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A Forest Bathing Intervention in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Feasibility Study Protocol

Author

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  • Elena Bermejo-Martins

    (Department of Community, Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Navarra, Campus Universitario, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
    IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain)

  • María Pueyo-Garrigues

    (Department of Community, Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Navarra, Campus Universitario, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
    IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain)

  • María Casas

    (Department of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Navarra, Campus Universitario, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
    Grupo de Humanidades Ambientales, BIOMA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain)

  • Raúl Bermejo-Orduna

    (Department of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Navarra, Campus Universitario, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
    Grupo de Humanidades Ambientales, BIOMA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain)

  • Ana Villarroya

    (Department of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Navarra, Campus Universitario, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
    Grupo de Humanidades Ambientales, BIOMA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain)

Abstract

Forest bathing practices benefit individuals’ physical and mental health. A growing number of published studies provide evidence of such effects in diverse populations and contexts. However, no literature has been found that evaluates the effects of forest bathing on people with intellectual disabilities. In this paper, we present a quasi-experimental pre–post protocol for assessing the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of a forest bathing intervention in a group of adults with intellectual disability. An 11-weekly session program will be applied in the forests of the Ollo Valley, Navarre (Spain). The preliminary efficacy outcomes will be blood pressure, psycho-physiological coherence parameters and quality of life. The feasibility of the intervention will be assessed through data on barriers and facilitators of the implementation process and indicators of environmental comfort (physiological equivalent temperature and thermic perception). This study offers an opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities to benefit from a forest bathing intervention and explore its effects not only on their quality of life, but also on the improvement in their physiological and psychological state. This feasibility study is an essential step to explore crucial aspects for a future full-scale trial.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Bermejo-Martins & María Pueyo-Garrigues & María Casas & Raúl Bermejo-Orduna & Ana Villarroya, 2022. "A Forest Bathing Intervention in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Feasibility Study Protocol," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-12, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13589-:d:947865
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christina Pichler & Johanna Freidl & Michael Bischof & Martin Kiem & Renate Weisböck-Erdheim & Daniela Huber & Gabriella Squarra & Paul Clemens Murschetz & Arnulf Hartl, 2022. "Mountain Hiking vs. Forest Therapy: A Study Protocol of Novel Types of Nature-Based Intervention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-17, March.
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