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Benefits related to health promotion by getting closer to forests have received increasing attention in modern stressful society; however, evidence-based research about how our brain activity changes when we stay in a forest environment is limited. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of viewing real forest landscapes on the activity in the prefrontal cortex area of young women’s brains. The experiment included 29 women (age: 21.0 ± 1.4 years) and was executed in five forest and five urban areas. The participants stayed in the forest and urban areas and viewed each view for 15 min. While viewing scenery, they had the oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentrations in the left and right areas of their prefrontal cortexes measured continuously. Viewing real forest landscapes was associated with a significantly lower oxy-Hb concentration in the right area of the prefrontal cortex than when seeing urban areas. In conclusion, viewing real forest landscapes substantially diminished oxy-Hb concentrations in the right area of the prefrontal cortex, which is linked to physiological relaxation.
Chorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Effect of Viewing Real Forest Landscapes on Brain Activity. Sustainability 2020, 12, 6601 .
AMA StyleChorong Song, Harumi Ikei, Takahide Kagawa, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Effect of Viewing Real Forest Landscapes on Brain Activity. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (16):6601.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. 2020. "Effect of Viewing Real Forest Landscapes on Brain Activity." Sustainability 12, no. 16: 6601.
The aim of this study was to validate the psychological advantages of viewing forest landscapes. Moreover, the associations between trait anxiety levels and psychological responses were evaluated. A total of 650 university male students (age, 21.7 ± 1.6 years) viewed a scenery in a forested area and an urban area for 15 min. Furthermore, the Profile of Mood States questionnaire and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were employed for the assessment of the psychological responses and the level of trait anxiety, respectively, of the participants. Results showed that compared with viewing a city area, viewing forest areas increased positive mood state, such as vigor, and decreased negative mood states. Furthermore, trait anxiety level and changes in the psychological responses such as depression–dejection, fatigue, and confusion after viewing forest landscapes were significantly correlated. The participants with high anxiety levels had greater reduction in negative mood state, including confusion, than those with low anxiety levels. In conclusion, viewing forest landscapes induced psychological relaxation, which was more evident in individuals with high anxiety levels.
Chorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Bum-Jin Park; Juyoung Lee; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Association between the Psychological Effects of Viewing Forest Landscapes and Trait Anxiety Level. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 5479 .
AMA StyleChorong Song, Harumi Ikei, Bum-Jin Park, Juyoung Lee, Takahide Kagawa, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Association between the Psychological Effects of Viewing Forest Landscapes and Trait Anxiety Level. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (15):5479.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Bum-Jin Park; Juyoung Lee; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. 2020. "Association between the Psychological Effects of Viewing Forest Landscapes and Trait Anxiety Level." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 15: 5479.
The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical activities on human health in forests in countryside and rural areas. The test experiment was conducted in a countryside forest, whereas the controlled experiment was conducted in an urban area where the study participants resided. A total of 22 participants (aged 20.9 ± 1.3 years) were evaluated in this study. Heart rate variability and salivary cortisol level were used as indices of physiological conditions, and semantic differential method, profile of mood states (POMS), and state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) were used to evaluate the participants’ emotional states. The participants were asked to walk around forest and urban areas for 15 min. The results were as follows. As compared to the urban area, in the forest area, (1) the power of the high-frequency (HF) component of the heart rate variability (HRV) was significantly higher; (2) low-frequency (LF)/(LF + HF) was significantly lower; (3) salivary cortisol level was significantly lower; (4) the participants felt more comfortable, natural, relaxed, and less anxious and showed higher levels of positive emotions and lower levels of negative emotions. Consequently, walking in the forest area induces relaxing short-term physiological and psychological effects on young people living in urban areas.
Dawou Joung; Bohwi Lee; Jeongdo Lee; Changjun Lee; Seungmo Koo; Changwon Park; Sebin Kim; Takahide Kagawa; Bum-Jin Park. Measures to Promote Rural Healthcare Tourism with a Scientific Evidence-Based Approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 3266 .
