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Forest for Human Health and Welfare
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Forest for Human Health and Welfare

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 63803

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Won-Sop Shin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Forest Resources, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju-si 361-763, Republic of Korea
Interests: forest therapy; social forestry; forest recreation; forest welfare; forest education; psychological benefits of forest/nature use; forest/nature and public health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Bum-Jin Park

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environment and Forest Resources, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseonggu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
Interests: forest and human health; design of therapeutic forest
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Forests have diverse values and functions that produce not only material products but also non-material services. The health and welfare functions given by forests to us have been used from a very long time ago but they have been emphasized in many fields of society only in recent years. The rapid increase in urbanization and the problems from stress due to modern life may be the factors that greatly demand forests’ health functions.

This special issue highlights up-to-date findings and evidences to reveal beneficial effects of forest on human/public health and welfare. A deeper and evidence-based understanding of the complex interactions between human health/welfare and forest is needed to implement in practice and policy using forest for emerging demand in modern society. This Special Issue would like to receive manuscripts on empirical studies which provide evidence on the current status of forest determinants of health and welfare. We also welcome high-quality systematic reviews or meta-analysis papers related to these matters. Contributions may focus on one or more of the following areas:

  • Various health and welfare effects (e.g., psychological, mental, physiological, and others) from forest uses and forest-based intervention
  • Social and economic impacts of forest use and management in human health/welfare
  • Why and how forests contribute to human health and welfare, especially in preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical, social, psychological welfare
  • Virtual use of forest/nature and human health/welfare
  • Policy-making, planning and design related to forests and human health/welfare
  • Selection and establishment of forest resources and other vegetation for human health/welfare
  • Management of forests and other vegetation for human health/welfare
  • Methodology for evaluating human health/welfare effects from forests

Prof. Dr. Won-Sop Shin
Prof. Dr. Bum-Jin Park
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • forest/human health
  • therapeutic forest benefits
  • forest therapy
  • forest bathing
  • forest based intervention
  • forest/human welfare

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

26 pages, 959 KiB  
Article
The Perception of Urban Forests in Post-Mining Areas: A Case Study of Sosnowiec-Poland
by Robert Krzysztofik, Oimahmad Rahmonov, Iwona Kantor-Pietraga and Weronika Dragan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3852; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073852 - 24 Mar 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2855
Abstract
Sustainable development policy emphasizes, among other things, the role of green areas in urban space. This remark applies in particular to post-industrial and post-mining cities. One of the elements of shaping the sustainable development of post-mining cities is that forests are often anthropogenic [...] Read more.
Sustainable development policy emphasizes, among other things, the role of green areas in urban space. This remark applies in particular to post-industrial and post-mining cities. One of the elements of shaping the sustainable development of post-mining cities is that forests are often anthropogenic forest ecosystems growing in previously mining areas, one of the most characteristic elements of their spatial development. This article examines the role of urban forests in the post-mining area in Sosnowiec, located in the core of the Katowice conurbation in southern Poland. This article aimed to show the social perception of forests in post-mining areas among the local community and the features of urban forests. The social dimension of the interaction between humans and the environment is related to the issue of urban planning. Research was implemented based on quantitative, qualitative (CATI survey), and cartographic methods. The results indicate the significant role of forests in post-mining areas depending on their location in the settlement areas in a post-industrial city. The research emphasizes that residents perceive forests in post-mining areas of cities as an essential and expected recreational space. Notably, half of them do not see any threats therein. It is also expected that these areas will be better developed for recreational purposes in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
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<p>Forested areas in city of Sosnowiec, 2021. Explanations: 1—forests, 2—parks, 3—forests on the brownfield sites, 4—forest described in the article, 5—built-up areas, 6—closed coal mines, 7—main railways, 8—expressways, 9—rivers, and reservoirs. Names of highlighted postmining forests: 1—Bergi; 2—Bory; 3—Dorota; 4—Hałda Feliks/Zawodzie; 5—Jęzor Południe; 6—Józefów; 7—Kamionka—Dańdówka; 8 Kamionka—Mec; 9—Klimontów (Kopalnia); 10—Las Zagórski; 11—Lasek; 12—Milowice; 13—Rybaczówka. Names and localisation of closed coal-mines: I—Niwka-Modrzejów (Modrzejów), II—Niwka-Modrzejów (Niwka), III—Saturn (Milowice), IV—Sosnowiec (Sielec), V—Porąbka-Klimontów (Klimontów), VI—Porąbka—Klimontów (Zagórze), VII—Kazimierz-Juliusz (Kazimierz), VIII—Kazimierz—Juliusz (Juliusz). Source: by authors.</p> Full article ">
15 pages, 1447 KiB  
Article
Forest Bathing Is Better than Walking in Urban Park: Comparison of Cardiac and Vascular Function between Urban and Forest Parks
by Tsung-Ming Tsao, Jing-Shiang Hwang, Sung-Tsun Lin, Charlene Wu, Ming-Jer Tsai and Ta-Chen Su
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3451; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063451 - 15 Mar 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3771
Abstract
Forest bathing is beneficial for human health. To investigate whether walking in forest or urban parks affects cardiovascular functions (CVFs), the present study was conducted in five forest trails in the Xitou Experimental Forest and in five urban parks in Taipei city. We [...] Read more.
