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Pfeifer E, Pothmann K, Claaßen S, Wittmann M. Increased relaxation, less boredom, and a faster passage of time during a period of silence in the forest. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2023; 277:157-180. [PMID: 37301568 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is growing evidence of the beneficial effects of exposure to nature on health and well-being. Time spent in nature can decrease stress, anxiety, depression, and improve mood. In the present study, we compared the experience of a short period of silence in the natural environment of a forest with the same amount of silence in a seminar room. METHODS We applied an intra-subject design with two 6:30-min sessions of silence in two different environments (forest, seminar room). The participants (n=41) were assigned to four groups. Two groups started with the indoor condition and two groups with the outdoor condition. After 1 week, the two groups were exposed to the other condition. Participants filled out personality-trait scales on meaning in life and belief in oneness with the world, as well as state scales assessing emotional reactions, relaxation, boredom, and the subjective sense of self, time, and space. RESULTS Participants felt significantly more relaxed and less bored in the forest compared to indoors. They experienced time less intensely, judging it to pass faster and to last shorter in the forest. Regarding trait variables, the higher the search for meaning, the higher oneness beliefs in participants. The higher oneness beliefs, the more positive participants felt during silence in the forest. DISCUSSION Interest in nature-assisted therapy is increasing in the healthcare sector. Exposure to silence in the natural setting of a forest could prove to be an effective complement to interventions applied in nature-assisted therapy, such as forest therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Pfeifer
- Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Stefan Claaßen
- Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marc Wittmann
- Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, Freiburg, Germany
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Fabiano N, Gupta A, Fiedorowicz JG, Firth J, Stubbs B, Vancampfort D, Schuch FB, Carr LJ, Solmi M. Dr Amir Mohammadamini
The effect of exercise on suicidal behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Affect Disord 2023; 330:355-366. [PMID: 36871911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although exercise may positively impact those with mental or other medical illnesses, there is a lack of understanding on how it influences suicidal ideation or risk. METHODS We conducted a PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and PsycINFO from inception to June 21, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating exercise and suicidal ideation in subject with mental or physical conditions were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. The primary outcome was suicidal ideation. We assessed bias of studies with risk of bias tool 2. RESULTS We identified 17 RCTs encompassing 1021 participants. Depression was the most included condition (71 %, k = 12). Mean follow up was 10.0 weeks (SD = 5.2). Post-intervention suicidal ideation (SMD = -1.09, CI -3.08-0.90, p = 0.20, k = 5) was not significantly different between exercise and control groups. Suicide attempts were significantly reduced in participants randomized to exercise interventions as compared to inactive controls (OR = 0.23, CI 0.09-0.67, p = 0.04, k = 2). Fourteen studies (82 %) were at high risk of bias. LIMITATIONS This meta-analysis is limited by few, and underpowered and heterogenous studies. CONCLUSION Overall, our meta-analysis did not find a significant decrease in suicidal ideation or mortality between exercise and control groups. However, exercise did significantly decrease suicide attempts. Results should be considered preliminary, and more and larger studies assessing suicidality in RCTs testing exercise are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Fabiano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Arnav Gupta
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; College of Public Health, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Jess G Fiedorowicz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Mental Health, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) Clinical Epidemiology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Joseph Firth
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- Physiotherapy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Davy Vancampfort
- KU Leuven Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Felipe B Schuch
- Department of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Lucas J Carr
- Department of Health and Human Physiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Marco Solmi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Mental Health, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) Clinical Epidemiology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Mau M, Klausen S, Roessler K. Becoming a person: How long-distance walking can lead to personal growth – A cultural and health-related approach. NEW IDEAS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.newideapsych.2022.100975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Mayr B, Beck M, Eisenberger L, Venek V, Kranzinger C, Menzl A, Reich B, Hornung-Prähauser V, Oberhoffer-Fritz R, Böhm B, Niebauer J. Valorization of natural cardio trekking trails through open innovation for promotion of sustainable cross-generational, health-oriented tourism during the Connect2Move project: study design (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e39038. [PMID: 35830223 PMCID: PMC9330191 DOI: 10.2196/39038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hiking is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the alpine region. However, besides its health benefits, hiking is the alpine activity with the highest incidence of cardiac events. Most incidents occur due to overexertion or underestimation of the physiological strain of hiking. Objective This project will establish a standardized cardio trekking test trail to evaluate the exercise capacity of tourists within hiking areas and deliver a tool for the prevention of hiking-associated cardiac incidents. Further, individual exercise intensity for a hiking tour will be predicted and visualized in digital maps. Methods This cooperation study between Austria and Germany will first validate a 1-km outdoor cardio trekking test trail at 2 different study sites. Then, exercise intensity measures on 8-km hiking trails will be evaluated during hiking to estimate overall hiking intensity. A total of 144 healthy adults (aged >45 years) will perform a treadmill test in the laboratory and a 1-km hiking test outdoors. They will wear a portable spirometry device that measures gas exchange, as well as heart rate, walking speed, ventilation, GPS location, and altitude throughout the tests. Estimation models for exercise capacity based on measured parameters will be calculated. Results The project “Connect2Move” was funded in December 2019 by the European Regional Development Fund (INTERREG V-A Programme Austria-Bavaria – 2014-2020; Project Number AB296). “Connect2Move” started in January 2020 and runs until the end of June 2022. By the end of April 2022, 162 participants were tested in the laboratory, and of these, 144 were tested outdoors. The data analysis will be completed by the end of June 2022, and results are expected to be published by the end of 2022. Conclusions Individual prediction of exercise capacity in healthy individuals with interest in hiking aims at the prevention of hiking-associated cardiovascular events caused by overexertion. Integration of a mathematical equation into existing hiking apps will allow individual hiking route recommendations derived from individual performance on a standardized cardio trekking test trail. Trial Registration ClinicalTrails.gov NCT05226806; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05226806 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/39038
