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"Forest Therapy and Mindfulness for Stress Reduction and Well-being in Highly Sensitive Persons (Pilot RCT)"

NCT07183917 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 131

Last updated 2025-09-19

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Forest Medicine interventions on psychological well-being, stress reduction, and overall health outcomes in adults. Shinrin-Yoku, originated in Japan, is a nature-based practice that involves mindful immersion in forest environments. The intervention combines exposure to natural ecosystems with evidence-based techniques such as mindfulness and guided relaxation.

Participants will be guided through structured sessions in natural forest settings to assess changes in stress biomarkers, emotional regulation, sleep quality, and quality of life. The study is designed as a non-pharmacological, non-invasive intervention, focusing on promoting mental health and preventive medicine.

The findings are expected to provide evidence on the benefits of Forest Medicine as a complementary health approach and contribute to the development of international standards for nature-based therapies.

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Forest Therapy and Mindfulness

Weekly 2-hour guided sessions for 8 consecutive weeks in natural forest environments. Each session includes mindful walking, multisensory awareness (sight, sound, smell, touch), breathing exercises, and guided relaxation practices. Facilitated by certified Forest Therapy and Mindfulness instructors. The intervention is non-invasive, focused on stress reduction, emotional regulation, and improved subjective well-being through mindful immersion in nature.

BEHAVIORAL

Indoor Wellness Control

Weekly 2-hour structured sessions for 8 consecutive weeks conducted indoors (classroom or wellness center). Activities include health education talks on stress and wellness, guided music-based relaxation, and eco-friendly culinary tasting experiences. Designed to provide an active comparator condition controlling for attention, group interaction, and wellness-related content without exposure to forest environments or formal mindfulness practices.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • IFM International Forest Medicine

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • ANA I SÁNCHEZ HDZ, Principal Investigator · ASEUSY - European Association Shinrin Yoku and Forest Medicine -Ana I Sánchez Hdz

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-01-13
Primary Completion
2025-03-15
Completion
2025-04-30

Countries

  • Spain

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07183917 on ClinicalTrials.gov