Forest bathing is beneficial for human health. To investigate whether walking in forest or urban parks affects cardiovascular functions (CVFs), the present study was conducted in five forest trails in the Xitou Experimental Forest and in five urban parks in Taipei city. We recruited 25 adult volunteers for an observational pilot study in forest parks (n = 14) and urban parks (n = 11). CVFs were assessed by measuring the arterial pressure waveform using an oscillometric blood pressure (BP) device. The baseline and paired differences of systolic BP (SBP), central end SBP, heart rate, left ventricle (LV) dP/dt max and cardiac output in participants were lower before and after walking in a forest park than those in an urban park. In addition, the systemic vascular compliance and brachial artery compliance of those who walked in a forest park were significantly higher compared with those in an urban park. Linear mixed models demonstrated lower levels of SBP by 5.22 mmHg, heart rate by 2.46 beats/min, and cardiac output by 0.52 L/min, and LV dP/dt max by 146.91 mmHg/s among those who walked in forest compared to those in an urban park after controlling covariates. This study provides evidence of the potential beneficial effects of walking exercise in forest parks on CVFs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
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<p>Location of study plot in forest trails and urban parks. The five forest trails in NTU Xitou Experimental Forest, Nantou County, Taiwan (<b>a</b>) and urban parks marked (<b>b</b>) in Arabic numerals were (1) <span class="html-italic">Phyllostachys edulis</span> forest, (2) <span class="html-italic">Japanese cedar</span> forest, (3) <span class="html-italic">Taiwan red cedar</span> forest, (4) greensward, (5) <span class="html-italic">Taiwania cryptomerioides</span> forest; the five urban parks in Taipei City, Taiwan (6) 228 Peace Park, (7) Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Park, (8) Pao An Temple Park, (9) Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall Park, and (10) Long shan Temple Park.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Photos of the five forest trails in NTU Xitou Experimental Forest, Nantou County, and urban parks in Taipei City, Taiwan.</p> Full article ">
12 pages, 798 KiB  
Article
The Visual Attention and Psychological Responses from Older Customers to Wellness Service Pictures of Hotels
by Tsai-Chiao Wang, Ta-Wei Tang and Chia-Liang Tsai
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031084 - 19 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2766
Abstract
Understanding the visual attention and psychological responses of consumers to marketing pictures allows hotel managers to design more attractive advertisements. Therefore, the purposes of the present study were to use an eye-tracking analysis to explore whether there were different effects from tourist hotels’ [...] Read more.
Understanding the visual attention and psychological responses of consumers to marketing pictures allows hotel managers to design more attractive advertisements. Therefore, the purposes of the present study were to use an eye-tracking analysis to explore whether there were different effects from tourist hotels’ wellness service pictures based on whether they had natural or built clues. The psychological responses with regard to perceived well-being and willingness to pay were also examined. Eighty-five older consumers were recruited. Their eye movement performance while observing marketing pictures with different visual clues and their subsequent psychological responses were measured. It was found that wellness service pictures with natural clues captured more visual attention and induced higher willingness-to-pay perceptions than those with built clues in these older consumers. The present results suggest that marketing pictures with natural clues may create positive visual responses in older customers and further enhance their purchase intention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
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<p>Two samples of the experimental pictures (portraits adopted from <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/health-beautiful-female-body-peace_1057237.htm#page=8&amp;query=gym%20background&amp;position=8" target="_blank">https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/health-beautiful-female-body-peace_1057237.htm#page=8&amp;query=gym%20background&amp;position=8</a>, accessed date 1 December 2021).</p> Full article ">
14 pages, 327 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Urban Forest Healing Program Expected Values, Needs, and Preferred Components in Urban Forest Visitors with Diseases: A Pilot Survey
by Kwang-Hi Park
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010513 - 4 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2633
Abstract
Although the effectiveness of urban forest therapy has been studied and proven, most people are not well aware of the positive healing effects of urban forests that are easily accessible in daily life compared to the known healing effect of forests located outside [...] Read more.
