Assessing the impact of urban soundscapes on physical activity: insights from a systematic review

Source abstract

This systematic review examines the influence of urban soundscapes on physical activity, identifying research gaps and providing methodological guidance. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review was conducted, including database searching (Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed), screening, and eligibility assessment based on predefined criteria. Current studies are categorized using three dimensions: (1) Soundscape modeling, focusing on characterizing and measuring urban soundscapes; (2) Physical activity quantification, emphasizing analysis of physical activity factors; and (3) The relationship between soundscapes and physical activity, examining how soundscapes affect physical activity and comparing outcomes. Findings reveal that street-scale research predominantly highlights the inhibitory effects of traffic soundscapes on walking and cycling, while studies on active recreation at neighborhood or city scales remain scarce. Although some studies explore the positive effects of natural soundscapes on activity experiences, the influence of overall soundscapes on cycling remains unexplored. To address these gaps, future studies should standardize methods and expand spatiotemporal perspectives to uncover underlying mechanisms. Such approaches could deepen understanding of soundscape-physical activity interactions and support healthier urban planning and more active lifestyles.