AMA StyleDawou Joung, Bohwi Lee, Jeongdo Lee, Changjun Lee, Seungmo Koo, Changwon Park, Sebin Kim, Takahide Kagawa, Bum-Jin Park. Measures to Promote Rural Healthcare Tourism with a Scientific Evidence-Based Approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (9):3266.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDawou Joung; Bohwi Lee; Jeongdo Lee; Changjun Lee; Seungmo Koo; Changwon Park; Sebin Kim; Takahide Kagawa; Bum-Jin Park. 2020. "Measures to Promote Rural Healthcare Tourism with a Scientific Evidence-Based Approach." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 9: 3266.
The authors wish to add the following corrections to their paper published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [1] [...].
Chorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Bum-Jin Park; Juyoung Lee; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Correction: Song, C.; Ikei, H.; Park, B.J.; Lee, J.; Kagawa, T.; Miyazaki, Y. Psychological Benefits of Walking through Forest Areas. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15, 2804. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 1316 .
AMA StyleChorong Song, Harumi Ikei, Bum-Jin Park, Juyoung Lee, Takahide Kagawa, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Correction: Song, C.; Ikei, H.; Park, B.J.; Lee, J.; Kagawa, T.; Miyazaki, Y. Psychological Benefits of Walking through Forest Areas. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15, 2804. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (4):1316.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Bum-Jin Park; Juyoung Lee; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. 2020. "Correction: Song, C.; Ikei, H.; Park, B.J.; Lee, J.; Kagawa, T.; Miyazaki, Y. Psychological Benefits of Walking through Forest Areas. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15, 2804." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 4: 1316.
The authors wish to add the following corrections to their paper published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Juyoung Lee; Bum-Jin Park; Tatsuro Ohira; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Correction: Lee, J. et al. Acute Effects of Exposure to a Traditional Rural Environment on Urban Dwellers: A Crossover Field Study in Terraced Farmland. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12, 1874–1893. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 5052 .
AMA StyleJuyoung Lee, Bum-Jin Park, Tatsuro Ohira, Takahide Kagawa, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Correction: Lee, J. et al. Acute Effects of Exposure to a Traditional Rural Environment on Urban Dwellers: A Crossover Field Study in Terraced Farmland. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12, 1874–1893. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (24):5052.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJuyoung Lee; Bum-Jin Park; Tatsuro Ohira; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. 2019. "Correction: Lee, J. et al. Acute Effects of Exposure to a Traditional Rural Environment on Urban Dwellers: A Crossover Field Study in Terraced Farmland. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12, 1874–1893." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 24: 5052.
Research Highlights: This study demonstrated that viewing forest landscapes induced physical and mental health benefits on young women. Background and Objectives: The health-promoting effects of spending time in forests have received increasing attention; however, there is a lack of evidence-based research investigating the effects of spending time in forests on women. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and psychological effects of viewing forest landscapes on young women. Materials and Methods: The experiments were conducted in six forests and six city areas and included 65 women (mean age, 21.0 ± 1.3 years). Participants viewed a forest and a city area for 15 min, during which their heart rate variability and heart rate were measured continuously. Blood pressure and pulse rate were measured before and after the viewing. After the viewing, participants’ psychological responses were assessed using the modified semantic differential method, Profile of Mood States (POMS), and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: Compared with viewing city areas, viewing forest landscapes was associated with significantly higher parasympathetic nervous activity and lower sympathetic nervous activity and heart rate. Moreover, scores of the comfortable, relaxed, and natural parameters and vigor subscales of POMS were significantly higher with forest viewing. The scores of negative feelings, such as tension–anxiety, depression–dejection, anger–hostility, fatigue, and confusion, were significantly lower, as were scores for the total mood disturbance observed using POMS and the anxiety dimension observed using STAI. Conclusions: Viewing forest landscapes resulted in physiological and psychological relaxations in young women.
Chorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Physiological and Psychological Effects of Viewing Forests on Young Women. Forests 2019, 10, 635 .
AMA StyleChorong Song, Harumi Ikei, Takahide Kagawa, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Physiological and Psychological Effects of Viewing Forests on Young Women. Forests. 2019; 10 (8):635.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. 2019. "Physiological and Psychological Effects of Viewing Forests on Young Women." Forests 10, no. 8: 635.
