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BACKGROUND: This study aimed to generate a Z score calculation model for coronary artery diameter of normal children and adolescents to be adopted as the standard calculation method with consensus in clinical practice. METHODS: This study was a retrospective, multicenter study that collected data from multiple institutions across South Korea. Data were analyzed to determine the model that best fit the relationship between the diameter of coronary arteries and independent demographic parameters. Linear, power, logarithmic, exponential, and square root polynomial models were tested for best fit. RESULTS: Data of 2,030 subjects were collected from 16 institutions. Separate calculation models for each sex were developed because the impact of demographic variables on the diameter of coronary arteries differs according to sex. The final model was the polynomial formula with an exponential relationship between the diameter of coronary arteries and body surface area using the DuBois formula. CONCLUSION: A new coronary artery diameter Z score model was developed and is anticipated to be applicable in clinical practice. The new model will help establish a consensus-based Z score model.
Subject(s)
Coronary Vessels , Humans , Female , Male , Retrospective Studies , Coronary Vessels/diagnostic imaging , Coronary Vessels/anatomy & histology , Child , Adolescent , Republic of Korea , Child, Preschool , Sex Factors , Body Surface Area , InfantABSTRACT
Animal-assisted interventions are being increasingly used in studies that support various health effects. This study compared the psychophysiological and emotional responses during diverse activities with a dog to understand the impact of activity type. This study included 30 healthy adults (average age: 27.9 ± 8.4 years). Participants performed eight different activities with a dog for 3 minutes each. These activities included meeting, playing, feeding, massaging, grooming, photographing, hugging, and walking. Brain waves in the prefrontal, frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes were measured during the activities. Subjective evaluation of their emotions was recorded after each activity via the Profile of Mood States, Semantic Differential Method, and Stress Numeric Rating Scale. The alpha (relative, relative slow, relative fast) power spectra indicated that the brain's relaxation and resting state significantly increased when playing with and walking a dog. The beta (relative, relative low, and relative mid) power spectra significantly increased during dog massage, grooming, and playing activities, indicating improved concentration without stress. Notably, playing with a dog positively affected both relaxation and concentration. The Profile of Mood States outcome showed that activities such as feeding, massaging, and hugging the dog decreased the total mood disorder score, which indicated a positive effect on participants' moods. The Semantic Differential Method revealed that participants felt comfortable and natural while walking with a dog and relaxed when massaging it. Participants showed significantly lower stress moods in all the activities. This study demonstrated that specific dog activities could activate stronger relaxation, emotional stability, attention, concentration, and creativity by facilitating increased brain activity. In addition, interactions with dogs could decrease stress and induce positive emotional responses. These results provide data that forms the basis for the composition of the AAI program and may be applicable as a reference to determine the most effective activities for specific applications.
Subject(s)
Brain Waves , Emotions , Adult , Humans , Dogs , Animals , Young Adult , Brain , Affect , RelaxationABSTRACT
Routine use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a safe monitoring and diagnostic method during pediatric congenital cardiac surgery. However, the question of whether intraoperative TEE is accurate and cost effective for patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) has not been raised. This study aimed to analyze the cost-benefit of routine TEE during the repair of TOF. The medical records, including TEE results, for patients who underwent correction of TOF between January 1997 and June 2007 were reviewed and retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative TEE was performed for 340 patients (85 %). Residual problems were detected in 17.9 % (61/340), and a return to bypass was needed for 10 % (34/340) of the patients. The degree of agreement between the intraoperative TEE and early postoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was relatively high. Surgeons with less surgical experience more frequently used intraoperative TEE (p = 0.007) and performed repeat bypass surgery at a higher rate (p = 0.00). Even relatively unskilled surgeons might be able to achieve surgical outcomes similar to those of experienced surgeons using intraoperative TEE. By avoiding late surgical revision, the possible cost savings were estimated to be 1,726,000 Korean won (US$1,489) per TEE examination. Intraoperative TEE can be used as a tool for surgeons in making decisions in the operating room. In addition, intraoperative TEE decreased the frequency of reoperations and postoperative interventions. The results of this study demonstrate that routine intraoperative TEE during repair of TOF was both clinically beneficial and cost effective.