Although the effectiveness of urban forest therapy has been studied and proven, most people are not well aware of the positive healing effects of urban forests that are easily accessible in daily life compared to the known healing effect of forests located outside urban areas. In addition, there has been a study on the analysis of urban forest healing program needs in the general population, but there is a lack of evidence on the expected values and needs of urban forest healing for people with diseases. Therefore, this pilot survey aimed to investigate the expected values, needs, and preferred components of urban forest healing programs in urban forest visitors with disease via an online user survey and see if there were any differences in the purpose of the urban forest visits and expected values of urban forest healing depending on the type of disease. The survey was conducted on 294 urban forest visitors with diseases. About 79% of respondents agreed with the healing effects of urban forest, however most respondents expected healing effects on mental health rather than on physical health (“mood change” was the highest with score of 4.43/5, followed by “reliving stress” (4.35/5) and “mental and physical stability” (4.31/5)). In addition, more than 82.0% of respondents agreed to participate in the program if a healing program for disease was developed. The results of the current pilot survey indicate that the purpose of the urban forest visits and expected values of urban forest healing were largely not different by the type of disease, and people with disease had a relatively lower awareness and lower expected values of urban forest healing effects on physical health, but high demand for the program. Urban forest therapy programs should be developed based on the specific clinical characteristics of the disease to maximize the effectiveness of the program. Additionally, policies should be implemented to promote the beneficial effects of urban forest healing not only for mental health but also for physical health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
11 pages, 1895 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Forest Video Using Virtual Reality on the Stress Reduction of University Students Focused on C University in Korea
by Seong-Hee Jo, Jin-Seok Park and Poung-Sik Yeon
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12805; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312805 - 4 Dec 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4777
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to study the effect of forest videos using virtual reality (VR) on the stress of college students. The study subjects were 60 college students who watched two-dimensional (2D) and VR videos, and we compared their control heart [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study is to study the effect of forest videos using virtual reality (VR) on the stress of college students. The study subjects were 60 college students who watched two-dimensional (2D) and VR videos, and we compared their control heart rate variability (HRV) and electroencephalogram (EEG). As a result, it was found that the VR group had a positive effect on high frequency (HF), standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN), and root-mean-square of successive differences (RMSSD) compared with the control group, and the VR group had a positive effect on HF compared with the 2D group. Second, EEG, a physiological indicator, showed statistical differences in Relative Alpha Power (RA), Relative Beta Power (RB), and Ratio of SMR–Mid Beta to Theta (RSMT) in VR groups in intra-group analysis. Among them, it was investigated that watching forest videos on VR became a state of concentration and immersion due to the increase in RSMT. As a result of the above, it was investigated that forest videos using VR had a positive effect on the physiological stress on college students. Therefore, it is expected that a positive effect will occur if VR is used as an alternative to stress management for college students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
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<p>Research process.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>The 360° camera.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Appearance of wearing experimental equipment and international electrode placement method.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>HRV results by group. *: <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>VR group EEG mapping.</p> Full article ">
16 pages, 2245 KiB  
Article
Evidence-Based Status of Forest Healing Program in South Korea
by Sujin Park, Soojin Kim, Geonwoo Kim, Yeji Choi, Eunsoo Kim and Domyung Paek
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10368; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910368 - 1 Oct 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5213
Abstract
Various effects of forest healing on health have been reported, but a certification system to assess the effectiveness of forest healing programs does not exist. In this study, a systematic review (SR) on the “health benefits of forests” and “meta-analysis of forest therapy” [...] Read more.
Various effects of forest healing on health have been reported, but a certification system to assess the effectiveness of forest healing programs does not exist. In this study, a systematic review (SR) on the “health benefits of forests” and “meta-analysis of forest therapy” was conducted after analyzing the status and level of evidence of 75 forest healing programs that were conducted post-certification in South Korea. The SR for “health benefits of forests” distinguished between activities and time, resulting in 90.9% of walking activities for more than an hour under psychological health, and 100.0% of exercise activities for less than an hour under physiological health. However, the effect of indirect activities performed for more than an hour was unknown. Thus, we confirmed that many indoor activities in the field had low effect size or no established basis regarding the feasibility of its operation. The SR on “meta-analysis of forest therapy” to check whether the program was effective. The highest number of healing effects were obtained for blood pressure (32), followed by psychological depression (24). The findings of this can serve as baseline data to facilitate future development and dissemination of evidence-based forest healing programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
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<p>(<b>a</b>) The number of therapeutic forests; (<b>b</b>) the number of visitors to therapeutic forests.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>The number of new forest healing guidance certificates (Levels 1 and 2).</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Flow diagram illustrating the selection process.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Effect of activities and duration of forest healing program on mental (psychological) health. Background color: The forest healing effect size (% p + m) is expressed as 0~100%, indicating that darker colors have a greater effect on forest healing; gray dots: the detailed forest healing program was classified based on the activities and their duration. Each gray dot in the figure represents the type of activity and its duration for each program.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Effect of activities and duration of forest healing program on the physical (physiological) health. Background color: the forest healing effect size (% p + m) is expressed as 0~100%, indicating that darker colors have a greater effect on forest healing; gray dots: The detailed forest healing program was classified by activity and time, and each gray dot represents the type of activity and its duration for each program.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Overview of psychological and physiological outcomes of forest healing programs.</p> Full article ">
17 pages, 3898 KiB  
Article
The Role of Social Context in Physiological and Psychological Restoration in a Forest: Case Study of a Guided Forest Therapy Program in Taiwan
by Chia-Pin Yu, Heng-Ting Chen, Pei-Hua Chao, Jie Yin and Ming-Jer Tsai
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10076; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910076 - 25 Sep 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3281
Abstract
Existing studies have demonstrated the restorative benefits of being in forests. However, most studies have designed participants to engage individually in forest walking and viewing, which neglects the social aspect of conversation. Researchers suggested that social context should be studied in order to [...] Read more.
