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Victorson D, Luberto C, Koffler K. Nature As Medicine: Mind, Body, and Soil. J Altern Complement Med 2020; 26:658-662. [PMID: 32716203 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2020.0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Editor's Note: Debate over the evidence supporting integrative care interventions not infrequently references the challenges funding research on natural agents and practices that are not patentable. The subject of this column goes to the mother of all such interventions, nature herself. Yet in this case, the authors report an awakening of research that affirms nature's power in health and well-being. This is the eighth commentary through JACM's column partnership with the Osher Collaborative for Integrative Medicine through which we seek to stimulate critical conversations via perspectives from the leaders of the Collaborative's seven prominent academically based integrative centers. The author team came together from three of the centers: David Victorson, PhD, at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Christina Luberto, PhD, at the Harvard Medical School, and Karen Koffler, MD, at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. While providing readers an understanding of how to examine nature as medicine, they propose a "goodness of fit" between the precepts of the integrative field and the natural world.-Editor-in-Chief, John Weeks (johnweeks-integrator.com).
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Affiliation(s)
- David Victorson
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christina Luberto
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen Koffler
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Physiological and Psychological Effects of Watching Videos of Different Durations Showing Urban Bamboo Forests with Varied Structures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103434. [PMID: 32423106 PMCID: PMC7277438 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study illustrated the physiological and psychological effects of watching videos of different durations showing bamboo forests with varied structures. Physiological indicators, including EEG (electroencephalogram), blood pressure, skin conductance, and pulse, were monitored in 180 Chinese university students (mean age: 20.72 ± 2.56 years) while they were watching bamboo videos. Before and after watching the videos, their psychological indicators, including positive and negative moods, were measured using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire. After watching the bamboo videos of different durations, all of the physiological indicators responded to the stimulation after only 1 min. The indicators showed different trends at 1, 3 and 5 min. EEG decreased and then was maintained at a stable level after 1 min, and the high β, low β, and α waves had no significant differences between 1, 3 and 5 min. Blood pressure dropped to a stable state after 3 min, and the decline was significantly different greater after 3 min than after 1 min. Skin conductance increased for 1 to 5 min, and it did not stabilize after a long time (5 min). Pulse decreased after 1 min but increased after 5 min. After watching the videos with bamboo of varying structures, the physiological and psychological indicators showed significantly different changes. Skin conductance significantly increased (mean value: 6.78%), and the amount of sweat was more effectively reduced, thereby reducing tension, when the students viewed videos of sympodial bamboo forests compared with monopodial bamboo forests. Bamboo forests with a higher canopy density (0.83–0.85) could significantly decrease α waves (mean value: 1.50 Hz), relaxing the human body. High β and low β waves showed greater decreases, with tension reduced more effectively, when bamboo forests with a low tilt ratio (< 1.5%) were viewed. Bamboo forests with neat undergrowth could have more beneficial physiological and psychological effects on the human body.
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How Should Forests Be Characterized in Regard to Human Health? Evidence from Existing Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17031027. [PMID: 32041261 PMCID: PMC7038061 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17031027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The potential of forests as a source of health has been addressed by the scientific community and is now being considered in national forest strategies, management plans and policies. Studies identifying the mechanisms by which forest characteristics may induce these effects on human health are nevertheless scarce. This systematic review of literature on forests and human health with real-life human exposure was conducted to assess the extent to which forests have been studied and described in detail and the extent to which relationships between forest variables and health effects have been reported. The analysis underlines the lack of forest descriptions in 19.35% of the 62 studies selected for review as well as the high heterogeneity of forest variables’ description. Patterns among the articles could not be identified correlating the broader forest variable (forest type) and the most studied health variables identified (blood pressure, pulse rate or/and cortisol levels). These findings, together with previous ex situ researches, suggest the need to ameliorate and incorporate more accurate descriptions of forest variables within human health studies to provide data for forest management and the potential use of these habitats for preventive medicine and clinical practice guidelines.
