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Psycho-Electrophysiological Benefits of Forest Therapies Focused on Qigong and Walking with Elderly Individuals

Author

Listed:
  • Jiyune Yi

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheonngju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Seul Gee Kim

    (Future Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea)

  • Taegyu Khil

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheonngju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Minja Shin

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheonngju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Jin-Hee You

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheonngju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Sookja Jeon

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheonngju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Gue Hong Park

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheonngju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Ah Young Jeong

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheonngju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Youngsuwn Lim

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheonngju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Kahye Kim

    (Future Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea)

  • Jingun Kim

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheonngju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Byunghoon Kang

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheonngju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Jueun Lee

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheonngju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Jeong Hwan Park

    (Future Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea)

  • Boncho Ku

    (Future Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea)

  • Jungmi Choi

    (Human Anti-Aging Standards Research Institute, Uiryeong, Gyungnam 52151, Korea)

  • Wonseok Cha

    (Human Anti-Aging Standards Research Institute, Uiryeong, Gyungnam 52151, Korea)

  • Hwa-Jin Lee

    (Acupuncture & Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea)

  • Changseob Shin

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheonngju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Wonsop Shin

    (Department of Forest Therapy, Chungbuk National University, Cheonngju, Chungbuk 28644, Korea)

  • Jaeuk U. Kim

    (Future Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea)

Abstract

We developed two distinct forest therapy programs (FTPs) and compared their effects on dementia prevention and related health problems for older adults. One was focused on Qigong practice in the forest (QP) and the other involved active walking in the forest (WP). Both FTPs consisted of twelve 2-h sessions over six weeks and were conducted in an urban forest. We obtained data from 25, 18, and 26 participants aged 65 years or above for the QP, WP, and control groups, respectively. Neuropsychological scores via cognition (MoCA), geriatric depression (GDS) and quality of life (EQ-5D), and electrophysiological variables (electroencephalography, bioimpedance, and heart rate variability) were measured. We analyzed the intervention effects with a generalized linear model. Compared to the control group, the WP group showed benefits in terms of neurocognition (increases in the MoCA score, and alpha and beta band power values in the electroencephalogram), sympathetic nervous activity, and bioimpedance in the lower body. On the other hand, the QP group showed alleviated depression and an increased bioimpedance phase angle in the upper body. In conclusion, both active walking and Qigong in the forest were shown to have distinctive neuropsychological and electrophysiological benefits, and both had beneficial effects in terms of preventing dementia and relieving related health problems for elderly individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiyune Yi & Seul Gee Kim & Taegyu Khil & Minja Shin & Jin-Hee You & Sookja Jeon & Gue Hong Park & Ah Young Jeong & Youngsuwn Lim & Kahye Kim & Jingun Kim & Byunghoon Kang & Jueun Lee & Jeong Hwan Park, 2021. "Psycho-Electrophysiological Benefits of Forest Therapies Focused on Qigong and Walking with Elderly Individuals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:6:p:3004-:d:517343
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    References listed on IDEAS

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