The effects of forest activities on health promotion have received increasing attention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological and psychological effects of brief walks in forests on young women. The experiments were conducted in 6 forests (test) and 6 city areas (control). Overall, 12 participants in each area (60 participants in total, mean age: 21.0 ± 1.3 years) were instructed to walk in a forest and a city area for approximately 15 min; simultaneously, their heart rate variability, heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse rate were measured to quantify their physiological responses to walking. The modified semantic differential method, Profile of Mood States (POMS), and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to determine their psychological responses. Walking in a forest was associated with significantly higher parasympathetic nervous activity and lower sympathetic nervous activity and heart rate. In addition, scores for the comfortable, relaxed, and natural parameters and vigor subscale of POMS were significantly higher, whereas scores for negative feelings, such as tension–anxiety, depression–dejection, anger–hostility, fatigue, and confusion, were significantly lower, as were the total mood disturbance of POMS and the anxiety dimension of the STAI. The subjective evaluations were generally in accordance with the physiological responses. A brief walk in a forest resulted in physiological and psychological relaxation effects in young women.
Chorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Effects of Walking in a Forest on Young Women. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 229 .
AMA StyleChorong Song, Harumi Ikei, Takahide Kagawa, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Effects of Walking in a Forest on Young Women. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (2):229.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. 2019. "Effects of Walking in a Forest on Young Women." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 2: 229.
This study aimed to clarify the psychological benefits of brief walks through forest areas. In addition, we aimed to examine the associations between psychological responses and trait anxiety levels. Five-hundred-and-eighty-five participants (mean age, 21.7 ± 1.6 years) were instructed to walk predetermined courses through forest (test) and city (control) areas for 15 min. The Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to assess participants’ psychological responses and trait anxiety levels, respectively. The results revealed that walking through forest areas decreased the negative moods of “depression-dejection”, “tension-anxiety”, “anger-hostility”, “fatigue”, and “confusion” and improved the participants’ positive mood of “vigor” compared with walking through city areas. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between participants’ trait anxiety levels and their changes in the subscale of “depression-dejection” of POMS after walking through forest areas. A more effective reduction in the feeling of “depression-dejection” after walking through forest areas was observed for participants with high trait anxiety levels than for those with normal and low trait anxiety levels. This study showed the psychological benefits of walking through forest areas and identified a significant correlation between psychological responses to walking through forests and trait anxiety levels.
Chorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Bum-Jin Park; Juyoung Lee; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Psychological Benefits of Walking through Forest Areas. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 2804 .
AMA StyleChorong Song, Harumi Ikei, Bum-Jin Park, Juyoung Lee, Takahide Kagawa, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Psychological Benefits of Walking through Forest Areas. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (12):2804.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Bum-Jin Park; Juyoung Lee; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. 2018. "Psychological Benefits of Walking through Forest Areas." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 12: 2804.
Epidemiological studies have reported positive associations between the amount of green space in the living environment and mental and cardiovascular human health. In a search for effect mechanisms, field studies have found short-term visits to green environments to be associated with psychological stress relief. Less evidence is available on the effect of visits on cardiovascular physiology.To evaluate whether visits to urban green environments, in comparison to visits to a built-up environment, lead to beneficial short-term changes in indicators of cardiovascular health.Thirty-six adult female volunteers visited three different types of urban environments: an urban forest, an urban park, and a built-up city centre, in Helsinki, Finland. The visits consisted of 15min of sedentary viewing, and 30min of walking. During the visits, blood pressure and heart rate were measured, and electrocardiogram recorded for the determination of indicators of heart rate variability. In addition, levels of respirable ambient particles and environmental noise were monitored.Visits to the green environments were associated with lower blood pressure (viewing period only), lower heart rate, and higher indices of heart rate variability [standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), high frequency power] than visits to the city centre. In the green environments, heart rate decreased and SDNN increased during the visit. Associations between environment and indicators of cardiovascular health weakened slightly after inclusion of particulate air pollution and noise in the models.Visits to urban green environments are associated with beneficial short-term changes in cardiovascular risk factors. This can be explained by psychological stress relief with contribution from reduced air pollution and noise exposure during the visits. Future research should evaluate the amount of exposure to green environments needed for longer-term benefits for cardiovascular health.
