains have received relatively little attention. This literature review aims to examine existing evidence on the health-related benefits of artificial water features and identify knowledge gaps. Following the PRISMA extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, five databases (Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Garden, Landscape & Horticulture Index) were searched for peer-reviewed journal articles published in English between 1980 and 2020. Twenty-one articles were included in this review. The results showed that people could gain different levels of health-related benefits from artificial water features. Studies have supported significant psychological benefits (e.g., stress restoration) and behavioral benefits (e.g., physical activity and social interaction) of artificial water features, while direct physical and social health benefits have not been well documented. In terms of the types of interactions with water features, passive interactions (e.g., viewing and listening) were more popularly studied than active interactions. Despite the multiple health benefits reported in these studies, the breadth and depth of existing studies on the health significance of artificial water features were limited. Future research is needed, covering a broader range of settings, users, interaction types, and health-related outcomes and addressing the complex pathways between artificial water features and human health outcomes.