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The Effects of a Forest Therapy Programme on Mental Hospital Patients with Affective and Psychotic Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 17:ijerph17010118. [PMID: 31877954 PMCID: PMC6982075 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The positive effect of forest bathing on the mental health and wellbeing of those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or experiencing stress has been proven. It is not known, however, how 'forest therapy' affects the mental health of people who are treated in a psychiatric hospital for affective or psychotic disorders. Potentially, forest therapy could bring many benefits to these people. To test the potential effectiveness of this therapy, a quasi-experiment was carried out in a psychiatric hospital in Olsztyn (north Poland). In the summer and autumn of 2018, the patients of the psychiatric hospital in Olsztyn participated in forest therapy interventions. The proposed forest therapy consisted of participating in one hour and forty-five minutes walks under the supervision of a therapist. Subjects filled out the Profile of Mood States Questionnaire (POMS) and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) before and after the study. In the case of a group of patients with affective disorders, forest therapy had a positive effect on nearly all POMS scale subscales, with the exception of the 'anger-hostility' subscale, which did not change its values significantly after the intervention. In these patients, the greatest impacts were noted in the subscales 'confusion' and 'depression-dejection'; the level of anxiety measured with the STAI-S scale also significantly decreased. In the case of patients with psychotic disorders, the values of the 'confusion' and 'vigour' subscales and the STAI-S scale exhibited the greatest changes. These changes were positive for the health of patients. Regarding the 'fatigue' subscale, no significant changes were observed in patients with psychotic disorders. The observed changes in psychological indicators in psychiatric hospital patients with both kinds of disorders indicate that the intervention of forest therapy can positively affect their mental health. The changes observed in psychological indicators were related to the characteristics of the given disorder.
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Peterfalvi A, Miko E, Nagy T, Reger B, Simon D, Miseta A, Czéh B, Szereday L. Much More Than a Pleasant Scent: A Review on Essential Oils Supporting the Immune System. Molecules 2019; 24:E4530. [PMID: 31835699 PMCID: PMC6943609 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The augmenting acceptance and application of herbal medicine in prevention and treatment of diseases also involve the use of plant essential oils (EOs) through different routes of administration (aromatherapy). Scientific data supporting the efficacy of certain herbal products are continuously growing; however, the cumulative evidence is not always sufficient. The anti-inflammatory properties of EOs have been investigated more extensively and also reviewed in different settings, but so far, our review is the first to summarize the immune-supporting properties of EOs. Our aim here is to synthesize the currently available data on the immune function enhancing effects of EOs. An online search was conducted in the PubMed database, which was terminated at the end of July 2019. Other articles were found in the reference lists of the preselected papers. Studies that applied whole EOs with known components, or single EO constituents under in vitro or in vivo laboratory conditions, or in human studies, and de facto measured parameters related to immune function as outcome measures were included. Two specific fields, EO dietary supplementation for livestock and fish, and forest bathing are also explored. Some EOs, particularly eucalyptus and ginger, seem to have immune function enhancing properties in multiple studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Peterfalvi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, Ifjusag utja 13., 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.N.); (B.R.); (A.M.); (B.C.)
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Ifjusag utja 20., 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Eva Miko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Szigeti ut 12., 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Tamas Nagy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, Ifjusag utja 13., 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.N.); (B.R.); (A.M.); (B.C.)
| | - Barbara Reger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, Ifjusag utja 13., 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.N.); (B.R.); (A.M.); (B.C.)
| | - Diana Simon
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Szigeti ut 12., 7624 Pecs, Hungary;
| | - Attila Miseta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, Ifjusag utja 13., 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.N.); (B.R.); (A.M.); (B.C.)
| | - Boldizsár Czéh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, Ifjusag utja 13., 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (T.N.); (B.R.); (A.M.); (B.C.)
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Ifjusag utja 20., 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Szereday
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Szigeti ut 12., 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.M.); (L.S.)
