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Mizumoto T, Ikei H, Hagiwara K, Matsubara T, Higuchi F, Kobayashi M, Yamashina T, Sasaki J, Yamada N, Higuchi N, Haraga K, Kirihara F, Okabe E, Asai K, Hirotsu M, Chen C, Miyazaki Y, Nakagawa S. Mood and physiological effects of visual stimulation with images of the natural environment in individuals with depressive and anxiety disorders. J Affect Disord 2024; 356:257-266. [PMID: 38588725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nature therapies are gaining attention as non-pharmacological treatments for depressive and anxiety disorders, but research on their effectiveness in patients is limited. This study investigates the mood-improving effects of visual stimulation with natural environmental images in patients with depressive and anxiety disorders. METHODS We conducted a randomized crossover comparison trial involving 60 right-handed adult participants with depressive or anxiety disorders and receiving outpatient treatment. Visual stimuli of natural environments consisted of green-themed nature images, while the control stimuli featured urban scenes dominated by buildings. The stimulation lasted for 3 min, during which orbital prefrontal brain activity was measured using a 2-channel Near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) system, and heart rate variability was assessed using fingertip accelerated plethysmography. RESULTS Mood enhancement effects were observed in both the depressive and anxiety disorder groups following visual stimulation with nature images. In the depression group, orbital prefrontal oxygenated hemoglobin concentration significantly increased after visual stimulation with nature images, while there were no significant changes in the anxiety group. However, in the anxiety group, a correlation was found between reduced orbital prefrontal oxygenated hemoglobin in response to nature images and increased mood-enhancement. Furthermore, the severity of depressive symptoms did not significantly affect the intervention effects, whereas heightened anxiety symptoms was associated with a smaller mood enhancement effect. DISCUSSION Our study demonstrates the benefits of nature image stimulation for patients with depressive and anxiety disorders. Differential orbital prefrontal brain activity impacts notwithstanding, both conditions exhibited mood enhancement, affirming the value of nature image stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Mizumoto
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Harumi Ikei
- Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kosuke Hagiwara
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Toshio Matsubara
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Higuchi
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Masaaki Kobayashi
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamashina
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Jun Sasaki
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan; Koryo Hospital, Ube, Japan
| | - Norihiro Yamada
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Naoko Higuchi
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Kenichi Haraga
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Kirihara
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Emi Okabe
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Kumi Asai
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Masako Hirotsu
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Chong Chen
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.
| | - Yoshifumi Miyazaki
- Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shin Nakagawa
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
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Torjinski M, Horwood S. Associations between nature exposure, screen use, and parent-child relations: a scoping review protocol. Syst Rev 2023; 12:217. [PMID: 37974236 PMCID: PMC10652600 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02367-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Today's youth are growing up in an evolving digital world, and concerns about the potential detrimental effects of excessive screen use on biopsychosocial outcomes in childhood are mounting. Parents worry about the impacts of screen-use on their children's wellbeing but at the same time frequently fail to meet their own ideal screen time limits regarding their children's screen use. There is an opportunity to shift research focus away from inflexible and often unrealistic childhood screen time guidelines towards exploration of positive parenting strategies that may have multiple beneficial and significant effects on children's screen-related outcomes. An emerging body of literature suggests that screen time and nature exposure act on psychosocial outcomes in contrasting ways. There is evidence to suggest that exposure to natural environments may counteract some of the potential negative psychosocial effects of excessive screen use; however, this relationship is poorly understood. The overarching aim of this scoping review is to source, categorise, and synthesise existing research exploring the associations between nature exposure, screen use, and parenting across childhood. METHODS This mixed-methods systematic scoping review will be conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's framework with methodological enhancements from Levac and associates and recommendations from the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodological guidance for conducting scoping reviews. Five electronic databases will be searched from August 2022 onwards. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. Peer reviewed articles related to the constructs of nature exposure, screen use, and parent/child relations will be considered in the context of early to late childhood. Study characteristics will be collated using a data charting tool collaboratively developed by the research team. Evidence will be presented using tabular and textual form and described using qualitative thematic analysis. DISCUSSION This review will gather information about how key definitions are conceptualised, defined, and measured across the literature and map existing trends and areas for future research. It is intended that this review will inform and guide future research direction, recommendations, and programs aimed at supporting parents to navigate the challenges of parenting in a digital age. OSF REGISTRATION: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/TFZDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Torjinski
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, 3220, Australia.
- ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Education Building (E Block), Level 4, QUT Kelvin Grove campus, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Sharon Horwood
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, Geelong, 3220, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, Education Building (E Block), Level 4, QUT Kelvin Grove campus, Brisbane, Australia
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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. Prog Brain Res 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Li H, Browning MHEM, Rigolon A, Larson LR, Taff D, Labib SM, Benfield J, Yuan S, McAnirlin O, Hatami N, Kahn PH. Beyond "bluespace" and "greenspace": A narrative review of possible health benefits from exposure to other natural landscapes. Sci Total Environ 2023; 856:159292. [PMID: 36208731 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have highlighted the physical and mental health benefits of contact with nature, typically in landscapes characterized by plants (i.e., "greenspace") and water (i.e., "bluespace"). However, natural landscapes are not always green or blue, and the effects of other landscapes are worth attention. This narrative review attempts to overcome this limitation of past research. Rather than focusing on colors, we propose that natural landscapes are composed of at least one of three components: (1) plants (e.g., trees, flowering plants, grasses, sedges, mosses, ferns, and algae), (2) water (e.g., rivers, canals, lakes, and oceans), and/or (3) rocks and minerals, including soil. Landscapes not dominated by plants or liquid-state water include those with abundant solid-state water (e.g., polar spaces) and rocks or minerals (e.g., deserts and caves). Possible health benefits of solid-state water or rock/mineral dominated landscapes include both shorter-term (e.g., viewing images) and longer-term (e.g., living in these landscapes) exposure durations. Reported benefits span improved emotional and mental states and medical treatment resources for respiratory conditions and allergies. Mechanisms underlying the health benefits of exposure consist of commonly discussed theories in the "greenspace" and "bluespace" literature (i.e., instoration and restoration) as well as less discussed pathways in that literature (i.e., post-traumatic growth, self-determination, supportive environment theory, and place attachment). This is the first review to draw attention to the potential salutogenic value of natural landscapes beyond "greenspace" and "bluespace." It is also among the first to highlight the limitations and confusion that result from classifying natural landscapes using color. Since the extant literature on natural landscapes - beyond those with abundant plants or liquid-state water - is limited in regard to quantity and quality, additional research is needed to understand their restorative potential and therapeutic possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansen Li
- Institute of Sports Science, College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing 8400715, China
| | - Matthew H E M Browning
- Virtual Reality & Nature Lab, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - Alessandro Rigolon
- Department of City and Metropolitan Planning, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Lincoln R Larson
- Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Derrick Taff
- Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - S M Labib
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, 3584, CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jacob Benfield
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, Abington, PA, USA.
| | - Shuai Yuan
- Virtual Reality & Nature Lab, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - Olivia McAnirlin
- Virtual Reality & Nature Lab, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - Nazanin Hatami
- Virtual Reality & Nature Lab, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Peter H Kahn
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Sundara Rajoo K, Singh Karam D, Abdu A, Rosli Z, James Gerusu G. Addressing psychosocial issues caused by the COVID-19 lockdown: Can urban greeneries help? Urban For Urban Green 2021; 65:127340. [PMID: 34512230 PMCID: PMC8423708 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected over 200 countries, forcing governments to impose lockdowns to contain the spread of the disease. Although effective in reducing infection rates, the lockdowns have also resulted in a severe negative impact on mental health throughout the world; Setting the foundation for mental illnesses to become the next "silent" pandemic. This study attempts to determine a self-care method of ensuring mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for those living under lockdown. We evaluated the potential of physical exercise (in a nature setting) and nature therapy in improving mental wellbeing, among young adults with either stress, anxiety or depression symptoms. The study involved thirty subjects, who were equally divided into a nature-exercise group and a nature therapy group. The participants were briefed on the activities that they were to perform on a daily basis, and both groups performed their assigned activities concurrently for one week (27th April 2020 to 3rd May 2020) at urban greeneries accessible to them (rooftop parks, neighbourhood parks, home gardens). We used the depression, anxiety and stress scale - 21 items (DASS-21) to evaluate the mental health status of participants, once before beginning the study (baseline readings) and once at the end of the study (after a week of nature-exercise/nature therapy). There was a statistically significant reduction in stress, anxiety and depression symptoms for both the nature-exercise and nature therapy groups. However, when evaluating the effectiveness of exercise and nature therapy in treating stress, anxiety and depression symptoms on a case-by-case basis, it was discovered that nature therapy was more effective in treating mental health issues. Hence, nature therapy has the potential to be a form of preventive medicine, namely in preserving mental health during the COVID-19 crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keeren Sundara Rajoo
- Department of Forestry Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Nyabau Road, 97008, Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Daljit Singh Karam
- Department of Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Arifin Abdu
- Department of Forestry Science and Biodiversity, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zamri Rosli
- Department of Forestry Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Nyabau Road, 97008, Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Geoffery James Gerusu
- Department of Forestry Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Nyabau Road, 97008, Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
- Institut Ekosains Borneo, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus, Nyabau Road, 97008, Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
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Mancus G, Hill SV, Carter P, Payne-Foster P, Krishnamurthy M, Kazembe A, Cody SL. Nature-Based Therapies for Sleep Disorders in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Nurs Clin North Am 2021; 56:189-202. [PMID: 34023115 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnur.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Following diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), getting adequate sleep may be the farthest thing from the mind of patients or providers. Even further from mind are the potential benefits on both sleep and HIV from nature-based therapy. In developing and developed countries, access to high-quality natural spaces has the potential to support physical and mental health. This article provides a review of sleep disorders, conventional and nature-based therapies, and the potential of nature-based therapy to support the health of people living with HIV through increased restorative sleep and immune function.
