The Effects of Nature-Based Activity vs. Indoor Exercise on Cognition, Psychological, and Physiological Health
The Effects of Nature-Based Activity vs. Indoor Exercise on Cognitive, Psychological, and Physiological Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial
University of Reading
60 participants
Jul 7, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the comparative effects of nature-based versus indoor exercise interventions on cognitive performance, psychological well-being, and physiological stress in Malaysian adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) active nature engagement (walking outdoors), (2) passive nature engagement (seated outdoor observation), (3) indoor treadmill walking, or (4) a no-intervention control group. The study will examine changes in attention, working memory, affect, blood pressure, body composition, and salivary cortisol across baseline, mid-point, and post-intervention assessments.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- Adults (≥18 years old)
- Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
- Normal or corrected-to-normal hearing
- Physically fit - able to walk unassisted for at least 30 minutes
Exclusion Criteria2
- Participants with limited mobility that prevents outdoor activities
- Participants who do not have adequate comprehension in English necessary to participate in measurement of outcomes
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Interventions
Participants in this group will walk at a comfortable pace for 30 minutes in an urban park, three times per week for four weeks. They will be guided to focus on their surroundings using a grounding exercise (e.g., noticing sights, sounds, and smells) and instructed not to use mobile phones or listen to music during the walk.
Participants in this group will sit quietly for 30 minutes in a designated spot within an urban park, three times per week for four weeks. They will engage in grounding exercises and draw aspects of the natural environment. Participants will be instructed not to use mobile phones or listen to music during the walk.
Participants will be asked to walk on a treadmill in an indoor room without windows for 30 minutes. The treadmill will be set to the speed that match the average pace in nature walk group (approximately 3 km/hr). The speed could be adjusted by the participant if needed, but kept within the range of 2.6 km/hr to 4.6 km/hr. Participants will be asked to not use their phones or listen to music.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07056634