Existing studies have demonstrated the restorative benefits of being in forests. However, most studies have designed participants to engage individually in forest walking and viewing, which neglects the social aspect of conversation. Researchers suggested that social context should be studied in order to have a better understanding how forests foster human health. To this end, we examined the role of social context using three types of forest therapy programs: a guided program, a self-guided program, and a walk alone program. A between-subject, pretest–posttest field experimental design was employed to evaluate restorative effects by measuring the physiological responses and mood states incurred in different forest therapy programs. Our findings showed, that the walk alone group exhibited a significant systolic blood pressure decrease and a significant increase in sympathetic nervous activity; the self-guided group showed a significant increase in heart rate values and significant decreases in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure; and the guided group revealed a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure. Further, the three forest therapy programs had positive effects on improving mood states, except a nonsignificant vigor–activity increase in the walk alone group. The three programs did not exhibit significant differences in changes of restorative benefits in physiological and psychological measures except for a significant difference in changes in sympathetic nervous activity between the walk alone group and guided group. The results showed the restorative benefits of forest therapy are apparent regardless of the program type. The management team should continue promoting forest therapy for public health by providing different types of forest therapy programs and experiences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
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<p>Map of forest therapy activities with locations.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Experimental procedure.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Pretest–posttest comparisons of physiological measures across the three groups. Abbreviations: (<b>a</b>) HR, heart rate; (<b>b</b>) SBP, systolic blood pressure; (<b>c</b>) DBP, diastolic blood pressure; (<b>d</b>) RFa, respiratory frequency area (parasympathetic nervous system activity measure); (<b>e</b>) LFa, low frequency area (sympathetic nervous system activity measure); (<b>f</b>) LFa/RFa (measure of sympathovagal balance). Note: Error bars depict standard deviation. *<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001.</p> Full article ">Figure 3 Cont.
<p>Pretest–posttest comparisons of physiological measures across the three groups. Abbreviations: (<b>a</b>) HR, heart rate; (<b>b</b>) SBP, systolic blood pressure; (<b>c</b>) DBP, diastolic blood pressure; (<b>d</b>) RFa, respiratory frequency area (parasympathetic nervous system activity measure); (<b>e</b>) LFa, low frequency area (sympathetic nervous system activity measure); (<b>f</b>) LFa/RFa (measure of sympathovagal balance). Note: Error bars depict standard deviation. *<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Pretest–posttest comparisons of psychological measures across the three groups. Abbreviations: (<b>a</b>) T–A, tension–anxiety; (<b>b</b>) D–D, depression–dejection; (<b>c</b>) A–H, anger–hostility; (<b>d</b>) C–B, confusion–bewilderment; (<b>e</b>) F–I, fatigue–inertia; (<b>f</b>) V–A, vigor–activity. Note: * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001.</p> Full article ">
14 pages, 454 KiB  
Article
Determination of Motivating Factors of Urban Forest Visitors through Latent Dirichlet Allocation Topic Modeling
by Doo-San Kim, Byeong-Cheol Lee and Kwang-Hi Park
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9649; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189649 - 13 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2555
Abstract
Despite the unique characteristics of urban forests, the motivating factors of urban forest visitors have not been clearly differentiated from other types of the forest resource. This study aims to identify the motivating factors of urban forest visitors, using latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) [...] Read more.
