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Kang MJ, Kim HS, Kim JY. Development and effects of a non-face-to-face forest therapy program for nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jpn J Nurs Sci 2024; 21:e12566. [PMID: 37919044 DOI: 10.1111/jjns.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM In this study, we developed a non-face-to-face forest therapy program using videos and applied it to nurses working in hospitals during the prolonged COVID-19 situation to confirm the effect on their mental health. METHOD This study was a randomized control group pretest-posttest, and 27 clinical nurses in the experimental group and 28 clinical nurses in the control group participated. The program developed forest therapy videos and three city videos each. The experimental group watched the forest therapy video and the control group watched the city video and stress and happiness were measured through pre-test and post-test. RESULTS The stress level of clinical nurses who applied the non-face-to-face forest therapy program had a significant reduction effect compared to the control group on day 2 (t = -2.239 P = .026) and day 3 (t = -3.188, P = .003). On the other hand, there was no significant effect in happiness in both groups. In addition, repeated measures analysis of variance statistical analysis confirmed that the stress level of the experimental group significantly decreased over time (F = 10.578, P < .001). CONCLUSION The non-face-to-face forest therapy program is significant in that it had a positive effect on relieving stress by conducting a randomized controlled study targeting clinical nurses working in various hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Jung Kang
- College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Sun Kim
- College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yeon Kim
- College of Nursing, Eulji University, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Vermeesch AL, Ellsworth-Kopkowski A, Prather JG, Passel C, Rogers HH, Hansen MM. Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing): A Scoping Review of the Global Research on the Effects of Spending Time in Nature. GLOBAL ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AND HEALTH 2024; 13:27536130241231258. [PMID: 38420597 PMCID: PMC10901062 DOI: 10.1177/27536130241231258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Background This Scoping review (ScR) builds upon the 2017 review conducted by Hansen et al which contributed to evidence base shinrin-yoku (SY), also known as forest bathing (FB), has many positive health effects and is becoming a prescribed dose (specific time spent in nature) by health care providers. Practice and research regarding SY, has been historically based in Asian countries with a recent increase in Europe. The need and call for more research worldwide continues to further the evidence of SY as a health promotion modality. Through this ScR the authors identified programmatic components, health information monitored and screened, time spent in nature, geographical regions, trends, and themes in SY research worldwide. Methods Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines we searched across 7 electronic databases for SY or FB research articles from 2017 through 2022. PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, Embase, JSTOR were included due to the interdisciplinary nature of SY or FB research. Each database provided unique strengths ensuring a capture of a wide range of articles. The resulting articles were screened and extracted through Covidence. Results Database searches returned 241 results, with 110 references removed during the deduplication process, 131 were initially screened in the title and abstract review stage. Resulting in 82 unique results deemed relevant and screened in full text. During the final stage of the review, 63 articles met all inclusion criteria and were extracted for data. Conclusions The practice of SY has physiological (PHYS) and psychological (PSYCH) benefits across age groups. Research findings indicate either the natural or the virtual environment (VW) has significant health benefits. Continued research is encouraged globally for short- and long-term health outcomes for all individuals. The connection with nature benefits the mind, body and soul and is supported by Henry David Thoreau's philosophy: "Our livesneed the relief of where the pine flourishes and the jay still scream."
