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The Effects of an Artificial Garden on Heart Rate Variability among Healthy Young Japanese Adults

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  • Hiromi Suenaga

    (Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8511, Japan)

  • Kanako Murakami

    (Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8511, Japan)

  • Nozomi Murata

    (Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8511, Japan)

  • Syoriki Nishikawa

    (Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8511, Japan)

  • Masae Tsutsumi

    (Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8511, Japan)

  • Hiroshi Nogaki

    (Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8511, Japan)

Abstract

Spending time in nature might positively influence mental health by inducing a relaxed state. Recently, gardens have been created on hospital rooftops in Japan to help inpatients recover from various physical and mental aliments. However, there is little evidence regarding any positive physiological effects of artificial gardens designed for health. The purpose of this study was to assess the psychological and cardiovascular responses incited by artificial natural environments. Japanese university students ( n = 38) participated in a one-group pretest post-test experiment conducted at the Yamaguchi Flower Expo in Japan in October 2018, designed to assess whether exposure to four environments (forest, flowers, ocean, and artificial garden for health) influenced heart rate variability measures. After pretesting to determine baseline measurements, participants completed a circuit through the four natural environments. Following circuit completion, post-testing determined that the low frequency/high frequency ratio was significantly lower in the overall sample and the four areas had similar influences on heart rate variability. Findings suggest that exposure to nature by walking through natural areas and in rooftop artificial gardens might enhance the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Hiromi Suenaga & Kanako Murakami & Nozomi Murata & Syoriki Nishikawa & Masae Tsutsumi & Hiroshi Nogaki, 2020. "The Effects of an Artificial Garden on Heart Rate Variability among Healthy Young Japanese Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:24:p:9465-:d:463836
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    1. Hangjin Byeon & Yesol Moon & Seoeun Lee & Gwang-Ic Son & Eunil Lee, 2023. "Effect of the Marine Exercise Retreat Program on Thyroid-Related Hormones in Middle-Aged Euthyroid Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-17, January.
    2. Dahlia Stott & DeAndra Forde & Chetan Sharma & Jonathan M. Deutsch & Michael Bruneau & Jennifer A. Nasser & Mara Z. Vitolins & Brandy-Joe Milliron, 2024. "Interactions with Nature, Good for the Mind and Body: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-26, March.

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