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Lyu B, Zeng C, Xie S, Li D, Lin W, Li N, Jiang M, Liu S, Chen Q. Benefits of A Three-Day Bamboo Forest Therapy Session on the Psychophysiology and Immune System Responses of Male College Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16244991. [PMID: 31817971 PMCID: PMC6950568 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Forest therapy is a fast-growing treatment approach, as it has the potential to alleviate stressful life events and to improve psychological well-being and physical health. Bamboo forests are widespread in southwestern China. Nevertheless, a knowledge gap on the specific health benefits of bamboo forest (BF) therapy still exists. To explore the psycho-physiologic responses of participants to the effects of BF therapy, 60 male adults aged between 19 and 24, with similar healthy conditions, were selected to participate in this study. A one-group pretest–posttest design was used for the BF sites and the city site (CS) to compare the difference in the psycho-physiologic responses of participants before and after the test. Participants at the BF sites participated in a three-day bamboo forest therapy session, and those at the CS participated in a three-day urban program. Blood pressure, heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation were measured as the physical signs, and the profile of mood state (POMS) questionnaire was completed by the participants for the psychological evaluation. Blood was sampled, and natural killer (NK) activity, the number of NK cells, and the levels of corticosterone, granulysin, perforin, and granzyme A/B in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were measured. All the measurements mentioned above were performed at 08:00 on the first and fourth days within the test. Results indicated that the three-day BF therapy was capable of enhancing positive mood states and also reducing negative mood states in the male participants. The blood pressure and heart rates of the male participants decreased, while the peripheral oxygen saturation increased after the three-day BF therapy session. Furthermore, BF therapy significantly increased NK activity and the number of NK cells and perforin-, granulysin-, and granzyme A/B-expressing cells and significantly decreased the corticosterone level in PBLs in the male participants. The three-day BF therapy session improved the psychological and physiological well-being and enhanced the immune functions of the male college students.
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Kumar P, Druckman A, Gallagher J, Gatersleben B, Allison S, Eisenman TS, Hoang U, Hama S, Tiwari A, Sharma A, Abhijith KV, Adlakha D, McNabola A, Astell-Burt T, Feng X, Skeldon AC, de Lusignan S, Morawska L. The nexus between air pollution, green infrastructure and human health. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 133:105181. [PMID: 31675531 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cities are constantly evolving and so are the living conditions within and between them. Rapid urbanization and the ever-growing need for housing have turned large areas of many cities into concrete landscapes that lack greenery. Green infrastructure can support human health, provide socio-economic and environmental benefits, and bring color to an otherwise grey urban landscape. Sometimes, benefits come with downsides in relation to its impact on air quality and human health, requiring suitable data and guidelines to implement effective greening strategies. Air pollution and human health, as well as green infrastructure and human health, are often studied together. Linking green infrastructure with air quality and human health together is a unique aspect of this article. A holistic understanding of these links is key to enabling policymakers and urban planners to make informed decisions. By critically evaluating the link between green infrastructure and human health via air pollution mitigation, we also discuss if our existing understanding of such interventions is sufficient to inform their uptake in practice. Natural science and epidemiology approach the topic of green infrastructure and human health very differently. The pathways linking health benefits to pollution reduction by urban vegetation remain unclear and the mode of green infrastructure deployment is critical to avoid unintended consequences. Strategic deployment of green infrastructure may reduce downwind pollution exposure. However, the development of bespoke design guidelines is vital to promote and optimize greening benefits, and measuring green infrastructure's socio-economic and health benefits are key for their uptake. Greening cities to mitigate pollution effects is on the rise and these need to be matched by scientific evidence and appropriate guidelines. We conclude that urban vegetation can facilitate broad health benefits, but there is little empirical evidence linking these benefits to air pollution reduction by urban vegetation, and appreciable efforts are needed to establish the underlying policies, design and engineering guidelines governing its deployment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom; Department of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Angela Druckman
- Centre for Environment & Sustainability, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - John Gallagher
- Department of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Birgitta Gatersleben
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Allison
- School of Bioscience and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Theodore S Eisenman
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
| | - Uy Hoang
