IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jijerp/v19y2022i7p3888-d778895.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Mountain Hiking vs. Forest Therapy: A Study Protocol of Novel Types of Nature-Based Intervention

Author

Listed:
  • Christina Pichler

    (Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Johanna Freidl

    (Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Michael Bischof

    (Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria)

  • Martin Kiem

    (Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, 39010 Tisens, Italy)

  • Renate Weisböck-Erdheim

    (Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria)

  • Daniela Huber

    (Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria)

  • Gabriella Squarra

    (Certified Forest-Health-Trainer, 83435 Bad Reichenhall, Germany)

  • Paul Clemens Murschetz

    (Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria)

  • Arnulf Hartl

    (Institute of Ecomedicine, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria)

Abstract

Introduction: The global rise of urbanization has much triggered scientific interest in how nature impacts on human health. Natural environments, such as alpine landscapes, forests, or urban green spaces, are potential high-impact health resources. While there is a growing body of evidence to reveal a positive influence of these natural environments on human health and well-being, further investigations guided by rigorous evidence-based medical research are very much needed. Objective: The present study protocol aims at testing research methodologies in the context of a prospective clinical trial on nature-based interventions. This shall improve the standards of medical research in human–nature interactions. Methods: The ANKER Study investigates the influence of two novel types of nature-based therapy—mountain hiking and forest therapy—on physiological, psychological, and immunological parameters of couples with a sedentary lifestyle. Two intervention groups were formed and spent a seven-day holiday in Algund, Italy. The “forest therapy group” participated in daily guided low-power nature connection activities. The “hiking group”, by contrast, joined in a daily moderate hiking program. Health-related quality of life and relationship quality are defined as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes include nature connection, balance, cardio-respiratory fitness, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, body composition and skin hydration. Furthermore, a new approach to measure health-related quality of life is validated. The so-called “intercultural quality of life” comic assesses the health-related quality of life with a digitally animated comic-based tool.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:7:p:3888-:d:778895
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/7/3888/pdf
    Download Restriction: no

