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Physiological and Psychological Effects of Forest and Urban Sounds Using High-Resolution Sound Sources

Author

Listed:
  • Hyunju Jo

    (Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Chorong Song

    (Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Harumi Ikei

    (Department of Wood Engineering, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan)

  • Seiya Enomoto

    (JVCKENWOOD Victor Entertainment Corporation, 1-2-20 Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0011, Japan)

  • Hiromitsu Kobayashi

    (Department of Nursing, Ishikawa Prefectural Nursing University, 1-1 Gakuendai, Kahoku, Ishikawa 929-1210, Japan)

  • Yoshifumi Miyazaki

    (Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan)

Abstract

Exposure to natural sounds is known to induce feelings of relaxation; however, only few studies have provided scientific evidence on its physiological effects. This study examined prefrontal cortex and autonomic nervous activities in response to forest sound. A total of 29 female university students (mean age 22.3 ± 2.1 years) were exposed to high-resolution sounds of a forest or city for 60 s, using headphones. Oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentrations in the prefrontal cortex were determined by near-infrared spectroscopy. Heart rate, the high-frequency component of heart rate variability (which reflects parasympathetic nervous activity), and the ratio of low-frequency to high-frequency (LF/HF) components (which reflects sympathetic nervous activity) were measured. Subjective evaluation was performed using the modified semantic differential method and profiles of mood states. Exposure to the forest sound resulted in the following significant differences compared with exposure to city sound: decreased oxy-Hb concentrations in the right prefrontal cortex; decreased ln(LF/HF); decreased heart rate; improved feelings described as “comfortable,’’ “relaxed,” and “natural”; and improved mood states. The findings of this study demonstrated that forest-derived auditory stimulation induced physiological and psychological relaxation effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Hyunju Jo & Chorong Song & Harumi Ikei & Seiya Enomoto & Hiromitsu Kobayashi & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2019. "Physiological and Psychological Effects of Forest and Urban Sounds Using High-Resolution Sound Sources," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:15:p:2649-:d:251365
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    7. Harumi Ikei & Chorong Song & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2017. "Physiological Effects of Touching Coated Wood," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-14, July.
    8. Chorong Song & Harumi Ikei & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2016. "Physiological Effects of Nature Therapy: A Review of the Research in Japan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-17, August.
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    11. Chorong Song & Harumi Ikei & Maiko Kobayashi & Takashi Miura & Masao Taue & Takahide Kagawa & Qing Li & Shigeyoshi Kumeda & Michiko Imai & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2015. "Effect of Forest Walking on Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Middle-Aged Hypertensive Individuals: A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-13, March.
    12. Hiroko Ochiai & Harumi Ikei & Chorong Song & Maiko Kobayashi & Ako Takamatsu & Takashi Miura & Takahide Kagawa & Qing Li & Shigeyoshi Kumeda & Michiko Imai & Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2015. "Physiological and Psychological Effects of Forest Therapy on Middle-Aged Males with High-Normal Blood Pressure," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-11, February.
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    2. Luke A. Vitagliano & Kelly L. Wester & Connie T. Jones & David L. Wyrick & Amber L. Vermeesch, 2023. "Group Nature-Based Mindfulness Interventions: Nature-Based Mindfulness Training for College Students with Anxiety," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-18, January.
    3. Erica R. Timko Olson & Margaret M. Hansen & Amber Vermeesch, 2020. "Mindfulness and Shinrin-Yoku: Potential for Physiological and Psychological Interventions during Uncertain Times," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-13, December.
    4. Yanlong Guo & Xuemei Jiang & Linfu Zhang & Han Zhang & Zuoqing Jiang, 2022. "Effects of Sound Source Landscape in Urban Forest Park on Alleviating Mental Stress of Visitors: Evidence from Huolu Mountain Forest Park, Guangzhou," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-22, November.
    5. Hyoyoung Kang & Youngran Chae, 2021. "Effects of Integrated Indirect Forest Experience on Emotion, Fatigue, Stress, and Immune Function in Hemodialysis Patients," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-12, February.
    6. Poung-Sik Yeon & Jin-Young Jeon & Myeong-Seo Jung & Gyeong-Min Min & Ga-Yeon Kim & Kyung-Mi Han & Min-Ja Shin & Seong-Hee Jo & Jin-Gun Kim & Won-Sop Shin, 2021. "Effect of Forest Therapy on Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-27, December.

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