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom; Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), Research & Surveillance Centre (RSC), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Sarkawt Hama
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Arvind Tiwari
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Ashish Sharma
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - K V Abhijith
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Deepti Adlakha
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Aonghus McNabola
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom; Department of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas Astell-Burt
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), School of Health and Society, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), School of Health and Society, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne C Skeldon
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Simon de Lusignan
- School of Bioscience and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom; Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality & Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Yi J, Ku B, Kim SG, Khil T, Lim Y, Shin M, Jeon S, Kim J, Kang B, Shin J, Kim K, Jeong AY, Park JH, Choi J, Cha W, Shin C, Shin W, Kim JU. Traditional Korean Medicine-Based Forest Therapy Programs Providing Electrophysiological Benefits for Elderly Individuals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4325. [PMID: 31698811 PMCID: PMC6888007 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to develop forest therapy programs (FTPs) to prevent dementia and related health problems in the elderly population, with the assumption that health benefits are FTP-type specific and depend on the participant's psychophysiological traits. For this purpose, we developed two distinct FTPs, namely, a guided-breathing meditation program (BP) and a walking program (WP); we adopted the approach of Sasang constitutional (SC) medicine, which categorizes individuals into one of three SC types (SC1, SC2, or SC3) for medical care. The FTPs ran 11 sessions over 11 weeks. We recruited 29/31/28 participants who were 65 years of age or older for the BP/WP/control groups, respectively; obtained electrophysiological measurements via electroencephalogram (EEG), heart rate variability (HRV), and bioimpedance; and analyzed the intervention effects with analysis of covariance. Compared with the control, the BP and WP resulted in benefits for neural activity and parasympathetic nervous activity (PNA), respectively, and both FTPs yielded distinct beneficial effects on bioimpedance. Constitution-specific effects were also present. The SC1- and SC2-type participants gained positive effects in neural activity from the BP and WP, respectively. The SC3-type participants showed improvements in PNA from the WP. In conclusion, for older individuals, both programs conferred health benefits that would help prevent dementia, and the benefits were program-specific and constitution-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyune Yi
- Department of Forest Therapy, Graduate School of Chungbuk National University, Chungju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (J.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Boncho Ku
- Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea
| | - Seul Gee Kim
- Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea
| | - Taegyu Khil
- Department of Forest Therapy, Graduate School of Chungbuk National University, Chungju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (J.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Youngsuwn Lim
- Department of Forest Therapy, Graduate School of Chungbuk National University, Chungju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (J.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Minja Shin
- Department of Forest Therapy, Graduate School of Chungbuk National University, Chungju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (J.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Sookja Jeon
- Department of Forest Therapy, Graduate School of Chungbuk National University, Chungju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (J.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Jingun Kim
- Department of Forest Therapy, Graduate School of Chungbuk National University, Chungju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (J.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Byunghoon Kang
- Department of Forest Therapy, Graduate School of Chungbuk National University, Chungju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (J.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Jongyeon Shin
- Department of Forest Therapy, Graduate School of Chungbuk National University, Chungju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (J.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Kahye Kim
- Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea
| | - Ah Young Jeong
- Department of Forest Therapy, Graduate School of Chungbuk National University, Chungju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (J.Y.); (B.K.)
| | | | - Jungmi Choi
- Human Anti-Aging Standards Research Institute, Uiryeong, Gyungnam 52151, Korea
| | - Wonseok Cha
- Human Anti-Aging Standards Research Institute, Uiryeong, Gyungnam 52151, Korea
| | - Changseob Shin
- Department of Forest Therapy, Graduate School of Chungbuk National University, Chungju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (J.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Wonsop Shin
- Department of Forest Therapy, Graduate School of Chungbuk National University, Chungju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea; (J.Y.); (B.K.)