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L. Vermeesch
- Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration Coordinator, UNC Greensboro School of Nursing, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | | | - Jenifer G. Prather
- College of Nursing, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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Keller J, Kayira J, Chawla L, Rhoades JL. Forest Bathing Increases Adolescents' Mental Well-Being: A Mixed-Methods Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 21:8. [PMID: 38276796 PMCID: PMC10815422 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that practicing forest bathing has significant positive effects on adult psychological well-being. Considering the ongoing adolescents' mental health crisis of increasing anxiety and depression, determining whether forest bathing has similar effects on adolescents is an important expansion of forest bathing research. This study investigated the possibility that forest bathing could improve adolescents' mental well-being and sought to determine participants' experiences of forest bathing. It used a convergent, parallel, mixed-methods design that was partially co-created with 24 participants aged 16-18 as part of a youth participatory action research (YPAR) project in which participants practiced forest bathing three times over 3 weeks. As measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Survey, the mean participant mental well-being increased significantly after forest bathing, with moderate to large effect sizes. Participants described reduced stress and increased feelings of relaxation, peace, and happiness. These findings correlate with previous forest bathing research involving adult participants. It is recommended that educators and others who work with adolescents consider forest bathing as a simple, low-cost way to improve adolescents' mental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Keller
- Department of Environmental Studies, Antioch University, New England, Keene, NH 03431, USA;
| | - Jean Kayira
- Department of Environmental Studies, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Suracuse, NY 13201, USA;
| | - Louise Chawla
- Program in Environmental Design, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA;
| | - Jason L. Rhoades
- Department of Environmental Studies, Antioch University, New England, Keene, NH 03431, USA;
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Nguyen PY, Astell-Burt T, Rahimi-Ardabili H, Feng X. Effect of nature prescriptions on cardiometabolic and mental health, and physical activity: a systematic review. Lancet Planet Health 2023; 7:e313-e328. [PMID: 37019572 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Nature prescriptions are gaining popularity as a form of social prescribing in support of sustainable health care. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of nature prescriptions and determine the factors important for their success. We searched five databases from inception up to July 25, 2021. Randomised and non-randomised controlled studies featuring a nature prescription (ie, a referral or an organised programme, by a health or social professional, to encourage spending time in nature) were included. Two reviewers independently conducted all steps of study selection; one reviewer collected summary data from published reports and conducted the risk of bias assessment. Random-effect DerSimonian-Laird meta-analyses were conducted for five key outcomes. We identified 92 unique studies (122 reports), of which 28 studies contributed data to meta-analyses. Compared with control conditions, nature prescription programmes resulted in a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure (mean difference -4·82 mm Hg [-8·92 to -0·72]) and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference -3·82 mm Hg [-6·47 to -1·16). Nature prescriptions also had a moderate to large effect on depression scores (post-intervention standardised mean difference -0·50 [-0·84 to -0·16]; change from baseline standardised mean difference -0·42 [-0·82 to -0·03]) and anxiety scores (post-intervention standardised mean difference -0·57 [-1·12 to -0·03]; change from baseline standardised mean difference -1·27 [-2·20 to -0·33]). Nature prescriptions resulted in a greater increase in daily step counts than control conditions (mean difference 900 steps [790 to 1010]) but did not improve weekly time of moderate physical activity (mean difference 25·90 min [-10·26 to 62·06]). A subgroup analysis restricted to studies featuring a referring institution showed stronger effects on depression scores, daily step counts, and weekly time of moderate physical activity than the general analysis. Beneficial effects on anxiety and depression scores were mainly provided by interventions involving social professionals whereas beneficial effects on blood pressures and daily step counts were provided mainly by interventions involving health professionals. Most studies have a moderate to high risk of bias. Nature prescription programmes showed evidence of cardiometabolic and mental health benefits and increases in walking. Effective nature prescription programmes can involve a range of natural settings and activities and can be implemented via social and community channels, in addition to health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phi-Yen Nguyen
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Thomas Astell-Burt
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Health and Society, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Hania Rahimi-Ardabili
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW, Australia; The George Institute of Global Health, Sydnet, NSW, Australia.
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D’Angelo J, Ritchie SD, Oddson B, Gagnon DD, Mrozewski T, Little J, Nault S. Using Heart Rate Variability Methods for Health-Related Outcomes in Outdoor Contexts: A Scoping Review of Empirical Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1330. [PMID: 36674086 PMCID: PMC9858817 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV) is a psychophysiological variable that is often used in applied analysis techniques to indicate health status because it provides a window into the intrinsic regulation of the autonomic nervous system. However, HRV data analysis methods are varied and complex, which has led to different approaches to data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results. Our scoping review aimed to explore the diverse use of HRV methods in studies designed to assess health outcomes in outdoor free-living contexts. Four database indexes were searched, which resulted in the identification of 17,505 candidate studies. There were 34 studies and eight systematic reviews that met the inclusion criteria. Just over half of the papers referenced the 1996 task force paper that outlined the standards of measurement and physiological interpretation of HRV data, with even fewer adhering to recommended HRV recording and analysis procedures. Most authors reported an increase in parasympathetic (n = 23) and a decrease in systematic nervous system activity (n = 20). Few studies mentioned methods-related limitations and challenges, despite a wide diversity of recording devices and analysis software used. We conclude our review with five recommendations for future research using HRV methods in outdoor and health-related contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonah D’Angelo
- School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Center for Research in Occupational Safety and Health, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Center for Rural and Northern Health Research, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Stephen D. Ritchie