Timo Lanki; Taina Siponen; Ann Ojala; Kalevi Korpela; Arto Pennanen; Pekka Tiittanen; Yuko Tsunetsugu; Takahide Kagawa; Liisa Tyrväinen. Acute effects of visits to urban green environments on cardiovascular physiology in women: A field experiment. Environmental Research 2017, 159, 176 -185.
AMA StyleTimo Lanki, Taina Siponen, Ann Ojala, Kalevi Korpela, Arto Pennanen, Pekka Tiittanen, Yuko Tsunetsugu, Takahide Kagawa, Liisa Tyrväinen. Acute effects of visits to urban green environments on cardiovascular physiology in women: A field experiment. Environmental Research. 2017; 159 ():176-185.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTimo Lanki; Taina Siponen; Ann Ojala; Kalevi Korpela; Arto Pennanen; Pekka Tiittanen; Yuko Tsunetsugu; Takahide Kagawa; Liisa Tyrväinen. 2017. "Acute effects of visits to urban green environments on cardiovascular physiology in women: A field experiment." Environmental Research 159, no. : 176-185.
Salivary cortisol and secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) are important biomarkers for environmental and public health research. The present study investigated the diurnal variations of these salivary biomarkers, with a focus on the change of distribution characteristics (i.e., skewness and kurtosis) of the concentrations. The participants in this study were 113 healthy young males. Salivary samples were collected in the morning (6:30–7:30 a.m.) and afternoon (1:00–4:00 p.m.). The skewness and kurtosis of salivary cortisol concentrations in afternoon samples (skewness = 1.06, kurtosis = 4.78) were significantly higher than those in morning samples (skewness = 0.49, kurtosis = 2.80). The differences in skewness and kurtosis of S-IgA concentrations were non-significant; however, the standard deviation and interquartile ranges for afternoon S-IgA concentrations were significantly smaller than those for morning S-IgA concentrations. Logarithmic transformation improved the distribution of afternoon cortisol values, making it an almost normal distribution, but the transformation showed no improvement in the distribution of morning cortisol or S-IgA values. The present study explored diurnal changes in the distribution characteristics of salivary cortisol and S-IgA. Consideration of a possible diurnal change in the distribution characteristics is needed when we compare the difference in these salivary biomarkers between different times of day.
Hiromitsu Kobayashi; Chorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Bum-Jin Park; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Diurnal Changes in Distribution Characteristics of Salivary Cortisol and Immunoglobulin A Concentrations. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2017, 14, 987 .
AMA StyleHiromitsu Kobayashi, Chorong Song, Harumi Ikei, Bum-Jin Park, Takahide Kagawa, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Diurnal Changes in Distribution Characteristics of Salivary Cortisol and Immunoglobulin A Concentrations. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017; 14 (9):987.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHiromitsu Kobayashi; Chorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Bum-Jin Park; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. 2017. "Diurnal Changes in Distribution Characteristics of Salivary Cortisol and Immunoglobulin A Concentrations." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14, no. 9: 987.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a forest environment on salivary cortisol concentration, particularly on the characteristics of its distribution. The participants were 348 young male subjects. The experimental sites were 34 forests and 34 urban areas across Japan. The subjects viewed the landscape (forest or urban environment) for a period of 15 min while sitting in a chair. Saliva was sampled from the participants at the end of this 15-min period and then analyzed for cortisol concentration. Differences in the skewness and kurtosis of the distributions between the two environments were tested by performing a permutation test. The cortisol concentrations exhibited larger skewness (0.76) and kurtosis (3.23) in a forest environment than in an urban environment (skewness = 0.49; kurtosis = 2.47), and these differences were statistically significant. The cortisol distribution exhibited a more peaked and longer right-tailed curve in a forest environment than in an urban environment.
Hiromitsu Kobayashi; Chorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Bum-Jin Park; Juyoung Lee; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Population-Based Study on the Effect of a Forest Environment on Salivary Cortisol Concentration. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2017, 14, 931 .
