Stress, Psychological
Conditions
Brief summary
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.
Detailed description
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.
Interventions
participation in nature activities: 30 min stress management in nature and group activity (walking, cycling)
Sponsors
Hasselt University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* work at province of Limburg speak dutch
Exclusion criteria
\-
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Neurocognition: selective attention | 5 minutes | computerised tests (stroop test). The scale is mean reaction time and is used as a continuous variable. |
| Neurocognition: short-term memory | 10 minutes | computerised tests (Digit Span Test). The scale is number of digits and is used as a continuous variable. |
| Neurocognition:visual information processing speed | 5 minutes | computerised tests (Digit Symbol test). The scale is number of digits and is used as a continuous variable. |
| Neurocognition: visual information processing speed | 5 minutes | computerised tests (Pattern Comparison test ). The scale is reaction time and is used as a continuous variable. |
| stress levels | 5 minutes | Assessed by salivary cortisol levels. Scale is µg/dl and used as a continuous variable. |
Countries
Belgium
Contacts
Primary ContactMichelle Plusquin
Outcome results
None listed