Physiological, immunological, and psychological effects of a seven-day nature-based lifestyle intervention in healthy urban adults. Other
Conditions
Interventions
The intervention comprises a seven-day immersive exposure to a traditional alpine agrarian environment in the Riedingtal Valley, Salzburg, Austria. This setting—characterized by elevated microbial bio
Sponsors
Paracelsus Medical University
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Age: 18-65 years 2. Gender: women and men 3. “Alm-naïve”: No previous residence, occupation or internship in an agricultural environment 4. No exposure to: Agricultural jobs (professional/residential) in the last 5 years, Agricultural schools/training, Shared living with farmers
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Uncontrolled diseases: 1.1. Metabolic: fasting blood sugar = 140 mg/dL 1.2. Cardiovascular: RR systolic = 180 mmHg, diastolic = 110 mmHg 1.3. Psychiatric: PHQ-9 > 9 (depressive symptoms); Immunological: Pathological disorders of the immune system 2. Medication use: Antibiotics; cortisone preparations, immunosuppressants 3. Active cancer or therapy within the last 5 years 4. Substance abuse: Drugs, alcohol, nicotine
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Human nasal microbiome diversity, assessed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing at baseline (t0) and again after the intervention on day 7 | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| At baseline (t0) and again after the intervention on day 7: 1. Lipid metabolism markers (HDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides) 2. Differential blood count 3. Inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6) 4. Chester Step Test to estimate VO2max 5. Subjective wellbeing and quality of life (WHO-5 Wellbeing Index , EQ-5D-5L visual analogue scale, Nature Relatedness Scale ) | — |
Countries
Austria
Contacts
Public ContactArnulf Hartl
Outcome results
None listed