AMA StyleHiromitsu Kobayashi, Chorong Song, Harumi Ikei, Bum-Jin Park, Juyoung Lee, Takahide Kagawa, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Population-Based Study on the Effect of a Forest Environment on Salivary Cortisol Concentration. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017; 14 (8):931.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHiromitsu Kobayashi; Chorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Bum-Jin Park; Juyoung Lee; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. 2017. "Population-Based Study on the Effect of a Forest Environment on Salivary Cortisol Concentration." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14, no. 8: 931.
With increasing attention on the health benefits of a forest environment, evidence-based research is required. This study aims to provide scientific evidence concerning the physiological and psychological effects of exposure to the forest environment on middle-aged hypertensive men. Twenty participants (58.0 ± 10.6 years) were instructed to sit on chairs and view the landscapes of forest and urban (as control) environments for 10 min. Heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate were used to quantify physiological responses. The modified semantic differential method was used to determine psychological responses. Consequently, the high-frequency component of HRV, a marker of parasympathetic nervous activity that is enhanced in relaxing situations, was significantly higher and heart rate was significantly lower in participants viewing the forest area than in those viewing the urban area. The questionnaire results indicated that viewing the forest environment increased “comfortable,” “relaxed,” and “natural” feelings than viewing the urban environment. In conclusion, viewing forest landscape produces physiological and psychological relaxation effects on middle-aged hypertensive men.
Chorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Maiko Kobayashi; Takashi Miura; Qing Li; Takahide Kagawa; Shigeyoshi Kumeda; Michiko Imai; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Effects of viewing forest landscape on middle-aged hypertensive men. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 2016, 21, 247 -252.
AMA StyleChorong Song, Harumi Ikei, Maiko Kobayashi, Takashi Miura, Qing Li, Takahide Kagawa, Shigeyoshi Kumeda, Michiko Imai, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Effects of viewing forest landscape on middle-aged hypertensive men. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. 2016; 21 ():247-252.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Maiko Kobayashi; Takashi Miura; Qing Li; Takahide Kagawa; Shigeyoshi Kumeda; Michiko Imai; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. 2016. "Effects of viewing forest landscape on middle-aged hypertensive men." Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 21, no. : 247-252.
In the present study, we investigated the effects of a forest bathing on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters. Nineteen middle-aged male subjects were selected after they provided informed consent. These subjects took day trips to a forest park in Agematsu, Nagano Prefecture, and to an urban area of Nagano Prefecture as control in August 2015. On both trips, they walked 2.6 km for 80 min each in the morning and afternoon on Saturdays. Blood and urine were sampled before and after each trip. Cardiovascular and metabolic parameters were measured. Blood pressure and pulse rate were measured during the trips. The Japanese version of the profile of mood states (POMS) test was conducted before, during, and after the trips. Ambient temperature and humidity were monitored during the trips. The forest bathing program significantly reduced pulse rate and significantly increased the score for vigor and decreased the scores for depression, fatigue, anxiety, and confusion. Urinary adrenaline after forest bathing showed a tendency toward decrease. Urinary dopamine after forest bathing was significantly lower than that after urban area walking, suggesting the relaxing effect of the forest bathing. Serum adiponectin after the forest bathing was significantly greater than that after urban area walking.
Qing Li; Maiko Kobayashi; Shigeyoshi Kumeda; Toshiya Ochiai; Takashi Miura; Takahide Kagawa; Michiko Imai; Zhiyu Wang; Toshiaki Otsuka; Tomoyuki Kawada. Effects of Forest Bathing on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Parameters in Middle-Aged Males. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2016, 2016, 1 -7.
AMA StyleQing Li, Maiko Kobayashi, Shigeyoshi Kumeda, Toshiya Ochiai, Takashi Miura, Takahide Kagawa, Michiko Imai, Zhiyu Wang, Toshiaki Otsuka, Tomoyuki Kawada. Effects of Forest Bathing on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Parameters in Middle-Aged Males. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016; 2016 ():1-7.
Chicago/Turabian StyleQing Li; Maiko Kobayashi; Shigeyoshi Kumeda; Toshiya Ochiai; Takashi Miura; Takahide Kagawa; Michiko Imai; Zhiyu Wang; Toshiaki Otsuka; Tomoyuki Kawada. 2016. "Effects of Forest Bathing on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Parameters in Middle-Aged Males." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2016, no. : 1-7.
