Nature-based Solutions for Work-related Stress

NCT04111796 | Unknown

• 1 other identifier: Nature_health
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Stress, Psychological

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (7)

• Neurocognition: selective attention

  computerised tests (stroop test). The scale is mean reaction time and is used as a continuous variable.

  5 minutes

• Neurocognition: short-term memory

  computerised tests (Digit Span Test). The scale is number of digits and is used as a continuous variable.

  10 minutes

• Neurocognition:visual information processing speed

  computerised tests (Digit Symbol test). The scale is number of digits and is used as a continuous variable.

  5 minutes

• Neurocognition: visual information processing speed

  computerised tests (Pattern Comparison test ). The scale is reaction time and is used as a continuous variable.

  5 minutes

• stress levels

  Assessed by salivary cortisol levels. Scale is µg/dl and used as a continuous variable.

  5 minutes

• stress levels

  Assessed by questionnaires (burnout assessment tool). Scores are used as continuous variable. Lower scores represent lower risk of burnout, higher scores represent higher risk of burnout. The score is constructed from questions concerning exhaustion, mental distance, emotional disorder and cognitive disorder.

  10 minutes

• stress levels

  Assessed by smartwatch (algorithm including hart rate and movement). Values are used as continuous variable

  3 weeks

Study Arms (2)

group in nature

EXPERIMENTAL

they participate in nature based-program during work hours

Other: nature based solution for stress reduction

control group

NO INTERVENTION

they participate don't in nature based-program during work hours and perform their normal work schedule

Interventions

nature based solution for stress reduction OTHER

participation in nature activities: 30 min stress management in nature and group activity (walking, cycling)

group in nature

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• work at province of Limburg speak dutch

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hasselt University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Province of Limburg

Hasselt, Limburg, 3590, Belgium

RECRUITING

Related Publications (1)

• Daniels S, Clemente DBP, Desart S, Saenen N, Sleurs H, Nawrot TS, Malina R, Plusquin M. Introducing nature at the work floor: A nature-based intervention to reduce stress and improve cognitive performance. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2022 Mar;240:113884. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113884. Epub 2021 Nov 27.

  PMID: 34847453 DERIVED

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stress, Psychological

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior

Study Officials

• Michelle Plusquin

  Hasselt University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Michelle Plusquin

CONTACT

003211268289; michelle.plusquin@uhasselt.be

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: assistant professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 27, 2019
• First Posted: October 1, 2019
• Study Start: August 1, 2019
• Primary Completion: November 1, 2019
• Study Completion: November 1, 2019
• Last Updated: October 3, 2019

Record last verified: 2019-10

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

BE (1)