| | - Jaeuk U. Kim
- Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea
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Djernis D, Lerstrup I, Poulsen D, Stigsdotter U, Dahlgaard J, O'Toole M. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nature-Based Mindfulness: Effects of Moving Mindfulness Training into an Outdoor Natural Setting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16173202. [PMID: 31480748 PMCID: PMC6747393 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16173202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Research has proven that both mindfulness training and exposure to nature have positive health effects. The purpose of this study was to systematically review quantitative studies of mindfulness interventions conducted in nature (nature-based mindfulness), and to analyze the effects through meta-analyses. Electronic searches revealed a total of 25 studies to be included, examining 2990 participants. Three analyses were conducted: Nature-based mindfulness interventions evaluated as open trials (k = 13), nature-based mindfulness compared with groups in non-active control conditions (k = 5), and nature-based mindfulness compared with similar interventions but without contact with nature (k = 7). The overall combined psychological, physiological, and interpersonal effects from pre- to post-intervention were statistically significant and of medium size (g = 0.54, p < 0.001). Moderation analyses showed that natural environments characterized as forests/wild nature obtained larger numerical effects than environments characterized as gardens/parks, as did informal mindfulness compared with formal mindfulness. The small number of studies included, as well as the heterogeneity and generally low quality of the studies, must be taken into consideration when the results are interpreted. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017065639.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorthe Djernis
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, C 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Inger Lerstrup
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Dorthe Poulsen
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, C 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Ulrika Stigsdotter
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, C 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Jesper Dahlgaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University,; N 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Research Center for Health and Welfare Technology, VIA University College, N 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mia O'Toole
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, C 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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Kim H, Lee YW, Ju HJ, Jang BJ, Kim YI. An Exploratory Study on the Effects of Forest Therapy on Sleep Quality in Patients with Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16142449. [PMID: 31295818 PMCID: PMC6678486 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16142449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The improvement of sleep quality in patients with cancer has a positive therapeutic effect on them. However, there are no specific treatment guidelines for treating sleep disturbance in cancer patients. We investigated the effect of forest therapy on the quality of sleep in patients with cancer. This study was conducted on nine patients (one male, eight female; mean age, 53.6 ± 5.8 years) with gastrointestinal tract cancer. All patients participated in forest therapy for six days. They underwent polysomnography (PSG) and answered questionnaires on sleep apnea (STOP BANG), subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), sleepiness (Stanford and Epworth Sleepiness Scales), and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) to evaluate the quality of sleep before and after forest therapy. Sleep efficiency from the PSG results was shown to have increased from 79.6 ± 6.8% before forest therapy to 88.8 ± 4.9% after forest therapy (p = 0.027) in those patients, and total sleep time was also increased, from 367.2 ± 33.4 min to 398 ± 33.8 min (p = 0.020). There was no significant difference in the STOP BANG score, PSQI scores, daytime sleepiness based on the results of the Stanford and Epworth Sleepiness Scales, and depression and anxiety scores. Based on the results of this study, we suggest that forest therapy may be helpful in improving sleep quality in patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeyun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon 1600-8291, Korea
| | - Yong Won Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon 1600-8291, Korea
- College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon 1600-8291, Korea
| | - Hyo Jin Ju
- College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon 1600-8291, Korea.
| | - Bong Jin Jang
- Graduate School of Healthcare Convergence, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon 1600-8291, Korea
| | - Yeong In Kim
- Department of Neurology, Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon 1600-8291, Korea.
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Psycho-Physiological Stress Recovery in Outdoor Nature-Based Interventions: A Systematic Review of the Past Eight Years of Research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16101711. [PMID: 31100773 PMCID: PMC6572302 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16101711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: In modern, urban daily life, natural environments are increasingly recognized as an important resource for stress recovery and general well-being. Aim: the present review aims to provide an overview and synthesis of the past eight years’ research into the psycho-physiological effects of outdoor nature-based interventions, related to stress recovery. Method: a structured search was performed in seven databases, returning 5618 articles. Removal of duplicates and initial screening gave a total of 95 studies. After full text reading, 36 studies were included in the assessment. Results: most of the psychological outcomes were related to different emotional measures. The synthesis of the results points towards outdoor, nature-based exposure having a positive effect on different emotional parameters, related to stress relief. The studies into physiological measures showed more equivocal results. Conclusion: the research, conducted over the past eight years, into outdoor, nature-based exposure has now attained a sound evidence base for psychological and especially emotional effects, but the evidence base for physiological effects within this timeframe shows a great degree of heterogeneity. Limitations: interpretation of the results is limited by the review only covering the past eight years’ research on the subject.