The natural environment is increasingly recognized as an effective counter to urban stress, and “Forest Therapy” has recently attracted attention as a relaxation and stress management activity with demonstrated clinical efficacy. The present study assessed the physiological and psychological effects of a forest therapy program on middle-aged females. Seventeen Japanese females (62.2 ± 9.4 years; mean ± standard deviation) participated in this experiment. Pulse rate, salivary cortisol level, and psychological indices were measured on the day before forest therapy and on the forest therapy day. Pulse rate and salivary cortisol were significantly lower than baseline following forest therapy, indicating that subjects were in a physiologically relaxed state. Subjects reported feeling significantly more “comfortable,” “relaxed,” and “natural” according to the semantic differential (SD) method. The Profile of Mood State (POMS) negative mood subscale score for “tension–anxiety” was significantly lower, while that for “vigor” was significantly higher following forest therapy. Our study revealed that forest therapy elicited a significant (1) decrease in pulse rate, (2) decrease in salivary cortisol levels, (3) increase in positive feelings, and (4) decrease in negative feelings. In conclusion, there are substantial physiological and psychological benefits of forest therapy on middle-aged females.
Hiroko Ochiai; Harumi Ikei; Chorong Song; Maiko Kobayashi; Takashi Miura; Takahide Kagawa; Qing Li; Shigeyoshi Kumeda; Michiko Imai; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Physiological and Psychological Effects of a Forest Therapy Program on Middle-Aged Females. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2015, 12, 15222 -15232.
AMA StyleHiroko Ochiai, Harumi Ikei, Chorong Song, Maiko Kobayashi, Takashi Miura, Takahide Kagawa, Qing Li, Shigeyoshi Kumeda, Michiko Imai, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Physiological and Psychological Effects of a Forest Therapy Program on Middle-Aged Females. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2015; 12 (12):15222-15232.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHiroko Ochiai; Harumi Ikei; Chorong Song; Maiko Kobayashi; Takashi Miura; Takahide Kagawa; Qing Li; Shigeyoshi Kumeda; Michiko Imai; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. 2015. "Physiological and Psychological Effects of a Forest Therapy Program on Middle-Aged Females." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 12, no. 12: 15222-15232.
There has been increasing attention on the therapeutic effects of the forest environment. However, evidence-based research that clarifies the physiological effects of the forest environment on hypertensive individuals is lacking. This study provides scientific evidence suggesting that a brief forest walk affects autonomic nervous system activity in middle-aged hypertensive individuals. Twenty participants (58.0 ± 10.6 years) were instructed to walk predetermined courses in forest and urban environments (as control). Course length (17-min walk), walking speed, and energy expenditure were equal between the forest and urban environments to clarify the effects of each environment. Heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate were used to quantify physiological responses. The modified semantic differential method and Profile of Mood States were used to determine psychological responses. The natural logarithm of the high-frequency component of HRV was significantly higher and heart rate was significantly lower when participants walked in the forest than when they walked in the urban environment. The questionnaire results indicated that, compared with the urban environment, walking in the forest increased “comfortable”, “relaxed”, “natural” and “vigorous” feelings and decreased “tension-anxiety,” “depression,” “anxiety-hostility,” “fatigue” and “confusion”. A brief walk in the forest elicited physiological and psychological relaxation effects on middle-aged hypertensive individuals.
Chorong Song; Harumi Ikei; Maiko Kobayashi; Takashi Miura; Masao Taue; Takahide Kagawa; Qing Li; Shigeyoshi Kumeda; Michiko Imai; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Effect of Forest Walking on Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Middle-Aged Hypertensive Individuals: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2015, 12, 2687 -2699.
AMA StyleChorong Song, Harumi Ikei, Maiko Kobayashi, Takashi Miura, Masao Taue, Takahide Kagawa, Qing Li, Shigeyoshi Kumeda, Michiko Imai, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Effect of Forest Walking on Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Middle-Aged Hypertensive Individuals: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2015; 12 (3):2687-2699.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChorong 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." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 12, no. 3: 2687-2699.