Subject(s)
Echocardiography, Transesophageal/methods , Monitoring, Intraoperative/methods , Tetralogy of Fallot/diagnostic imaging , Adolescent , Adult , Cardiac Surgical Procedures/methods , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Middle Aged , Republic of Korea/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Survival Rate/trends , Tetralogy of Fallot/mortality , Tetralogy of Fallot/surgery , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent and disabling mental disorders, causing health-related burdens. With the increasing demand for and interest in safe and acceptable anxiolytics, several studies report the anxiolytic effects of lavender aromatherapy, providing evidence of its physiological and psychological effects. However, existing reviews comprehensively cover the effects of different modes of delivering aromatherapy. Therefore, this review assesses the efficacy of lavender essential oil inhalation in reducing anxiety. The titles and abstracts of relevant articles published over the last five years were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. This review only included clinical trials that utilized lavender inhalation for anxiety treatment. Eleven studies comprising 972 participants were included. Of these, 10 reported significantly decreased anxiety levels after lavender oil inhalation. The physiological measures of vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse, and saturation, were conducted in three trials, showing that lavender oil inhalation could physiologically affect anxiety levels. Lavender oil inhalation is a safe and feasible anxiolytic intervention for treating people with diverse types of anxiety. Data from further studies with a high-quality design and accurate information are necessary to confirm the validity of these findings and elucidate the anxiety-reducing mechanisms of lavender inhalation.
ABSTRACT
Heart rate variability (HRV) is an effective tool for objectively evaluating physiological stress indices in psychological states. This study aimed to develop multiple linear regression equations to predict HRV variables using physical characteristics, body composition, and heart rate (HR) variables (eg, sex, age, height, weight, body mass index, fat-free mass, percent body fat, resting HR, maximal HR, and HR reserve) in Korean adults. Six hundred eighty adults (male, n = 236, female, n = 444) participated in this study. HRV variable estimation multiple linear regression equations were developed using a stepwise technique. The regression equation's coefficient of determination for time-domain variables was significantly high (SDNN = adjusted R2: 73.6%, P < .001; RMSSD = adjusted R2: 84.0%, P < .001; NN50 = adjusted R2: 98.0%, P < .001; pNN50 = adjusted R2: 99.5%, P < .001). The coefficient of determination of the regression equation for the frequency-domain variables was high without VLF (TP = adjusted R2: 75.0%, P < .001; LF = adjusted R2: 77.6%, P < .001; VLF = adjusted R2: 30.1%, P < .001; HF = adjusted R2: 71.3%, P < .001). Healthcare professionals, researchers, and the general public can quickly evaluate their psychological conditions using the HRV variables prediction equation.
Subject(s)
Linear Models , Adult , Humans , Male , Female , Heart Rate/physiology , Regression AnalysisABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We compared and analyzed energy consumption and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) following Taekwondo Taegeuk Poomsae performances. METHODS: Forty-two healthy men who could perform Taegeuk Poomsae 1-8 Jangs were enrolled in this study. To reduce the impact of Poomsae, a random cross-design was used. The washout time was set to at least three days. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was monitored after performing each Poomsae until a reference line was resumed. Each Taegeuk Poomsae was performed at a speed of 60 bpm. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in VO2, carbon dioxide excretion, and heart rate after performing the Taegeuk Poomsae once; however, all variables increased significantly in combined results of EPOC metabolism (F<45.646, p<0.001, and ɳ2<0.527). Taegeuk 8 Jang had the highest levels of all the factors. There were noticeable variations in the oxidation of fat and carbohydrates throughout the Taegeuk Poomsae (F<9.250, p<0.001, ɳ2<0.184). Taegeuk 8 Jang demonstrated the greatest rate of carbohydrate oxidation, and 4-8 Jangs demonstrated much greater rates of fatty acid oxidation. Compared to 1 Jang, the energy consumption showed significant differences in all the variables and peaked in Taegeuk 8 Jang. CONCLUSION: The energy consumption during the Poomsae performances was the same. When the EPOC metabolism was coupled, it was evident that more energy was substantially used in each chapter of Poomsae. Consequently, it was determined that when performing Poomsae, not only should energy metabolism during exercise be taken into account but also EPOC metabolism, which can increase by 10-fold.
