PloS one
Outdoor risky play and health-related outcomes in children aged 3-12 years: A mixed-methods systematic review
By Ramsden R, Jerebine AG, Brailey G and 8 others.
Abstract
Background
Outdoor risky play and its relationship with children's health, development and well-being have garnered significant attention in recent years.
Objective
This systematic review synthesised existing evidence on associations between children's outdoor risky play and health outcomes.
Methods
A systematic search of five electronic databases (SportDiscus, MEDLINE, PsychInfo, ERIC, and CINAHL) was initially conducted in December 2023 and updated three times (April 2024, March 2025, May 2026) during the review development. Studies were eligible if they examined outdoor risky play in children aged 3-12 years and assessed a health outcome. Studies that did not use empirical data or did not have an accessible full-text were excluded. Five reviewers independently screened all articles and two separate reviewers resolved discrepancies. Quantitative narrative synthesis and qualitative framework synthesis were completed, and a mixed-methods synthesis occurred using a Pillar Integration Process.