Time spent walking and relaxing in a forest environment (“forest bathing” or “forest therapy”) has well demonstrated anti-stress effects in healthy adults, but benefits for ill or at-risk populations have not been reported. The present study assessed the physiological and psychological effects of forest therapy (relaxation and stress management activity in the forest) on middle-aged males with high-normal blood pressure. Blood pressure and several physiological and psychological indices of stress were measured the day before and approximately 2 h following forest therapy. Both pre- and post-treatment measures were conducted at the same time of day to avoid circadian influences. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), urinary adrenaline, and serum cortisol were all significantly lower than baseline following forest therapy (p < 0.05). Subjects reported feeling significantly more “relaxed” and “natural” according to the Semantic Differential (SD) method. Profile of Mood State (POMS) negative mood subscale scores for “tension-anxiety,” “confusion,” and “anger-hostility,” as well as the Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) score were significantly lower following forest therapy. These results highlight that forest is a promising treatment strategy to reduce blood pressure into the optimal range and possibly prevent progression to clinical hypertension in middle-aged males with high-normal blood pressure.
Hiroko Ochiai; Harumi Ikei; Chorong Song; Maiko Kobayashi; Ako Takamatsu; Takashi Miura; Takahide Kagawa; Qing Li; Shigeyoshi Kumeda; Michiko Imai; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Physiological and Psychological Effects of Forest Therapy on Middle-Aged Males with High-Normal Blood Pressure. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2015, 12, 2532 -2542.
AMA StyleHiroko Ochiai, Harumi Ikei, Chorong Song, Maiko Kobayashi, Ako Takamatsu, Takashi Miura, Takahide Kagawa, Qing Li, Shigeyoshi Kumeda, Michiko Imai, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Physiological and Psychological Effects of Forest Therapy on Middle-Aged Males with High-Normal Blood Pressure. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2015; 12 (3):2532-2542.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHiroko 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." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 12, no. 3: 2532-2542.
Despite an increasing attention and public preference for rural amenities, little evidence is available on the health benefits of a rural environment. In this study, we identified physiological and psychological benefits of exposure to a rural environment using multiparametric methods. Twelve young male adults participated in a 3-day field experiment (mean ± standard deviation age, 22.3 ± 1.3 years). Sleeping environment, diet program, physical activities, and other factors possibly affecting physiological responses were controlled during experiment period. For all participants, salivary cortisol concentration, heart rate variability, and blood pressure were measured at rural and urban field sites. Self-evaluation questionnaires were administered to analyze the psychological states in two different environments. Volatile compounds in the air were also analyzed to investigate air quality. The data were compared between rural and urban environments. The data showed that exposure to a rural environment reduced stress hormone secretion and sympathetic nervous activity and increased parasympathetic nervous activity. Short-term exposure to a rural environment also improved mood states. Our findings indicate that exposure to a rural environment effectively reduced physiological stress and enhanced psychological well-being.
Juyoung Lee; Bum-Jin Park; Tatsuro Ohira; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Acute Effects of Exposure to a Traditional Rural Environment on Urban Dwellers: A Crossover Field Study in Terraced Farmland. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2015, 12, 1874 -1893.
AMA StyleJuyoung Lee, Bum-Jin Park, Tatsuro Ohira, Takahide Kagawa, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Acute Effects of Exposure to a Traditional Rural Environment on Urban Dwellers: A Crossover Field Study in Terraced Farmland. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2015; 12 (2):1874-1893.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJuyoung Lee; Bum-Jin Park; Tatsuro Ohira; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. 2015. "Acute Effects of Exposure to a Traditional Rural Environment on Urban Dwellers: A Crossover Field Study in Terraced Farmland." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 12, no. 2: 1874-1893.