ABSTRACT
For the occupational adaptation and social integration of the intellectually disabled, it is helpful to improve their work performance and interpersonal skills. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of horticultural therapy (HT) programs to improve work performance and interpersonal relationships of persons with intellectual disabilities. Based on observations and analyses of how people with intellectual disabilities work, we have developed a 12-session HT program that includes upper limb movements and physical activities to improve hand function. We recruited, with the consent of their legal guardians, 14 (6 males, 8 females) participants who had intellectual disabilities and were working at a sheltered workshop in K-gu, Seoul, South Korea. The program consisted of twelve sixty-minute sessions that were conducted twice a week at a rooftop garden. For pre- and post-evaluation of the program, the survey of functional adaptive behavior (SFAB), interpersonal negotiation strategies, a horticultural job evaluation (self), hand function tests (pegboard, pinch gauge, fingertips), and blood sample tests for physiological indicators of exercise were conducted. Interpersonal negotiation strategies, functional adaptive behaviors, and physical abilities for job behaviors, including agility and grasping of the hand, improved significantly from before to after the program (p < 0.05). A positive result of VEGF (vascular endothermic growth factor) in blood sample tests implies the need for further research on cognitive changes caused by horticultural activities. This study has limitations due to the small number of participants, but the results suggest that low- to medium-intensity horticultural treatment programs using the upper body and hands could be effective for vocational rehabilitation of the intellectually disabled.
Subject(s)
Disabled Persons , Horticultural Therapy , Intellectual Disability , Work Performance , Male , Female , Humans , Intellectual Disability/rehabilitation , Rehabilitation, Vocational , Disabled Persons/rehabilitationABSTRACT
This study investigated the effects of olfactory stimulation with aroma oils on the psychophysiological responses in women. Ten aromatic oils (lavender, rosemary, rose, eucalyptus, jasmine, geranium, chamomile, clary sage, thyme, and peppermint) were used on 23 women aged between 20 and 60 years. They inhaled the scent for 90 s through a glass funnel attached to their lab apron, 10 cm below their nose, while the pump was activated. Electroencephalography, blood pressure, and pulse rate were measured before and during inhalation of the aroma oils. The relative alpha (RA) power spectrums indicating relaxation and resting state of the brain significantly increased when lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, jasmine, chamomile, clary sage, and thyme oils were inhaled compared to those of before olfactory stimulation. The ratio of alpha to high beta (RAHB), an indicator of brain stability and relaxation, significantly increased when rosemary, jasmine, clary sage, and peppermint oils were inhaled. The relative low beta (RLB) power spectrum, an indicator of brain activity in the absence of stress, significantly increased when stimulated with lavender, rosemary, rose, and geranium scents. Further, systolic blood pressure significantly decreased after introduction of all 10 types of aromatic oils, which indicates stress reduction. Thus, olfactory stimulation with aroma oil had a stabilizing effect on the prefrontal cortex and brain activity and decreased systolic blood pressure.
Subject(s)
Eucalyptus , Oils, Volatile , Adult , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Odorants , Oils, Volatile/pharmacology , Plant Extracts , Smell , Young AdultABSTRACT
We aimed to develop a horticultural therapy program to prepare adolescents at the Dae san juvenile detention center (D-JDC) for their return to society. The effects of the program on emotional stability and career exploration were investigated. Adolescents who wished to participate in the horticultural therapy program were recruited from the D-JDC. Data were collected using various questionnaires before and after the program was implemented. Thirty-five (mean age, 15.74 ± 1.65 years; 11 males, 24 females) students were enrolled. The program mainly consisted of plant cultivation activities, such as seeding, transplanting plants, cutting, harvesting, and post-harvest utilization. To evaluate emotional health, the ego-resiliency scale was used. To evaluate social behavior, the inventory of parent and peer attachment, peer attachment scale, and social skills scale were used. Career exploration was assessed using the career preparation behavior scale and the career decision-making self-efficacy-short form. Peer attachment, social skills, and career preparation behavior showed significant improvements after the program, with the students responding positively in the post-program surveys. Our horticultural therapy program helped improve the career exploration and social skills of D-JDC students and positively affected their emotional stability. Based on our findings, horticultural therapy can be used as a correctional program for adolescents in D-JDC to help them return to society.