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Mygind L, Kjeldsted E, Hartmeyer RD, Mygind E, Bølling M, Bentsen P. Immersive Nature-Experiences as Health Promotion Interventions for Healthy, Vulnerable, and Sick Populations? A Systematic Review and Appraisal of Controlled Studies. Front Psychol 2019; 10:943. [PMID: 31130890 PMCID: PMC6509207 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this systematic review, we summarized and evaluated the evidence for effects of, and associations between, immersive nature-experience on mental, physical, and social health promotion outcomes. Immersive nature-experience was operationalized as non-competitive activities, both sedentary and active, occurring in natural environments removed from everyday environments. We defined health according to the World Health Organization's holistic and positive definition of health and included steady-state, intermediate, and health promotion outcomes. An electronic search was performed for Danish, English, German, Norwegian, and Swedish articles published between January 2004 and May 2017. Manual approaches, e.g., bibliographies from experts, supplemented the literature search. Data were extracted from 461 publications that met the inclusion criteria. To assess the status and quality of the evidence for health promotion effects of immersive nature-experience, we focused on the subset of studies based on controlled designs (n = 133). Outcome level quality of the evidence was assessed narratively. Interventions most often involved adventure-based activities, short-termed walking, and seated relaxation in natural environments. We found positive effects on a range of health promotion outcomes grouped under psychological wellbeing (n = 97; ≈55% positive; ≈13% mixed; ≈29% non-significant; 2% negative); psychosocial function (n = 67; ≈61% positive; ≈9% mixed; ≈30% non-significant); psychophysiological stress response (n = 50; ≈58% positive; ≈18% mixed; ≈24% non-significant), and cognitive performance (n = 36; ≈58% positive; ≈6% mixed; ≈33% non-significant; 3% negative); and social skills and relationships (n = 34; ≈70% positive; ≈7% mixed; ≈22% non-significant). Findings related to outcomes categorized under physical health, e.g., risk of cardiovascular disease, were less consistent (n = 51; ≈37% positive; ≈28% mixed; ≈35% non-significant). Across the types of interventions and outcomes, the quality of the evidence was deemed low and occasionally moderate. In the review, we identify, discuss, and present possible solutions to four core methodological challenges associated with investigating immersive nature-experience and health outcomes: (1) intervention and program complexity; (2) feasibility and desirability of randomization; (3) blinding of participants and researchers; and (4) transferability and generalizability. The results of the review have been published as a popular-scientific report and a scientific research overview, both in Danish language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lærke Mygind
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | | | | | - Erik Mygind
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Bølling
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Peter Bentsen
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Marchand WR, Klinger W, Block K, VerMerris S, Herrmann TS, Johnson C, Shubin E, Sheppard S. Safety and psychological impact of sailing adventure therapy among Veterans with substance use disorders. Complement Ther Med 2018; 40:42-47. [PMID: 30219467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many Veterans suffer from substance use disorders (SUDs). Treatment challenges include poor treatment engagement and high relapse rates. Complementary interventions have the potential to enhance both. This study was a preliminary evaluation of sailing adventure therapy (SAT) for this population. DESIGN Retrospective chart review. Participants in the intervention were 22 Veterans (20 male, 2 female) aged 22-65 who entered a Veterans Administration residential SUD treatment program. All subjects had two or more SUDs, and many had psychiatric (95%) and/or medical (77%) comorbidities. The age, gender and diagnosis-matched control group (n = 22) received residential SUD treatment as usual (TAU) in the same program but without SAT. SETTING Residential SUD treatment program at a Veterans Administration Medical Center. INTERVENTION Sailing adventure therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), State Trait Anxiety Inventory six-item short form (STAI: Y-6 item), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II (AAQ II), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and a locally developed patient survey. Outcome comparison among SAT plus TAU group versus TAU - only group included measures of successful completion of residential SUD treatment program as well as psychiatric hospitalizations and/or residential SUD treatment program readmissions within 12 months. RESULTS Neither physical injuries nor increases in anxiety or negative affect occurred, as measured by the PANAS (positive change, p = 0.351; negative change, p = 0.605) and the STAI: Y-6 item (p = 0.144) respectively. There was no significant change in FFMQ (p = 0.580) but a significant increase occurred in AAQ II scores (p = 0.036) indicating an increase in psychological flexibility. Survey responses indicated the participants perceived the experience to be both pleasurable and calming. The preliminary outcome evaluation revealed a significant between-group difference (X2 = 5.34, DF = 1, p = 0.02, r = 0.35) indicating participating in SAT was associated with a greater likelihood of successfully completing residential SUD treatment. However, there were no significant between-group differences in number of psychiatric hospitalizations (X2 = 1.09, DF = 1, p = 0.29, r = 0.16) or residential substance abuse treatment program readmissions (X2 = 0.23, DF = 1, p = 0.64, r = 0.07) in the 12 months after discharge from the program. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary evidence suggests that SAT is physically safe and not associated with increased anxiety or negative affect. Participant's perceptions of the experience were positive. Preliminary outcome measures suggest associations between participation in SAT and increased psychological flexibility as well as successful completion of a residential SUD treatment program. Further research is indicated to determine whether SAT may be developed as an effective complementary intervention for Veterans with SUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- W R Marchand
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA; Park City Sailing Association, P.O. Box 981236, Park City, UT, 84098, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, 501 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA.
