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Commentary Open Access
Volume 2 | Issue 1 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.33696/Trauma.2.007

A Multi-Disciplinary Commentary on Recreational Parks, Physical Activity, and Adolescent Neurological Maturation

  • 1Forestry and Wildlife Department, University of Uyo, Uyo 520101, Nigeria
+ Affiliations - Affiliations

Corresponding Author

 Daniel Etim Jacob, danieljacob@uniuyo.edu.ng

Received Date: February 02, 2026

Accepted Date: February 18, 2026

Abstract

Adolescence is a pivotal stage of heightened brain plasticity and risk, neurobiologically marked by the comprehension lag between the emotion regulating subcortical areas and the executive functioning prefrontal cortex. This commentary provides a critical, evidence-based appraisal of urban recreational parks as essential neuro-structural scaffolding for the maturing adolescent brain. By reviewing publications from both the fields of neurobiology and emergency medicine, we identify the three way collaborative actions through which these places help to develop the adolescent brain namely neurogenesis (increased BDNF), regulation to the HPA axis, and myelination (white matter optimization). Additionally, this article deals with the Green Gap issue by stating that the provision of a good standard of open air recreational facilities is not a luxury granted by city authorities but rather a public health requirement for the proper development of the adolescent brain and for the prevention of trauma.

Keywords

Adolescent Neuro-development, Recreational parks, Physical activity, Brain plasticity, Health equity

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