Subject(s)
Horticultural Therapy , Adolescent , Female , Humans , Jails , Male , Peer Group , Self Efficacy , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Electroencephalogram (EEG) responses and serum metabolite levels were used to investigate the effects of horticultural activities (seed-sowing) on the psychophysiological aspects of adults based on the presence or absence of the soil microorganism Streptomyces rimosus. In this case, 31 adults were subjected to seed-sowing activities using S. rimosus inoculated (experimental group) and medium (control group) soils. EEG was measured to analyze the resulting psychophysiological response, and blood samples (5 mL) were collected. The relative gamma power (RG), relative high beta (RHB), and SEF 50 and SEF 90 were significantly higher in the right than in the left occipital lobe (p < 0.05). In both occipital lobes, ratios of SMR to theta (RST), mid beta to theta (RMT), and SMR-mid beta to theta (RSMT) were high (p < 0.05). GC-TOF-MS-based serum metabolite analysis detected 33 metabolites. Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed a lower content of amino acids (except aspartic acid), lipids, and C6 sugar monomers after the activity (p < 0.05). Aminomalonic acid was decreased, and aspartic acid was increased (p < 0.05). This study confirmed a positive effect on improving the concentration and attention of adults when seed-sowing activity was performed using S. rimosus-inoculated soil.
Subject(s)
Streptomyces rimosus , Humans , Adult , Soil , Aspartic Acid , SeedsABSTRACT
Horticultural therapy (HT) is green care that can help improve and recover the health of modern people living in cities through natural experiences. Many studies have been conducted to determine HT's therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms, but investigation for developing readily applicable clinical techniques is insufficient. We aimed to investigate adults' brain activity and emotional state during flower arrangement (FA) with different flowers in an HT program. We recruited thirty adults and used a randomized cross-over study method to set them to participate in five FA tasks at 90-s intervals. While performing FA tasks, the participants' prefrontal cortex brain waves were measured by a wireless electroencephalography device and their emotional states between FA tasks were measured by questionnaires. Results showed that each FA task resulted in a different attention level of the participants. The participants showed the highest attention level during FA with stocks and carnations, while FA with lilies showed the lowest attention level among the five FA tasks. Instead, the participants showed the highest arousal, tension, and anxiety for emotional states during FA with lilies. Therefore, this study confirmed the differences in attention level and emotional changes according to flower types for using clinical techniques of HT for various clients.
Subject(s)
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity , Adult , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/psychology , Electroencephalography , Flowers , Humans , Odorants , Prefrontal Cortex/physiologyABSTRACT
This study compared the physiological effects at a metabolomics level with autonomic nervous system responses in adults during soil mixing activities, based on the presence or absence of Streptomyces rimosus in the soil. Thirty adult participants performed soil mixing activities for 5 min using sterilized soil with culture media and Streptomyces rimosus, respectively. Blood samples were drawn twice from each participant after each activity. Electroencephalograms were measured during the activity. Serum metabolites underwent metabolite profiling by gas chromatography, followed by multivariate analyses. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and C-reactive protein levels were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Soil-emitted volatile organic compounds were identified via solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, followed by multivariate analyses. The volatile compound analysis revealed that the terpenoid and benzoid compounds, geosmin, and 2-methylisoborneol were greater in soil with Streptomyces rimosus. Serum metabolomics revealed that the treatment group (soil inoculated with Streptomyces rimosus) possessed relatively higher levels of serotonin compared to the control group (soil mixed with culture media), and serum C-reactive protein levels were significantly lower in the treatment group. In the treatment group, the electroencephalogram revealed that alpha band activity of the occipital lobe increased. This study concludes that Streptomyces rimosus soil contact can positively affect human metabolic and autonomic reactions. Therefore, this pilot study confirmed the possible role of soil microorganisms in horticultural activities for psychophysiological effects in humans.