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mayr
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Prevention and Rehabilitation and Research Institute of Molecular Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Prevention, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Maximilian Beck
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Prevention, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Laura Eisenberger
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Verena Venek
- Salzburg Research Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Andrea Menzl
- St. Irmingard Klinik Prien, Clinic for Cardiology, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany
| | - Bernhard Reich
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Prevention and Rehabilitation and Research Institute of Molecular Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Renate Oberhoffer-Fritz
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Birgit Böhm
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Josef Niebauer
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Prevention and Rehabilitation and Research Institute of Molecular Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Prevention, Salzburg, Austria
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Are Long-Distance Walks Therapeutic? A Systematic Scoping Review of the Conceptualization of Long-Distance Walking and Its Relation to Mental Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18157741. [PMID: 34360035 PMCID: PMC8345809 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Long-distance walking is an ancient activity practiced across cultures for many reasons, including the improvement of one’s health. It has even been suggested that long-distance walking may be considered a form of psychotherapy. This scoping review examined the relationship between long-distance walking and mental health among adults. Publication trends and definitions were also examined, and the reason why long-distance walking may have therapeutic effects was discussed. Systematic searches in three online databases were performed using a selection of long-distance walking terms. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were included if they examined associations between long-distance walking and mental health in an adult population. Mental health was conceptualized in broad terms, including descriptions of mental states as well as more specific measurements or notions of mental health. A total of 8557 records were screened and 26 studies were included, out of which 15 were quantitative, 9 were qualitative, and 2 were mixed. The findings showed that long-distance walking was positively related to mental health. This was most consistent with regard to emotional distress compared to somewhat inconsistent findings regarding well-being. Therefore, long-distance walking may be more appropriately used to counter some personal or emotional struggle rather than to achieve hedonic pleasure.
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González-Castro TB, Tovilla-Zárate CA, Juárez-Rojop IE, López-Narváez ML, Pérez-Hernández N, Rodríguez-Pérez JM, Genis-Mendoza AD. The role of gene polymorphisms, and analysis of peripheral and central levels of interleukins in suicidal behavior: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2021; 279:398-411. [PMID: 33099055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In terms of the physiological characteristics of suicidal behavior (SB) disorder, an increase inflammation response has been reported in these individuals. Therefore, the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory activities of interleukins are adequate markers to research in order to understand the pathogenesis of SB. For that reason, the aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the role of interleukins in individuals with suicidal behavior disorder. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and EBSCO databases up to July 2019. We used the words "interleukin" AND "suicide", "interleukin" AND "suicidal", and "IL-". Articles where interleukins concentrations were measured in individuals with SB and/or genetic studies addressing interleukins genes variants as possible markers to SB were included. A total of 54 articles were included. Articles that measured interleukin levels comprised 1111 cases and 1588 controls; whereas the genetic studies comprised 3082 cases and 5148 controls. These studies evaluated the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, sIL-2R in serum, plasma. The pro-inflammatory interleukins concentrations were higher in cases than in controls; however, we observed heterogeneity in the measurements and sample sources. Whereas, 9 polymorphisms of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-1β-8 genes were analyzed in association with suicide behavior disorder, though no conclusive outcomes were attained. Our results suggest that individuals with suicide risk undergo continuous stress that could trigger the release and circulation of pro-inflammatory interleukins and therefore their concentration in plasma. However, more studies are necessary in order to reach conclusively outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Alfonso Tovilla-Zárate
- Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Comalcalco, Comalcalco, Tabasco, México..
| | - Isela Esther Juárez-Rojop
- Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, División Académica de Ciencias de la Salud, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México.
| | - María Lilia López-Narváez
- Hospital General de Yajalón "Dr. Manuel Velazco Siles", Secretaría de Salud. Yajalón, Chiapas, México..
| | - Nonanzit Pérez-Hernández
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, México..
| | - José Manuel Rodríguez-Pérez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, México..
| | - Alma Delia Genis-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, México..
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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: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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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Ross R, Blair SN, Arena R, Church TS, Després JP, Franklin BA, Haskell WL, Kaminsky LA, Levine BD, Lavie CJ, Myers J, Niebauer J, Sallis R, Sawada SS, Sui X, Wisløff U. Importance of Assessing Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Clinical Practice: A Case for Fitness as a Clinical Vital Sign: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2016; 134:e653-e699. [PMID: 27881567 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000000461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1292] [Impact Index Per Article: 161.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence has firmly established that low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and mortality rates attributable to various cancers. A growing body of epidemiological and clinical evidence demonstrates not only that CRF is a potentially stronger predictor of mortality than established risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, but that the addition of CRF to traditional risk factors significantly improves the reclassification of risk for adverse outcomes. The purpose of this statement is to review current knowledge related to the association between CRF and health outcomes, increase awareness of the added value of CRF to improve risk prediction, and suggest future directions in research. Although the statement is not intended to be a comprehensive review, critical references that address important advances in the field are highlighted. The underlying premise of this statement is that the addition of CRF for risk classification presents health professionals with unique opportunities to improve patient management and to encourage lifestyle-based strategies designed to reduce cardiovascular risk. These opportunities must be realized to optimize the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and hence meet the American Heart Association's 2020 goals.
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