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Forest Bathing Is Better than Walking in Urban Park: Comparison of Cardiac and Vascular Function between Urban and Forest Parks

Author

Listed:
  • Tsung-Ming Tsao

    (The Experimental Forest, College of Bio-Resource and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Nantou 55750, Taiwan)

  • Jing-Shiang Hwang

    (Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan)

  • Sung-Tsun Lin

    (The Experimental Forest, College of Bio-Resource and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Nantou 55750, Taiwan
    Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei 10055, Taiwan)

  • Charlene Wu

    (Global Health Program, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei 10055, Taiwan)

  • Ming-Jer Tsai

    (The Experimental Forest, College of Bio-Resource and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Nantou 55750, Taiwan
    School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan)

  • Ta-Chen Su

    (The Experimental Forest, College of Bio-Resource and Agriculture, National Taiwan University, Nantou 55750, Taiwan
    Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei 10055, Taiwan
    Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100229, Taiwan
    Divisions of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100229, Taiwan)

Abstract

Forest bathing is beneficial for human health. To investigate whether walking in forest or urban parks affects cardiovascular functions (CVFs), the present study was conducted in five forest trails in the Xitou Experimental Forest and in five urban parks in Taipei city. We recruited 25 adult volunteers for an observational pilot study in forest parks (n = 14) and urban parks (n = 11). CVFs were assessed by measuring the arterial pressure waveform using an oscillometric blood pressure (BP) device. The baseline and paired differences of systolic BP (SBP), central end SBP, heart rate, left ventricle (LV) dP/dt max and cardiac output in participants were lower before and after walking in a forest park than those in an urban park. In addition, the systemic vascular compliance and brachial artery compliance of those who walked in a forest park were significantly higher compared with those in an urban park. Linear mixed models demonstrated lower levels of SBP by 5.22 mmHg, heart rate by 2.46 beats/min, and cardiac output by 0.52 L/min, and LV dP/dt max by 146.91 mmHg/s among those who walked in forest compared to those in an urban park after controlling covariates. This study provides evidence of the potential beneficial effects of walking exercise in forest parks on CVFs.

Suggested Citation

  • Tsung-Ming Tsao & Jing-Shiang Hwang & Sung-Tsun Lin & Charlene Wu & Ming-Jer Tsai & Ta-Chen Su, 2022. "Forest Bathing Is Better than Walking in Urban Park: Comparison of Cardiac and Vascular Function between Urban and Forest Parks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:6:p:3451-:d:771319
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    1. Yu Zheng & Shan Wang & Jinli Zhu & Shuo Huang & Linli Cheng & Jianwen Dong & Yuxiang Sun, 2023. "A Comprehensive Evaluation of Supply and Demand in Urban Parks along “Luck Greenway” in Fuzhou," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-19, January.
    2. Dahlia Stott & DeAndra Forde & Chetan Sharma & Jonathan M. Deutsch & Michael Bruneau & Jennifer A. Nasser & Mara Z. Vitolins & Brandy-Joe Milliron, 2024. "Interactions with Nature, Good for the Mind and Body: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-26, March.
    3. Jennifer Keller & Jean Kayira & Louise Chawla & Jason L. Rhoades, 2023. "Forest Bathing Increases Adolescents’ Mental Well-Being: A Mixed-Methods Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(1), pages 1-24, December.
    4. , Marcin Wozniak & Radzimski, Adam & Wajchman-Świtalska, Sandra, 2024. "Is More Always Better? Evaluating Accessibility to Parks and Forests in 33 European Cities Using Sustainable Modes of Transportation," OSF Preprints hcwgp, Center for Open Science.
    5. Elena Bermejo-Martins & María Pueyo-Garrigues & María Casas & Raúl Bermejo-Orduna & Ana Villarroya, 2022. "A Forest Bathing Intervention in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Feasibility Study Protocol," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-12, October.

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