The present study investigated the well-being effects of short-term forest walking and viewing (“forest bathing”). The hypothesis in our study was that both environment (forest vs. urban) and activity (walking and viewing) would influence psychological outcomes. An additional aim was to enhance basic research using several psychological methods. We conducted the experiments using 45 respondents in four areas of Japan from August to September, 2011. The hypothesis in our study was supported, because significant interaction terms between the environment and activity were confirmed regarding the Profile of Mood States (POMS) indexes, Restorative Outcome Scale (ROS) and Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS). No statistical differences between the two experimental groups in any of the ten scales were found before the experiment. However, feelings of vigor and positive effects, as well as feelings of subjective recovery and vitality were stronger in the forest environment than in the urban environment.
Norimasa Takayama; Kalevi Korpela; Juyoung Lee; Takeshi Morikawa; Yuko Tsunetsugu; Bum-Jin Park; Qing Li; Liisa Tyrväinen; Yoshifumi Miyazaki; Takahide Kagawa. Emotional, Restorative and Vitalizing Effects of Forest and Urban Environments at Four Sites in Japan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2014, 11, 7207 -7230.
AMA StyleNorimasa Takayama, Kalevi Korpela, Juyoung Lee, Takeshi Morikawa, Yuko Tsunetsugu, Bum-Jin Park, Qing Li, Liisa Tyrväinen, Yoshifumi Miyazaki, Takahide Kagawa. Emotional, Restorative and Vitalizing Effects of Forest and Urban Environments at Four Sites in Japan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2014; 11 (7):7207-7230.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNorimasa Takayama; Kalevi Korpela; Juyoung Lee; Takeshi Morikawa; Yuko Tsunetsugu; Bum-Jin Park; Qing Li; Liisa Tyrväinen; Yoshifumi Miyazaki; Takahide Kagawa. 2014. "Emotional, Restorative and Vitalizing Effects of Forest and Urban Environments at Four Sites in Japan." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 11, no. 7: 7207-7230.
Liisa Tyrväinen; Ann Ojala; Kalevi Korpela; Timo Lanki; Yuko Tsunetsugu; Takahide Kagawa. The influence of urban green environments on stress relief measures: A field experiment. Journal of Environmental Psychology 2014, 38, 1 -9.
AMA StyleLiisa Tyrväinen, Ann Ojala, Kalevi Korpela, Timo Lanki, Yuko Tsunetsugu, Takahide Kagawa. The influence of urban green environments on stress relief measures: A field experiment. Journal of Environmental Psychology. 2014; 38 ():1-9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLiisa Tyrväinen; Ann Ojala; Kalevi Korpela; Timo Lanki; Yuko Tsunetsugu; Takahide Kagawa. 2014. "The influence of urban green environments on stress relief measures: A field experiment." Journal of Environmental Psychology 38, no. : 1-9.
The present study investigated the physiological and psychological effects of viewing urban forest landscapes on 48 young male urban residents. Four forested areas and four urban areas located in central and western Japan were used as the test sites. We found that in the forested areas, the subjects exhibited (i) significantly lower diastolic blood pressure, (ii) significantly higher parasympathetic nervous activity, but significantly lower sympathetic nervous activity, and (iii) significantly lower heart rate. The forest landscapes (iv) obtained better scores in subjective ratings, and (v) induced significantly less negative and more vigorous moods. Taken as whole, these findings suggest that even a short-term viewing of forests has relaxing effects. We have thus concluded that the approach taken in this study is useful in exploring the influences of urban green space on humans, as well as contributing to the planning and design of a healthy environment for urban residents.
Yuko Tsunetsugu; Juyoung Lee; Bum-Jin Park; Liisa Tyrväinen; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Physiological and psychological effects of viewing urban forest landscapes assessed by multiple measurements. Landscape and Urban Planning 2013, 113, 90 -93.
AMA StyleYuko Tsunetsugu, Juyoung Lee, Bum-Jin Park, Liisa Tyrväinen, Takahide Kagawa, Yoshifumi Miyazaki. Physiological and psychological effects of viewing urban forest landscapes assessed by multiple measurements. Landscape and Urban Planning. 2013; 113 ():90-93.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYuko Tsunetsugu; Juyoung Lee; Bum-Jin Park; Liisa Tyrväinen; Takahide Kagawa; Yoshifumi Miyazaki. 2013. "Physiological and psychological effects of viewing urban forest landscapes assessed by multiple measurements." Landscape and Urban Planning 113, no. : 90-93.