| | - W Klinger
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA
| | - K Block
- Park City Sailing Association, P.O. Box 981236, Park City, UT, 84098, USA
| | - S VerMerris
- Park City Sailing Association, P.O. Box 981236, Park City, UT, 84098, USA
| | - T S Herrmann
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA
| | - C Johnson
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA
| | - E Shubin
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA
| | - S Sheppard
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA
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Joo SY, Hong AR, Lee BC, Choi JH, Seo CH. Autonomic nerve activity indexed using 24-h heart rate variability in patients with burns. Burns 2018; 44:834-840. [PMID: 29409672 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive method used to quantify fluctuations in the time interval between normal heart beats. The purpose of this study was to compare the autonomic nervous system functioning of patients with burns to healthy participants after their burn scars had been re-epithelialized. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors prospectively performed 24-h HRV monitoring in 60 patients with electrical burns, those with other major burns, those with other minor burns, and 10 healthy participants. Analysis of HRV in the time and frequency domain was performed. RESULTS The difference in sympathetic nerve measures (standard deviation of NN intervals [SDNN], total power [TP] and a low frequency [LF] band) and parasympathetic nerve measures (Root mean square successive difference [RMSSD], the number of interval differences of successive NN intervals greater than 50ms [NN50], the percentage of differences between following RR intervals greater than 50ms [pNN50] and a high frequency [HF] band) in patients with burns was significantly decreased during the daytime and the nighttime. the difference in parasympathetic nerve measures were more significantly decreased during the nighttime compared with measures of HRV in healthy participants. The groups of other burns showed significantly lower HRV than the electrical burn group indexed by a very low frequency (VLF) measure and TP during the daytime. CONCLUSION We hypothesized that HRV is a surrogate for autonomic nervous system dysfunction in patients with burns. The patients with burns were observed a sympathetic predominance during daytime and a decreased parasympathetic activity during nighttime. These results of patients with other major burns were more predominant compared with the results of patients with other groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Young Joo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - A Ram Hong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Boung Chul Lee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyuk Choi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheong Hoon Seo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Buckley RC, Brough P. Nature, Eco, and Adventure Therapies for Mental Health and Chronic Disease. Front Public Health 2017; 5:220. [PMID: 28879176 PMCID: PMC5573430 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paula Brough
- Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
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66
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Yu CP, Lin CM, Tsai MJ, Tsai YC, Chen CY. Effects of Short Forest Bathing Program on Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Mood States in Middle-Aged and Elderly Individuals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14080897. [PMID: 28792445 PMCID: PMC5579495 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14080897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated changes in autonomic nervous system activity and emotions after a short (2 h) forest bathing program in the Xitou Nature Education Area (XNEA), Taiwan. One hundred and twenty-eight (60.0 ± 7.44 years) middle-aged and elderly participants were recruited. Physiological responses, pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate variability (HRV), and psychological indices were measured before and after the program. We observed that pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower after the program, which indicated physiological benefits from stress recovery. The Profile of Mood States negative mood subscale scores of "tension-anxiety", "anger-hostility", "fatigue-inertia", "depression-dejection", and "confusion-bewilderment" were significantly lower, whereas the positive mood subscale score of "vigor-activity" was higher. Furthermore, participants exhibited significantly lower anxiety levels according to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. However, changes in sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity were nonsignificant. Our study determined that the short forest bathing program is a promising therapeutic method for enhancing heart rate and blood pressure functions as well as an effective psychological relaxation strategy for middle-aged and elderly individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Pin Yu
- School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Min Lin
- School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Jer Tsai
- School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Chieh Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Yu Chen
- Department of Tourism and Leisure Management, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu 30015, Taiwan.