- School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Center for Research in Occupational Safety and Health, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Center for Rural and Northern Health Research, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Bruce Oddson
- School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Laurentian Research Institute for Aging, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Dominique D. Gagnon
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tomasz Mrozewski
- Digital Scholarship Infrastructure Department, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Jim Little
- School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Sebastien Nault
- School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
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McEwan K, Potter V, Kotera Y, Jackson JE, Greaves S. 'This Is What the Colour Green Smells Like!': Urban Forest Bathing Improved Adolescent Nature Connection and Wellbeing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15594. [PMID: 36497670 PMCID: PMC9741002 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research suggests that an early connection with nature can benefit wellbeing into adulthood. However, there is less research assessing whether adolescents benefit from formal nature connection interventions such as forest bathing (slow mindful nature walks). This research aimed to assess whether an urban nature connection intervention (called ParkBathe) could improve adolescents' nature connection and wellbeing. METHOD In an experimental repeated measures design, 44 adolescents sampled opportunistically from Scouts groups, completed surveys and interviews before and after experiencing an urban nature connection intervention. RESULTS Paired-samples t-tests between baseline and post-intervention survey scores revealed statistically significant improvements in anxiety (13% reduction); rumination (44% reduction); scepticism (17% reduction); nature connection (25% increase); and social connection (12% increase). The largest effect size was found for nature connection. Interviews revealed that before the session, participants had a mixed understanding and expectations of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS After the session, the participants expressed enjoying the social aspects of being part of a group and being present in the moment by noticing nature. They expressed the effects of this as immediately calming and relaxing. Urban forest bathing improved nature connection and wellbeing in adolescents and could be implemented and/or signposted by schools and youth charities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten McEwan
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | | | - Yasuhiro Kotera
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK
| | - Jessica Eve Jackson
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | - Sarah Greaves
- Support and Wellbeing Service (Student and Campus Life), University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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Ke GN, Utama IKAP, Wagner T, Sweetman AK, Arshad A, Nath TK, Neoh JY, Muchamad LS, Suroso DSA. Influence of mangrove forests on subjective and psychological wellbeing of coastal communities: Case studies in Malaysia and Indonesia. Front Public Health 2022; 10:898276. [PMID: 36438217 PMCID: PMC9686422 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.898276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mangrove forests possess multiple functions for the environment and society through their valuable ecosystem services. Along with this, the mangrove forests have large and diverse social values, in combination contributing to the health and wellbeing of the surrounding communities. This study aims (i) to assess the benefits of mangrove forests and their impact on subjective and psychological wellbeing of coastal communities and (ii) to understand the challenges coastal communities face that limit sustainable wellbeing. We have used a mixed methodological approach, combining workshop, interview, and survey, to obtain qualitative and quantitative information from two coastal communities in Malaysia and Indonesia. For quantitative data, 67 participants from both coastal communities participated using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. To obtain opinions from key informants in Malaysia and Indonesia, we organized two stakeholders' workshops and community interviews. When merging these interviews and workshops, we identified the following three themes related to the perception of mangrove forest benefits: (1) the advantage of living in a natural countryside; (2) the natural resources supporting employment, income, and family security; and (3) the increase in subjective and psychological wellbeing. The mean score of wellbeing for Indonesian participants (28.6) was slightly higher than that for Malaysian participants (26.2) and was significant. Overall, the respondents felt happy because the combination of job security and leisure activities supports feeling content and satisfied. The analyses also suggest that the combination of exposure to coastal environments and stress reduction promotes good mental health; however, diagnostic health data are lacking. The lower score of mental wellbeing in Malaysia is attributed to respondents involved in risky fishing activities and local regions with excessive tourism. The findings from this study imply that coastal mangrove forest management plays an important role in the living conditions of coastal communities and their subjective and psychological wellbeing. Hence, restoration and sustainability of mangrove ecosystem are important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guek-Nee Ke
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Guek-Nee Ke
| | | | - Thomas Wagner
- The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Aziz Arshad
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Tapan Kumar Nath
- School of Environment and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Jing Yi Neoh
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Lutfi Surya Muchamad
- Department of Naval Architecture, Institute Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Sociodemographic Determinants of Poles' Attitudes towards the Forest during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031537. [PMID: 35162559 PMCID: PMC8834990 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Attitudes towards forest ecosystems have been changing together with human needs, which is amplified with society's increasing need to spend recreation time in the forest. The phenomenon has been particularly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the attitude of Poles to forests during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research was based on (1) a sociodemographic background questionnaire that consisted of questions about the independent variables and (2) the LAS scale-an independently prepared tool for measuring attitudes towards the forest. In the survey, 1025 people participated (673 women). The age of the subjects was between 19 and 68. The attitude towards the forest was analysed in three dimensions: Benefits, Involvement, and Fears. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance by ranks were used for statistical analysis. Women and people with primary education expressed the most fears connected with going to the forest. Men and people living in the countryside and in small towns, as well as respondents who were professionally active and performing work connected with forests were the most involved in exploring the forest and working for its benefit. Concerning the forest, concerned women, people from the highest age group, respondents with university education, and white-collar workers notice the most benefits from recreational activities in the forest.
