Although exposure to nature has restorative effects on human health, beneficial effects of nature-based interventions in the working environment have been underexplored. The investigators aim to conduct a randomised controlled pilot study. During workhours one group participates in a nature-based program, the other group is a control group. The investigators test stress-related parameters including cortisol levels, wellbeing and stress, and neurocognition.
Participants of the intervention group follow a 30-minute stress management course in nature followed by a nature-based activity of 1.5 hours, twice a week for 3 consecutive weeks. The investigators measure neurocognition via neurocognitive tests, emotional status via burnout assessment tool and well-being questionnaires, and asses stress levels via salivary cortisol and smartwatches.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
participation in nature activities: 30 min stress management in nature and group activity (walking, cycling)
Province of Limburg
Hasselt, Limburg, Belgium
RECRUITINGNeurocognition: selective attention
computerised tests (stroop test). The scale is mean reaction time and is used as a continuous variable.
Time frame: 5 minutes
Neurocognition: short-term memory
computerised tests (Digit Span Test). The scale is number of digits and is used as a continuous variable.
Time frame: 10 minutes
Neurocognition:visual information processing speed
computerised tests (Digit Symbol test). The scale is number of digits and is used as a continuous variable.
Time frame: 5 minutes
Neurocognition: visual information processing speed
computerised tests (Pattern Comparison test ). The scale is reaction time and is used as a continuous variable.
Time frame: 5 minutes
stress levels
Assessed by salivary cortisol levels. Scale is µg/dl and used as a continuous variable.
Time frame: 5 minutes
stress levels
Assessed by questionnaires (burnout assessment tool). Scores are used as continuous variable. Lower scores represent lower risk of burnout, higher scores represent higher risk of burnout. The score is constructed from questions concerning exhaustion, mental distance, emotional disorder and cognitive disorder.
Time frame: 10 minutes
stress levels
Assessed by smartwatch (algorithm including hart rate and movement). Values are used as continuous variable
Time frame: 3 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.