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Impact of Viewing vs . Not Viewing a Real Forest on Physiological and Psychological Responses in the Same Setting

Author

Listed:
  • Masahiro Horiuchi

    (Division of Human Environmental Science, Mt. Fuji Research Institute, 5597-1, Kami-Yoshida, Fuji-Yoshida City, Yamanashi 4030005, Japan)

  • Junko Endo

    (Division of Human Environmental Science, Mt. Fuji Research Institute, 5597-1, Kami-Yoshida, Fuji-Yoshida City, Yamanashi 4030005, Japan)

  • Norimasa Takayama

    (Department of Forest Management, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsuno-sato, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan)

  • Kazutaka Murase

    (Fuji Iyashinomoroi Woodland Study Center, The University of Tokyo, Yamanaka 341-2, Yamanakako Village, Minami-tsuru, Yamanashi 4010501, Japan)

  • Norio Nishiyama

    (Fuji Iyashinomoroi Woodland Study Center, The University of Tokyo, Yamanaka 341-2, Yamanakako Village, Minami-tsuru, Yamanashi 4010501, Japan)

  • Haruo Saito

    (Fuji Iyashinomoroi Woodland Study Center, The University of Tokyo, Yamanaka 341-2, Yamanakako Village, Minami-tsuru, Yamanashi 4010501, Japan)

  • Akio Fujiwara

    (Fuji Iyashinomoroi Woodland Study Center, The University of Tokyo, Yamanaka 341-2, Yamanakako Village, Minami-tsuru, Yamanashi 4010501, Japan)

Abstract

We investigated the impact of viewing versus not viewing a real forest on human subjects’ physiological and psychological responses in the same setting. Fifteen healthy volunteers (11 males, four females, mean age 36 years) participated. Each participant was asked to view a forest while seated in a comfortable chair for 15 min (Forest condition) vs. sitting the same length of time with a curtain obscuring the forest view (Enclosed condition). Both conditions significantly decreased blood pressure (BP) variables, i.e. , systolic BP, diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure between pre and post experimental stimuli, but these reductions showed no difference between conditions. Interestingly, the Forest viewing reduced cerebral oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO 2 ) assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and improved the subjects’ Profile of Mood States (POMS) scores, whereas the Enclosed condition increased the HbO 2 and did not affect the POMS scores. There were no significant differences in saliva amylase or heart rate variability (HRV) between the two conditions. Collectively, these results suggest that viewing a real forest may have a positive effect on cerebral activity and psychological responses. However, both viewing and not viewing the forest had similar effects on cardiovascular responses such as BP variables and HRV.

Suggested Citation

  • Masahiro Horiuchi & Junko Endo & Norimasa Takayama & Kazutaka Murase & Norio Nishiyama & Haruo Saito & Akio Fujiwara, 2014. "Impact of Viewing vs . Not Viewing a Real Forest on Physiological and Psychological Responses in the Same Setting," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-19, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:11:y:2014:i:10:p:10883-10901:d:41399
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kurt Beil & Douglas Hanes, 2013. "The Influence of Urban Natural and Built Environments on Physiological and Psychological Measures of Stress— A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Jenny J. Roe & Catharine Ward Thompson & Peter A. Aspinall & Mark J. Brewer & Elizabeth I. Duff & David Miller & Richard Mitchell & Angela Clow, 2013. "Green Space and Stress: Evidence from Cortisol Measures in Deprived Urban Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-18, September.
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