Despite the unique characteristics of urban forests, the motivating factors of urban forest visitors have not been clearly differentiated from other types of the forest resource. This study aims to identify the motivating factors of urban forest visitors, using latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic modeling based on social big data. A total of 57,449 cases of social text data from social blogs containing the keyword “urban forest” were collected from Naver and Daum, the major search engines in South Korea. Then, 17,229 cases were excluded using morpheme analysis and stop word elimination; 40,110 cases were analyzed to identify the motivating factors of urban forest visitors through LDA topic modeling. Seven motivating factors—“Cafe-related Walk”, “Healing Trip”, “Daily Leisure”, “Family Trip”, “Wonderful View”, “Clean Space”, and “Exhibition and Photography”—were extracted; each contained five keywords. This study elucidates the role of forests as a place for healing, leisure, and daily exercise. The results suggest that efforts should be made toward developing various programs regarding the basic functionality of urban forests as a natural resource and a unique place to support a diversity of leisure and cultural activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
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<p>LDA topic generation.</p> Full article ">
17 pages, 1499 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Effects of High-Altitude Forest Travel on Cardiovascular Function: An Overlooked Cardiovascular Risk of Forest Activity
by Tsung-Ming Tsao, Jing-Shiang Hwang, Ming-Jer Tsai, Sung-Tsun Lin, Charlene Wu and Ta-Chen Su
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9472; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189472 - 8 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4724
Abstract
Cardiovascular physiological responses involving hypoxemia in low temperature environments at high altitude have yet to be adequately investigated. This study aims to demonstrate the health effects of hypoxemia and temperature changes in cardiovascular functions (CVFs) by comparing intra-individual differences as participants ascend from [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular physiological responses involving hypoxemia in low temperature environments at high altitude have yet to be adequately investigated. This study aims to demonstrate the health effects of hypoxemia and temperature changes in cardiovascular functions (CVFs) by comparing intra-individual differences as participants ascend from low (298 m, 21.9 °C) to high altitude (2729 m, 9.5 °C). CVFs were assessed by measuring the arterial pressure waveform according to cuff sphygmomanometer of an oscillometric blood pressure (BP) device. The mean ages of participants in winter and summer were 43.6 and 41.2 years, respectively. The intra-individual brachial systolic, diastolic BP, heart rate, and cardiac output of participants significantly increased, as participants climbed uphill from low to high altitude forest. Following the altitude increase from 298 m to 2729 m, with the atmosphere gradually reducing by 0.24 atm, the measured average SpO2 of participants showed a significant reduction from 98.1% to 81.2%. Using mixed effects model, it is evident that in winter, the differences in altitude affects CVFs by significantly increases the systolic BP, heart rate, left ventricular dP/dt max and cardiac output. This study provides evidence that cardiovascular workload increased significantly among acute high-altitude travelers as they ascend from low to high altitude, particularly in winter. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
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<p>Route map of forest travel from low to high altitude.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Flow chart illustrating the time points and altitudes of examination from low (starting) to high altitude, and rechecking of CVFs from high to low altitude.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Variational comparison of the oxygen saturation rate and cardiac function after short-term exposure to high altitudes upon return to low altitudes.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Variational comparison of the oxygen saturation rate and cardiac function after short-term exposure to high altitudes upon return to low altitudes.</p> Full article ">
42 pages, 6774 KiB  
Article
Physiological and Psychological Assessments for the Establishment of Evidence-Based Forest Healing Programs
by Sujin Park, Yeji Choi, Geonwoo Kim, Eunsoo Kim, Soojin Kim and Domyung Paek
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9283; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179283 - 2 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3341
Abstract
This study aimed to establish a health and medical foundation for forest healing programs and provide a basis for developing an evaluation system for such programs. While the number of visitors to forests and interest in forest healing effects are increasing, few studies [...] Read more.
