Introduction and purpose: Green exercise is physical exercise that is performed in natural environments. Evidence shows that this type of exercise has benefits for physical and mental health in that it reduces stress and mental fatigue, improves concentration and cognitive performance. In this regard, the aim of the current research was the effect of green exercises on the mental health and physical fitness of elementary school students.
Methodology: The method of conducting the present research is semi-experimental and practical in terms of purpose. The statistical population of this research included elementary school female students with an age range of 8-10 years in Al-Shatar city, 40 people were selected randomly and divided into two experimental and control groups. Research tools included general health questionnaire (GHQ 28 question form) and gross motor development test-3 (TGMD_3). The experimental group performed green exercise according to the designed exercise program. The program was conducted for 8 weeks and two sessions per week and each session lasted 60 minutes. During this period, the control group performed the usual school activities, and finally, the data was analyzed using covariance analysis test.
Findings: The results showed the effect of green exercises on general health (p < 0.001) and its components including physical symptoms (p < 0.001), anxiety and sleep disorder (p < 0.001), social function disorder (p < 0.001). p < 0) and depression (p < 0.001), also on physical competence (p < 0.001) and its components including movement skills (p < 0.001), ball skills (p < 0.001), significant and the participants in the experimental group performed better than the control group.
Conclusion: according to the findings, it seems that active and regular participation in the open space (green) by creating an active lifestyle leads to motor health (physical fitness) and mental health (general health) in students.