A Study on the Effects of Forest Therapy on Sarcopenia

NCT07632417 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 202603112RINA
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 36
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

Purpose: The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of an 8-week Forest Based Intervention program on muscle strength, physical performance, and psychological well-being in older women with sarcopenia. Duration: The program lasts for 8 weeks, with 2 sessions per week (16 sessions total). Each session is approximately 180 minutes. Activities: Participants will take part in a structured program at the Caoling Shibi Forest Healing Base in Yunlin. The program includes forest trail walking, resistance training using elastic bands, stretching, and sensory activities such as aromatherapy and deep breathing. Assessments: Researchers will evaluate physical indicators and psychological well-being before the program, immediately after, and at a 2-month follow-up. Goal: We hope to determine if combining structured exercise with the forest environment can effectively improve the health and quality of life for older women with sarcopenia.

Conditions

Sarcopenia; Healthy Aging

Keywords

Forest Therapy; Forest-Based Intervention; Forest Bathing; Forest Healing; Sarcopenia; Physical Performance; Muscle Strength; Sleep Quality; Mental Well-being

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Handgrip Strength

  Measured using a Smedley hand dynamometer for the dominant hand to evaluate maximum muscle strength. Handgrip strength is a key clinical indicator for sarcopenia diagnosis. Values are reported in kilograms (kg).

  Baseline, 8 weeks, and 4 months.

• Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)

  A standardized assessment of lower extremity function, including balance tests, gait speed tests, and five times chair stand tests. Scale title: Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Minimum value: 0, Maximum value: 12. Higher scores indicate better physical performance.

  Baseline, 8 weeks, and 4 months.

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (SMI)

  Baseline, 8 weeks, and 4 months.

• Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-36)

  Baseline, 8 weeks, and 4 months.

• Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS)

  Baseline, 8 weeks, and 4 months.

• Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)

  Baseline, 8 weeks, and 4 months.

• Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS)

  Baseline, 8 weeks, and 4 months.

Study Arms (1)

Forest-Based Intervention Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will undergo an 8-week structured forest healing program (2 sessions/week, 16 sessions total) at the Caoling Shibi Forest Healing Base . Each 180-minute session, led by certified instructors, includes forest trail walking (aerobic/balance), elastic band resistance training, nature-based sensory immersion (forest therapy), and group psychological support. The intervention follows a standardized manual focused on improving muscle strength and physical function.

Behavioral: Forest-Based Intervention Program

Interventions

Forest-Based Intervention Program BEHAVIORAL

An 8-week structured intervention (16 sessions total, 180 min each) conducted at the Caoling Shibi Forest Healing Base. The program integrates physical exercise (forest trail walking and elastic band resistance training) with nature-based sensory immersion (aromatherapy, deep breathing, and nature awareness). The intervention follows a manualized protocol led by certified instructors, specifically designed to improve muscle strength, physical function, and psychological well-being in older women.

Also known as: Forest Therapy

Forest-Based Intervention Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 55 Years+
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Female aged 55 years or older.
• Meet the AWGS 2025 criteria for sarcopenia (low handgrip strength and low skeletal muscle mass index).
• Able to walk independently or with assistive devices and safely participate in low-to-moderate intensity exercise training.
• Willing to commit to the 8-week intervention (16 sessions total) and provide signed informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• History of major acute illness, hospitalization, or surgery within the past 3 months.
• Severe cardiovascular, respiratory, or other systemic diseases that make moderate-intensity exercise unsafe.
• Severe osteoarticular or neurological disorders that significantly impair walking or exercise safety.
• Severe cognitive impairment that prevents understanding of study procedures or cooperation with the intervention.
• Presence of implanted medical devices (e.g., pacemakers) that would interfere with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).
• Regular participation in structured resistance training or high-intensity exercise within the past 3 months.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Taiwan University Hospital: lead
• Chungnam National University: collaborator

Related Publications (5)

• Chen N, He X, Feng Y, Ainsworth BE, Liu Y. Effects of resistance training in healthy older people with sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act. 2021 Nov 11;18(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s11556-021-00277-7.

  PMID: 34763651 BACKGROUND

• Woo J, Lee CJ. Sleep-enhancing Effects of Phytoncide Via Behavioral, Electrophysiological, and Molecular Modeling Approaches. Exp Neurobiol. 2020 Apr 30;29(2):120-129. doi: 10.5607/en20013.

  PMID: 32408402 BACKGROUND

• Baek JE, Jung JH, Shin HJ, Kim SH, Sung SY, Park SJ, Hahm SC, Cho HY, Lee MG. Effects of Forest Healing Anti-Aging Program on Psychological, Physiological, and Physical Health of Older People with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr 16;19(8):4863. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19084863.

  PMID: 35457728 BACKGROUND

• Hansen MM, Jones R, Tocchini K. Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Jul 28;14(8):851. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14080851.

  PMID: 28788101 BACKGROUND

• Chen LK, Woo J, Assantachai P, Auyeung TW, Chou MY, Iijima K, Jang HC, Kang L, Kim M, Kim S, Kojima T, Kuzuya M, Lee JSW, Lee SY, Lee WJ, Lee Y, Liang CK, Lim JY, Lim WS, Peng LN, Sugimoto K, Tanaka T, Won CW, Yamada M, Zhang T, Akishita M, Arai H. Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia: 2019 Consensus Update on Sarcopenia Diagnosis and Treatment. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2020 Mar;21(3):300-307.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.12.012. Epub 2020 Feb 4.

  PMID: 32033882 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sarcopenia; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Psychological Well-Being

Interventions

Forest Therapy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Muscular Atrophy; Neuromuscular Manifestations; Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Atrophy; Pathological Conditions, Anatomical; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms; Sleep Disorders, Intrinsic; Dyssomnias; Sleep Wake Disorders; Mental Disorders; Personal Satisfaction; Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Relaxation Therapy; Mind-Body Therapies; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics

Study Officials

• Kai-Chieh Chang, MD

  National Taiwan University Hospital

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Kai-Chieh Chang, MD

CONTACT

+886972652523; b94401022@ntu.edu.tw

Chia-Min Lin, PhD Student

CONTACT

+886932651793; paul610478lin@hotmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 2, 2026
• First Posted: June 8, 2026
• Study Start: May 13, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 26, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 11, 2027
• Last Updated: June 10, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06