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Kotera Y, Rhodes C. Commentary: Suggesting Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) for treating addiction. Addict Behav 2020; 111:106556. [PMID: 32745943 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Shinrin-yoku ('') (i.e., forest bathing), a Japanese wellbeing practice, aims to harmonise a person with a forest by bathing in the forest mindfully using our five senses (Miyazaki, 2018). Practitioners can choose whatever they like to focus on in the forest: different colours of leaves, the sounds of streams, or the warmth of sunshine beaming between leaves. Since the birth of this practice in 1982, shinrin-yoku has been widely used in the Japanese clinical fields (Hansen, Jones, & Tocchini, 2017). Recently, this healing practice has received attention from healthcare practitioners and researchers worldwide (Wen, Yan, Pan, Gu, & Liu, 2019). In this commentary, we will discuss limitations of the current shinrin-yoku research, and how future research can be conducted to appraise the effects of shinrin-yoku on addiction.
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Huber D, Grafetstätter C, Proßegger J, Pichler C, Wöll E, Fischer M, Dürl M, Geiersperger K, Höcketstaller M, Frischhut S, Ritter M, Hartl A. Green exercise and mg-ca-SO 4 thermal balneotherapy for the treatment of non-specific chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2019; 20:221. [PMID: 31096958 PMCID: PMC6524239 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-019-2582-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-specific chronic low back pain (nscLBP) has a high socio-economic relevance due to its high incidence, prevalence and associated costs. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate effective therapeutic strategies. This study examines the effects of moderate mountain exercise and spa therapy on orthopedic and psychophysiological parameters. Based on a three-armed randomized controlled trial, guided mountain hiking tours and balneotherapy in thermal water were compared to a control group. METHODS Eighty patients with diagnosed nscLBP were separated into three groups: The two intervention groups GE (green exercise) and GEBT (green exercise and balneotherapy) undertook daily mountain hiking tours, whereas the GEBT group got an additional treatment with baths in Mg-Ca-SO4 thermal water. The third group (CO) received no intervention. GE and GEBT group were treated for 6 days; all groups were followed up for 120 days. RESULTS Compared to GE and CO group, the GEBT treatment showed significant improvements of pain, some orthopedic parameters, health-related quality of life and mental well-being in patients with nscLBP. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study confirmed a benefit of mountain hiking combined with Mg-Ca-SO4 spa therapy as a multimodal treatment of patients with nscLBP. Further studies should focus on long-term-effects of this therapeutic approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN, ISRCTN99926592 . Registered 06. July 2018 - Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Huber
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Physiotherapy, Salzburg University of Applied Science, 5412, Puch/Urstein, Austria
| | - Carina Grafetstätter
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johanna Proßegger
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christina Pichler
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ewald Wöll
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Orthopedics, General Public Hospital St. Vinzenz, 6511, Zams, Austria
| | - Martin Fischer
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Orthopedics, General Public Hospital St. Vinzenz, 6511, Zams, Austria
| | - Martin Dürl
- Department of Physiotherapy, Salzburg University of Applied Science, 5412, Puch/Urstein, Austria
| | - Karin Geiersperger
- Department of Physiotherapy, Salzburg University of Applied Science, 5412, Puch/Urstein, Austria
| | - Melanie Höcketstaller
- Department of Physiotherapy, Salzburg University of Applied Science, 5412, Puch/Urstein, Austria
| | - Stefan Frischhut
- Ordination Dr. Stefan Frischhut MSc., Maximilianstr. 2, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Markus Ritter
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Department for Radon Therapy Research, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Arnulf Hartl
- Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
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