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Forest Therapy as an Alternative and Sustainable Rehabilitation Practice: A Patient Group Attitude Investigation

Author

Listed:
  • Ivana Bassi

    (Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy)

  • Vanessa Deotto

    (Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy)

  • Laura Pagani

    (Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy)

  • Luca Iseppi

    (Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy)

Abstract

The objective of this research is to investigate the awareness and opinions concerning forest therapy within a public health institution, specifically as a green prescription for patients with stable chronic disease. Through qualitative preliminary analysis, this study compared the responses of a group to gather physical activity and wood frequentation insights, as well as forest therapy patients’ attitudes. The results underline a general predisposition among respondents to engage in moderate physical activity and visit natural environments for relaxation purposes. Emerging parallelly is how forest therapy is largely an unknown practice, although it draws considerable interest and a general predisposition to participate. This research outlines the ideal conditions that emerge for participating in forest therapy sessions, including the availability to pay, pointing toward environmentally and socio-economically sustainable reflections. Further studies should extend this preliminary investigation using appropriate statistical methodologies on larger samples, involving different regions and medical conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Ivana Bassi & Vanessa Deotto & Laura Pagani & Luca Iseppi, 2024. "Forest Therapy as an Alternative and Sustainable Rehabilitation Practice: A Patient Group Attitude Investigation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:18:p:8111-:d:1479678
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Barbara Eigenschenk & Andreas Thomann & Mike McClure & Larissa Davies & Maxine Gregory & Ulrich Dettweiler & Eduard Inglés, 2019. "Benefits of Outdoor Sports for Society. A Systematic Literature Review and Reflections on Evidence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-21, March.
    2. Dagmara Stangierska & Beata Fornal-Pieniak & Paweł Szumigała & Katarzyna Widera & Barbara Żarska & Karolina Szumigała, 2023. "Green Physical Activity Indicator: Health, Physical Activity and Spending Time Outdoors Related to Residents Preference for Greenery," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-14, January.
    3. Margaret M. Hansen & Reo Jones & Kirsten Tocchini, 2017. "Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-48, July.
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