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Lai AYK, Sit SMM, Thomas C, Cheung GOC, Wan A, Chan SSC, Lam TH. A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Positive Family Holistic Health Intervention for Probationers in Hong Kong: A Mixed-Method Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:739418. [PMID: 34950083 PMCID: PMC8689060 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.739418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Probationers, offenders with less serious and non-violent offences, and under statutory supervision, have low levels of self-esteem and physical health, and high level of family conflict, and poorer quality of family relationships. This study examined the effectiveness of the existing probation service and the additional use of a positive family holistic health intervention to enhance physical, psychological, and family well-being in probationers and relationships with probation officers. Methods: Probationers under the care of the Hong Kong Social Welfare Department were randomized into a care-as-usual control group (CAU), a brief intervention group (BI) receiving two 1-h individual sessions [of a brief theory-based positive family holistic health intervention integrating Zero-time Exercise (simple and easy-to-do lifestyle-integrated physical activity) and positive psychology themes of "Praise and Gratitude" in the existing probation service], or a combined intervention group (CI) receiving BI and a 1-day group activity with family members. The outcomes were physical activity, fitness performance, self-esteem, happiness, anxiety and depression symptoms, life satisfaction, quality of life, family communication and well-being, and relationships with probation officers. Self-administered questionnaires and simple fitness tests were used at baseline, 1-month and 3-month follow-up. Linear mixed model analysis was used to compare difference in the changes of outcome variables among groups, adjusted of sex, age, and baseline values. Focus group interviews were conducted. Thematic content analysis was used. Results: 318 probationers (51% male) were randomized into CAU (n = 105), BI (n = 108), or CI (n = 105) group. CAU showed enhanced physical activity, fitness performance and psychological health, and family communication with small effect sizes (Cohen's d: 0.19-0.41). BI and CI showed further improved physical activity, family communication and family well-being (Cohen's d: 0.37-0.70). Additionally, CI reported greater improvements in the relationships with probation officers than CAU with a small effect size (Cohen's d: 0.43). CI also reported greater increases in physical activity and family communication than BI with small to moderate effect sizes (Cohen's d: 0.38-0.58). Qualitative feedbacks corroborated the quantitative findings. Conclusion: Our trial provided the first evidence of the effectiveness of probation service and the additional use of an innovative, relatively low-cost, theory-based brief positive family holistic health intervention. This intervention may offer a new model for enhancing probation service. Trial Registration: The research protocol was registered at the National Institutes of Health (identifier: NCT02770898).
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Y.-K. Lai
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shirley M.-M. Sit
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Carol Thomas
- Hong Kong Social Welfare Department, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - George O.-C. Cheung
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alice Wan
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sophia S.-C. Chan
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tai-hing Lam
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Jo SH, Park JS, Yeon PS. The Effect of Forest Video Using Virtual Reality on the Stress Reduction of University Students Focused on C University in Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12805. [PMID: 34886531 PMCID: PMC8657194 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to study the effect of forest videos using virtual reality (VR) on the stress of college students. The study subjects were 60 college students who watched two-dimensional (2D) and VR videos, and we compared their control heart rate variability (HRV) and electroencephalogram (EEG). As a result, it was found that the VR group had a positive effect on high frequency (HF), standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN), and root-mean-square of successive differences (RMSSD) compared with the control group, and the VR group had a positive effect on HF compared with the 2D group. Second, EEG, a physiological indicator, showed statistical differences in Relative Alpha Power (RA), Relative Beta Power (RB), and Ratio of SMR-Mid Beta to Theta (RSMT) in VR groups in intra-group analysis. Among them, it was investigated that watching forest videos on VR became a state of concentration and immersion due to the increase in RSMT. As a result of the above, it was investigated that forest videos using VR had a positive effect on the physiological stress on college students. Therefore, it is expected that a positive effect will occur if VR is used as an alternative to stress management for college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Hee Jo
- Forest Welfare Research Center, Korea Forest Welfare Institute, Youngju 36043, Korea;
| | - Jin-Seok Park
- Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea;
| | - Poung-Sik Yeon
- Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea;
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