This study aimed to establish a health and medical foundation for forest healing programs and provide a basis for developing an evaluation system for such programs. While the number of visitors to forests and interest in forest healing effects are increasing, few studies have examined the various indicators of the persistent changes in forest healing effects. Therefore, this study conducted pre-, post-, and follow-up experiments on 87 health and clinical indicators in a sample of 88 adolescent participants. The relationships between pre-, post-, and follow-up experiment results for each indicator were analyzed. Of the 87 indicators, 46 showed significant changes, including systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, serotonin, vitamin D, CD16+CD56 count, interferon-γ, resilience, and self-esteem. The findings are significant for studying diverse participants and indicators and lay the foundation for developing forest healing programs by clarifying aspects such as the indicators suitable for short-term observation versus the indicators requiring long-term observation. Based on these analyses, the results of this study are expected to be useful when conducting research to establish an evidence-based forest healing program in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
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<p>Schematic diagram of the research design.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Maps of the study site. (<b>a</b>) Site location. Point A is Heongseong SoopChewon, and Points 1, 2, and 3 are the three cities from where the participants came. (<b>b</b>) Aerial photographs of Heongseong SoopChewon.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Data analysis process diagram.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Results of blood pressure and autonomic nervous system related indicators. * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001. Pre-: daily health conditions two weeks prior to the forest healing program; Post-: health conditions immediately after the forest healing program; Follow-up: daily health conditions one, two, and four weeks after the forest healing program; SBP: systolic blood pressure; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; RMSSD: root mean square of successive RR intervals (interbeat intervals between all successive heartbeats) differences; Ln: natural logarithm (the spectral power data were log transformed); TP: total power; LF: power in the low frequency range; HF: power in the high frequency range; pNN50: percentage of successive RR intervals that differ by more than 50 ms.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Pearson’s correlation coefficient results for blood pressure and autonomic nervous system related indicators. Cells marked with X indicate that the correlation coefficient is not significant (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &gt; 0.05). Daily analysis includes pre-treatment and follow-up test results, and after-treatment analysis includes post-treatment results.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Results of immune function and inflammation-related indicators. * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001. Pre-: daily health conditions two weeks prior to the forest healing program; Post-: health conditions immediately after the forest healing program; Follow-up: daily health conditions one, two, and four weeks after the forest healing program; IFN: interferon; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; IL: interleukin; IgA: Immunoglobulin A; eNO: exhaled nitric oxide; CD: cluster of differentiation molecule.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>Results of oxidative stress and antioxidant-related indicators. *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001. Pre-: daily health conditions 2 weeks prior to the forest healing program; Post-: health conditions immediately after the forest healing program; Follow-up: daily health conditions one, two, and four weeks after the forest healing program; 8-OHdG: 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine; d-ROMs: derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites; BAP: biological antioxidant potential.</p> Full article ">Figure 8
<p>Results of stress (hormone)-related indicators. *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001. Pre-: daily health conditions two weeks prior to the forest healing program; Post-: health conditions immediately after the forest healing program; Follow-up: daily health conditions one, two, and four weeks after the forest healing program.</p> Full article ">Figure 9
<p>Results of health screening-related indicators. *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001. Pre-: daily health conditions two weeks prior to the forest healing program; Post-: health conditions immediately after the forest healing program; Follow-up: daily health conditions one, two, and four weeks after the forest healing program; BUN: blood urea nitrogen; SGOT: serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase; AST: aspartate aminotransferase; SGPT: serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase; ALT: alanine aminotransferase.</p> Full article ">Figure 10
<p>Results of mental health-related indicators. * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001. Pre-: daily health conditions two weeks prior to the forest healing program; Post-: health conditions immediately after the forest healing program; Follow-up: daily health conditions one, two, and four weeks after the forest healing program.</p> Full article ">Figure 11
<p>Mechanism of the forest healing program. TLRs: Toll-like receptors; NF-kB: nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; AIF: apoptosis-inducing factor; Cyt-C: cytochrome complex.</p> Full article ">
15 pages, 384 KiB  
Article
Forest Therapy Alone or with a Guide: Is There a Difference between Self-Guided Forest Therapy and Guided Forest Therapy Programs?
by Jin-Gun Kim and Won-Sop Shin
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6957; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136957 - 29 Jun 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5369
Abstract
There are generally two types of forest therapy. One is to walk or view the forest alone without a guide, and the other is to be accompanied by a guide. This study aimed to investigate the healing factors and health benefits of self-guided [...] Read more.
There are generally two types of forest therapy. One is to walk or view the forest alone without a guide, and the other is to be accompanied by a guide. This study aimed to investigate the healing factors and health benefits of self-guided forest therapy and guided forest therapy programs and examine the differences in characteristics between interventions. Thirty-seven undergraduate students participated in a randomized experiment (19 in the self-guided forest therapy and 18 in the guided forest therapy program). Data were collected from 111 self-reported essays after each intervention (three essays per person). Results revealed that the forest healing factors contained four categories in common: auditory element, visual element, tactile element, and olfaction element. Forest therapy’s health benefits included five categories in common: change of mind and body, introspection, change of emotion, cognitive change, and social interaction. Among the typical differences, the self-guided forest therapy group mentioned more keywords related to introspection than the guided forest therapy program group. On the other hand, the guided forest therapy program group mentioned more keywords associated with the change of emotion and social interaction than the self-guided forest therapy. Our findings show that self-guided forest therapy provides an opportunity for self-reflection to focus on and think about one’s inner self. On the other hand, guided forest therapy programs provide positive emotional changes and promoting social bonds through interaction with others. Therefore, because the effects that can be obtained vary depending on the type of forest therapy, participants can utilize forest healing to suit the desired outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
14 pages, 4630 KiB  
Article
Influence of Forest Visitors’ Perceived Restorativeness on Social–Psychological Stress
by Don-Gak Lee, Mi-Mi Lee, Young-Mi Jeong, Jin-Gun Kim, Yung-Kyoon Yoon and Won-Sop Shin
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6328; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126328 - 11 Jun 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3533
Abstract
This study was conducted to verify the perceived restorativeness of citizens visiting forests on social–psychological stress and psychological resilience according to forest space type. The study involved a questionnaire survey conducted on citizens who visited forests between 1 May and 15 July 2020, [...] Read more.