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Frumkin H, Bratman GN, Breslow SJ, Cochran B, Kahn PH, Lawler JJ, Levin PS, Tandon PS, Varanasi U, Wolf KL, Wood SA. Nature Contact and Human Health: A Research Agenda. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:075001. [PMID: 28796634 PMCID: PMC5744722 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 411] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At a time of increasing disconnectedness from nature, scientific interest in the potential health benefits of nature contact has grown. Research in recent decades has yielded substantial evidence, but large gaps remain in our understanding. OBJECTIVES We propose a research agenda on nature contact and health, identifying principal domains of research and key questions that, if answered, would provide the basis for evidence-based public health interventions. DISCUSSION We identify research questions in seven domains: a) mechanistic biomedical studies; b) exposure science; c) epidemiology of health benefits; d) diversity and equity considerations; e) technological nature; f) economic and policy studies; and g) implementation science. CONCLUSIONS Nature contact may offer a range of human health benefits. Although much evidence is already available, much remains unknown. A robust research effort, guided by a focus on key unanswered questions, has the potential to yield high-impact, consequential public health insights. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1663.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Frumkin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gregory N Bratman
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University , Stanford, California, USA
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sara Jo Breslow
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Peter H Kahn
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joshua J Lawler
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Phillip S Levin
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Nature Conservancy , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Pooja S Tandon
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine , Seattle, Washington, USA
- Seattle Children's Hospital , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Usha Varanasi
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kathleen L Wolf
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- Pacific Northwest Research Station , USDA Forest Service , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Spencer A Wood
- Center for Creative Conservation, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Natural Capital Project , Stanford University , Stanford, California, USA
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68
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Hansen MM, Jones R, Tocchini K. Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14080851. [PMID: 28788101 PMCID: PMC5580555 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14080851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background: Current literature supports the comprehensive health benefits of exposure to nature and green environments on human systems. The aim of this state-of-the-art review is to elucidate empirical research conducted on the physiological and psychological effects of Shinrin-Yoku (or Forest Bathing) in transcontinental Japan and China. Furthermore, we aim to encourage healthcare professionals to conduct longitudinal research in Western cultures regarding the clinically therapeutic effects of Shinrin-Yoku and, for healthcare providers/students to consider practicing Shinrin-Yoku to decrease undue stress and potential burnout. Methods: A thorough review was conducted to identify research published with an initial open date range and then narrowing the collection to include papers published from 2007 to 2017. Electronic databases (PubMed, PubMed Central, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus) and snowball references were used to cull papers that evaluated the use of Shinrin-Yoku for various populations in diverse settings. Results: From the 127 papers initially culled using the Boolean phrases: “Shinrin-yoku” AND/OR “forest bathing” AND/OR “nature therapy”, 64 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this summary review and then divided into “physiological,” “psychological,” “sensory metrics” and “frameworks” sub-groups. Conclusions: Human health benefits associated with the immersion in nature continue to be currently researched. Longitudinal research, conducted worldwide, is needed to produce new evidence of the relationships associated with Shinrin-Yoku and clinical therapeutic effects. Nature therapy as a health-promotion method and potential universal health model is implicated for the reduction of reported modern-day “stress-state” and “technostress.”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M Hansen
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94901, USA.
| | - Reo Jones
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94901, USA.
| | - Kirsten Tocchini
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, University of San Francisco, 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94901, USA.
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Effects of Forest Therapy on Depressive Symptoms among Adults: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14030321. [PMID: 28335541 PMCID: PMC5369157 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14030321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study systematically reviewed forest therapy programs designed to decrease the level of depression among adults and assessed the methodological rigor and scientific evidence quality of existing research studies to guide future studies. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The authors independently screened full-text articles from various databases using the following criteria: (1) intervention studies assessing the effects of forest therapy on depressive symptoms in adults aged 18 years and older; (2) studies including at least one control group or condition; (3) peer-reviewed studies; and (4) been published either in English or Korean before July 2016. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network measurement tool was used to assess the risk of bias in each trial. In the final sample, 28 articles (English: 13, Korean: 15) were included in the systematic review. We concluded that forest therapy is an emerging and effective intervention for decreasing adults’ depression levels. However, the included studies lacked methodological rigor. Future studies assessing the long-term effect of forest therapy on depression using rigorous study designs are needed.
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