RESEARCH

Can Simulated Green Exercise Improve Recovery From Acute Mental Stress?

This study investigates whether simulated “green exercise” (exercise with nature sounds and/or visuals) can improve recovery from acute mental stress, compared to exercise alone or rest. The findings suggest that green exercise, particularly with visual nature elements, leads to better and faster recovery of mood and perceived stress after a stressful event, indicating that incorporating nature into exercise could be a valuable stress-reduction strategy.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, General Population

Setting or Context: Hospitals/Clinics, Rehabilitation Centers, Community Gardens, Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Physical Health

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Forest/Ecotherapy

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Mindfulness/Visualizations, AI/Digital Tools in Therapeutic Horticulture

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness

Research Source: Academic Journals

Access: Free

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Summary

This study examined whether simulated “green exercise” (cycling with nature sounds and/or visuals) could improve recovery from acute mental stress compared to exercise alone or simply resting. The experiment involved inducing stress in participants and then assigning them to different recovery conditions: rest, exercise, exercise with nature sounds, exercise with nature visuals, or exercise with both. The researchers measured mood and perceived stress levels immediately after the stressor, after the recovery intervention, and again after a 10-minute rest period.

The results indicated that all forms of simulated green exercise led to greater improvements in mood and perceived stress compared to exercise alone or rest. Notably, visual nature elements seemed to have the strongest impact on recovery. These findings suggest that incorporating nature, particularly visual aspects, into exercise routines could be a valuable strategy for faster recovery from acute psychological stress.