This study was conducted to verify the perceived restorativeness of citizens visiting forests on social–psychological stress and psychological resilience according to forest space type. The study involved a questionnaire survey conducted on citizens who visited forests between 1 May and 15 July 2020, when social distancing in daily life was being implemented. Three types of forest spaces (urban forest, national park, and natural recreation forest) were selected for the survey. They used the survey results of 1196 people as analysis data for this study. In this study, the PRS (Perceived Restorativeness Scale) and the PWI-SF (Psychosocial Well-being Index Short Form) were used to evaluate perceived restorativeness and social–psychological stress of citizens visiting forests. In the study, the average score of visitors’ perceived restorativeness was 5.31 ± 0.77. Social–psychological stress was found in the healthy group, potential stress group, and high-risk group. These groups made up 8.0%, 82.5%, and 9.5% of the respondents, respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis between perceived restorativeness and social–psychological stress revealed that the higher the perceived restorativeness, the lower the social–psychological stress. “Diversion Mood”, “Not bored”, and “Coherence”, which are the sub-factors of perceived restorativeness according to the forest space type, were found to have meaningful results for psychological resilience. However, there was no significant difference in the forest space type between “Compatibility” and social–psychological stress, which are sub-factors of perceived restorativeness. In conclusion, the forest space type affects the psychological resilience of those who visit the forest. Urban forests, national parks, and natural recreation forests are places to reduce stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
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<p>Research sites located in the suburbs of Seoul. (<b>A</b>) Mt. Gwanak Urban Forest; (<b>B</b>) Mt. Bukhan National Park; (<b>C</b>) Mt. Yumyeong Recreation Forest (<a href="https://map.forest.go.kr/forest/#/" target="_blank">https://map.forest.go.kr/forest/#/</a>) (accessed on 7 June 2021).</p> Full article ">
15 pages, 22473 KiB  
Article
The Physio-Psychological Effect of Forest Therapy Programs on Juvenile Probationers
by Jin Young Jeon, In Ok Kim, Poung-sik Yeon and Won Sop Shin
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5467; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105467 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4017
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the psychological and physiological effects of forest therapy programs on adolescents under probation. Fifty probationary teenagers from the Ministry of Gyeonggi Justice Compliance Support Center participated in the study. The study explored the effectiveness of a nonrandomized control [...] Read more.
The study aimed to investigate the psychological and physiological effects of forest therapy programs on adolescents under probation. Fifty probationary teenagers from the Ministry of Gyeonggi Justice Compliance Support Center participated in the study. The study explored the effectiveness of a nonrandomized control group pretest–posttest design forest therapy program. The forest therapy program was conducted for two days and one night for the experimental groups (N = 33), who participated in the forest therapy program, and the control group (N = 17), who received two days of attendance center orders program in the lecture room of the Ministry of Gyeonggi Justice Compliance Support Center. As a result, adolescents under probation who participated in forest therapy programs had a beneficial effect on psychological well-being (K-WBMMS) and HRV’s HF (high frequency) and LF/HF (A ratio of Low Frequency to High Frequency) compared to those who received the general attendance center orders program. These results support that forest therapy programs play a positive role in the psychological and physiological effects of probationary adolescents and can affect the diversity of rehabilitation programs for probationary adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
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<p>The Saneum Healing Forest.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Major progress of forest therapy program.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>The effect of forest therapy on psychological well-being, comparing experimental and control groups, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>The effect of forest therapy on HRV by comparing experimental and control groups, * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05.</p> Full article ">
16 pages, 1474 KiB  
Article
Psycho-Electrophysiological Benefits of Forest Therapies Focused on Qigong and Walking with Elderly Individuals
by Jiyune Yi, Seul Gee Kim, Taegyu Khil, Minja Shin, Jin-Hee You, Sookja Jeon, Gue Hong Park, Ah Young Jeong, Youngsuwn Lim, Kahye Kim, Jingun Kim, Byunghoon Kang, Jueun Lee, Jeong Hwan Park, Boncho Ku, Jungmi Choi, Wonseok Cha, Hwa-Jin Lee, Changseob Shin, Wonsop Shin and Jaeuk U. Kimadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3004; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063004 - 15 Mar 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4447
Abstract
We developed two distinct forest therapy programs (FTPs) and compared their effects on dementia prevention and related health problems for older adults. One was focused on Qigong practice in the forest (QP) and the other involved active walking in the forest (WP). Both [...] Read more.