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/7/3888/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kristina Ludwig & J.-Matthias Graf von der Schulenburg & Wolfgang Greiner, 2018. "German Value Set for the EQ-5D-5L," PharmacoEconomics, Springer, vol. 36(6), pages 663-674, June.
    2. Kenneth F Schulz & Douglas G Altman & David Moher & for the CONSORT Group, 2010. "CONSORT 2010 Statement: Updated Guidelines for Reporting Parallel Group Randomised Trials," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(3), pages 1-7, March.
    3. Marita Stier-Jarmer & Veronika Throner & Michaela Kirschneck & Gisela Immich & Dieter Frisch & Angela Schuh, 2021. "The Psychological and Physical Effects of Forests on Human Health: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-39, February.
    4. Margaret M. Hansen & Reo Jones & Kirsten Tocchini, 2017. "Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-48, July.
    5. Genxiang Mao & Yongbao Cao & Bozhong Wang & Sanying Wang & Zhuomei Chen & Jirong Wang & Wenmin Xing & Xiaoxu Ren & Xiaoling Lv & Jianhua Dong & Shasha Chen & Xiuyuan Chen & Guofu Wang & Jing Yan, 2017. "The Salutary Influence of Forest Bathing on Elderly Patients with Chronic Heart Failure," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-12, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. 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.
    2. Olga Papale & Emanuel Festino & Giancarlo Condello & Francesca Di Rocco & Marianna De Maio & Cristina Cortis & Andrea Fusco, 2023. "Psychophysiological Data Harmonization for the Sustainability of Outdoor Activities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-14, November.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Daniela Huber & Johanna Freidl & Christina Pichler & Michael Bischof & Martin Kiem & Renate Weisböck-Erdheim & Gabriella Squarra & Vincenzo De Nigris & Stefan Resnyak & Marcel Neberich & Susanna Bordi, 2023. "Long-Term Effects of Mountain Hiking vs. Forest Therapy on Physical and Mental Health of Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-20, January.
    2. Yunjeong Yi & Eunju Seo & Jiyeon An, 2022. "Does Forest Therapy Have Physio-Psychological Benefits? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-21, August.
    3. Emi Morita & Hiroshi Kadotani & Naoto Yamada & Tae Sasakabe & Sayo Kawai & Mariko Naito & Takashi Tamura & Kenji Wakai, 2024. "The Inverse Association between the Frequency of Forest Walking (Shinrin-yoku) and the Prevalence of Insomnia Symptoms in the General Japanese Population: A Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Coh," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-13, March.
    4. Sujin Park & Eunsoo Kim & Geonwoo Kim & Soojin Kim & Yeji Choi & Domyung Paek, 2022. "What Activities in Forests Are Beneficial for Human Health? A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-29, February.
    5. Kwang-Hi Park, 2022. "Analysis of Urban Forest Healing Program Expected Values, Needs, and Preferred Components in Urban Forest Visitors with Diseases: A Pilot Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-14, January.
    6. Agnes Peterfalvi & Matyas Meggyes & Lilla Makszin & Nelli Farkas & Eva Miko & Attila Miseta & Laszlo Szereday, 2021. "Forest Bathing Always Makes Sense: Blood Pressure-Lowering and Immune System-Balancing Effects in Late Spring and Winter in Central Europe," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-19, February.
    7. Albert Bach Pagès & Josep Peñuelas & Jana Clarà & Joan Llusià & Ferran Campillo i López & Roser Maneja, 2020. "How Should Forests Be Characterized in Regard to Human Health? Evidence from Existing Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-15, February.
    8. Eleanor M. Taylor & Noelle Robertson & Courtney J. Lightfoot & Alice C. Smith & Ceri R. Jones, 2022. "Nature-Based Interventions for Psychological Wellbeing in Long-Term Conditions: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-23, March.
    9. 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.
    10. Katja Oomen-Welke & Evelyn Schlachter & Tina Hilbich & Johannes Naumann & Alexander Müller & Thilo Hinterberger & Roman Huber, 2022. "Spending Time in the Forest or the Field: Investigations on Stress Perception and Psychological Well-Being—A Randomized Cross-Over Trial in Highly Sensitive Persons," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-13, November.
    11. Davide Donelli & Francesco Meneguzzo & Michele Antonelli & Diego Ardissino & Giampaolo Niccoli & Giorgio Gronchi & Rita Baraldi & Luisa Neri & Federica Zabini, 2023. "Effects of Plant-Emitted Monoterpenes on Anxiety Symptoms: A Propensity-Matched Observational Cohort Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-16, February.
    12. Michael J. Fell & Alexandra Schneiders & David Shipworth, 2019. "Consumer Demand for Blockchain-Enabled Peer-to-Peer Electricity Trading in the United Kingdom: An Online Survey Experiment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-25, October.
    13. Eun Young Park & Min Kyung Song & Mi Young An, 2023. "Experiences of Forest Healing Instructors Who Met Cancer Patients in Forest Healing Programs: FGI Research," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-12, March.
    14. Su Keng Tan & Wai Keung Leung & Alexander Tin Hong Tang & Roger A Zwahlen, 2017. "Effects of mandibular setback with or without maxillary advancement osteotomies on pharyngeal airways: An overview of systematic reviews," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(10), pages 1-20, October.
    15. Ángel Enrique & Juana Bretón-López & Guadalupe Molinari & Rosa M. Baños & Cristina Botella, 2018. "Efficacy of an adaptation of the Best Possible Self intervention implemented through positive technology: a randomized control trial," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 13(3), pages 671-689, September.
    16. Gerben ter Riet & Paula Chesley & Alan G Gross & Lara Siebeling & Patrick Muggensturm & Nadine Heller & Martin Umbehr & Daniela Vollenweider & Tsung Yu & Elie A Akl & Lizzy Brewster & Olaf M Dekkers &, 2013. "All That Glitters Isn't Gold: A Survey on Acknowledgment of Limitations in Biomedical Studies," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(11), pages 1-6, November.
    17. Iranzu Mugueta-Aguinaga & Begonya Garcia-Zapirain, 2017. "FRED: Exergame to Prevent Dependence and Functional Deterioration Associated with Ageing. A Pilot Three-Week Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-18, November.
    18. Spyridon N Papageorgiou & Georgios N Antonoglou & George K Sándor & Theodore Eliades, 2017. "Randomized clinical trials in orthodontics are rarely registered a priori and often published late or not at all," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(8), pages 1-13, August.
    19. Milagros Molero-Zafra & María Teresa Mitjans-Lafont & María Jesús Hernández-Jiménez & Marián Pérez-Marín, 2022. "Psychological Intervention in Women Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse: An Open Study—Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing EMDR Psychotherapy and Trauma-Based Cognitive Therapy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-16, June.
    20. Eun-Hi Kong & Myoungsuk Kim & Seonho Kim, 2021. "Effects of a Web-Based Educational Program Regarding Physical Restraint Reduction in Long-Term Care Settings on Nursing Students: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-10, June.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:7:p:3888-:d:778895. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.