We developed two distinct forest therapy programs (FTPs) and compared their effects on dementia prevention and related health problems for older adults. One was focused on Qigong practice in the forest (QP) and the other involved active walking in the forest (WP). Both FTPs consisted of twelve 2-h sessions over six weeks and were conducted in an urban forest. We obtained data from 25, 18, and 26 participants aged 65 years or above for the QP, WP, and control groups, respectively. Neuropsychological scores via cognition (MoCA), geriatric depression (GDS) and quality of life (EQ-5D), and electrophysiological variables (electroencephalography, bioimpedance, and heart rate variability) were measured. We analyzed the intervention effects with a generalized linear model. Compared to the control group, the WP group showed benefits in terms of neurocognition (increases in the MoCA score, and alpha and beta band power values in the electroencephalogram), sympathetic nervous activity, and bioimpedance in the lower body. On the other hand, the QP group showed alleviated depression and an increased bioimpedance phase angle in the upper body. In conclusion, both active walking and Qigong in the forest were shown to have distinctive neuropsychological and electrophysiological benefits, and both had beneficial effects in terms of preventing dementia and relieving related health problems for elderly individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
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<p>Measurement of (<b>a</b>) EEG, (<b>b</b>) bioimpedance, and (<b>c</b>) HRV, and pictures of forest therapy sessions involving (<b>d</b>) band gymnastics, (<b>e</b>) forest walking, and (<b>f</b>) Qigong exercise.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Study flow chart.</p> Full article ">
16 pages, 2439 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Forest Activities in a University Campus Forest on Student’s Psychological Effects
by Jin Gun Kim, Jinyoung Jeon and Won Sop Shin
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2457; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052457 - 2 Mar 2021
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4266
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the psychological effects of forest activities in a campus forest. A pre-test and post-test control group design was employed to evaluate the psychological effect of forest activities in a campus forest. A total of 38 participants participated in [...] Read more.
This study aimed to examine the psychological effects of forest activities in a campus forest. A pre-test and post-test control group design was employed to evaluate the psychological effect of forest activities in a campus forest. A total of 38 participants participated in this study (19 in the forest activities group; 19 in the control group). The Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire, the Concise Measure of Subjective Well-Being (COMOSWB), and the modified form of the Stress Response Inventory (SRI-MF) were administered to each participant to assess psychological effects. This study revealed that participants in the forest activities intervention group had significantly positive increases in their mood, stress response, and subjective well-being, comparing with those of control group participants who did not partake in any forest activities. In conclusion, the implementation of forest activities in a campus forest is an efficient strategy to provide psychological well-being benefits to college students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
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<p>Maps of the campus forest activities trail in this study.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Campus forest activities intervention.</p> Full article ">Figure 2 Cont.
<p>Campus forest activities intervention.</p> Full article ">
8 pages, 2558 KiB  
Article
Effect of Forest Therapy for Menopausal Women with Insomnia
by Hyeyun Kim, Jayoung Kim, Hyo Jin Ju, Bong Jin Jang, Tae Kyu Wang and Yeong In Kim
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186548 - 9 Sep 2020
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4468
Abstract
Female hormone changes during menopause can affect the autonomic nervous system, circadian rhythm, and secretion of cortisol/melatonin, resulting in a vulnerability to insomnia. In this light, therapy has been gaining attention as a way to reduce stress hormones by stabilizing the autonomic nervous [...] Read more.
Female hormone changes during menopause can affect the autonomic nervous system, circadian rhythm, and secretion of cortisol/melatonin, resulting in a vulnerability to insomnia. In this light, therapy has been gaining attention as a way to reduce stress hormones by stabilizing the autonomic nervous system. Thus, this study aims to objectively and scientifically analyze the impact of forest therapy in postmenopausal insomnia patients. The forest therapy program lasted 6 days, wherein 35 postmenopausal women performed activities such as trekking, leg massages, stretches, and bathing in warm and cold water. They also underwent serologic tests, participated in polysomnography (PSG), and answered sleep questionnaires before and after the program. Further, a statistical analysis compared the results. Serologic tests showed a significant reduction of cortisol from 10.2 ± 3.79 to 7.75 ± 2.81, while PSGs showed how sleep efficiency increased to 89.3 ± 4.3% (p < 0.01), and how waking after sleep onset reduced to 47.4 ± 22.3 min (p < 0.01). The total sleep time also increased to 428.5 min and sleep latency was 11.1 ± 11.0 min. Despite its limitations, forest therapy could be a good alternative to nonpharmacological treatment for mitigating insomnia in postmenopausal women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest for Human Health and Welfare)
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<p>National center for forest activities in Hoengseong with trail routes.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Participants performing various activities such as (<b>a</b>) barefoot trekking, (<b>b</b>) lying down in the forest, (<b>c</b>) foot massage with cold groundwater, and (<b>d</b>) feeling with the five senses.</p> Full article ">
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