Subject(s)
Streptomyces rimosus , Volatile Organic Compounds , Adult , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor , C-Reactive Protein , Culture Media , Horticulture , Humans , Metabolomics , Pilot Projects , Serotonin , SoilABSTRACT
This study was designed to assess the physiological and psychological benefits of visually looking at foliage plants in adults. This study involved 30 adults in their 20s (11 males, 19 females), and using a crossover design, participants looked at four different types of visual stimuli, namely, real plants, artificial plants, a photograph of plants, and no plants for 5 min. Brain waves were measured while viewing each type of plant, and a subjective evaluation of emotions was performed after each visual stimulus. Semantic differential methods (SDM) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) were used for the subjective evaluation. During the real plant visual stimulation, relative theta (RT) power spectrum was increased in the bilateral occipital lobes, while relative high beta (RHB) power spectrum was reduced in the left occipital lobe, indicating a reduction in stress, anxiety, and tension. The subjective survey results revealed that when looking at real plants, the participants exhibited significantly higher "comfort," "natural," and "relaxed" scores as well as an increase in positive mood conditions. In conclusion, among the four types of plants, visual stimulation with real plants induces physiological relaxation in adults and has a positive psychological effect.
Subject(s)
Relaxation , Viridiplantae , Adult , Anxiety , Cross-Over Studies , Emotions , Female , Humans , Male , Photic StimulationABSTRACT
This study was conducted to investigate effects of a horticultural activity program based on a mediating variable model for improving vegetable preference among elementary students. A quasi-experimental design was employed with 136 students and 136 primary carers in Seoul, South Korea. Based on the mediation model for improving children's vegetable preference, 12 sessions were conducted, including gardening, nutrition education, and cooking activities using harvests. The program was conducted weekly for 12 weeks from March to July 2019. To investigate the effect of this program, mediating factors of the children were evaluated before and after the program. Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify the mediating factors. The nutrition index, attitude, knowledge, and eating habits of the primary carers were evaluated. Results showed children's nutrition and gardening knowledge, dietary self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and vegetable preference were significantly improved (p < 0.001). Primary carers showed significant improvement in the nutrition index, knowledge, and attitude (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis confirmed that most of the mediating factors had significant correlations (p < 0.05). Therefore, administering a structured program involving horticultural activities and nutrition education as mediating factors for 12 sessions was effective in improving eating behavior for vegetables elementary school students and primary carers.
Subject(s)
Schools , Vegetables , Child , Feeding Behavior , Fruit , Gardening , Health Education , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , StudentsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The restricted environment in prison negatively affects psychological health of prisoners, which in turn affects the rehabilitation of the prisoners. Previous studies have shown that horticultural activities were effective in improving psychological health of prisoners. The objectives were to develop a horticultural therapy (HT) program and to determine the association of 12 sessions with participants' psychological health using case analysis. METHODS: Five cases who were imprisoned at K correctional institution in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea participated in this study. They were diagnosed as a potential risk group of psychological health. The prisoners participated in a HT program once a week (12 weeks, 90 min per session) between April and June 2018 at K correctional institution. The program consisted of cultivation-centered horticultural activities. At the completion of the HT program, depression (Beck Depression Inventory), anger (State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale), and life satisfaction (Satisfaction with Life Scale) were evaluated. Positive changes were found through observations of interviews, workbooks, and emotional change checklists that were recorded in each session. RESULTS: We observed positive changes in the prisoners' health conditions measured before and after participating in the HT program. The prisoners who participated in the HT program showed decreased depression (-2.6), and increased self-esteem (+1.2) and life satisfaction (+4.0). CONCLUSIONS: The prisoner rehabilitation HT program was associated with improvements in the participants' psychological health. Future efforts will be required to investigate the effects of an HT program with a larger sample size to perform statistical analysis for providing convincing evidence.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to develop and verify the effects of a garden-based integrated intervention for improving children's eating behavior for vegetables. A pre-post-test experimental design was employed. The participants were 202 elementary school students (average age: 11.6 ± 1.5 years). The garden-based integrated intervention program was conducted during regular school hours for a total of 12 weeks. The program, based on a mediator model for improving children's eating behavior, included gardening, nutritional education, and cooking activities utilizing harvests. In order to examine effects of the program, the mediating factors related to children's eating behavior were evaluated using pre-post questionnaires. As a result of the program, dietary self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, gardening knowledge, nutrition knowledge, vegetable preference, and vegetable consumption were significantly increased, and food neophobia was significantly decreased. In addition, there were positive correlations between most mediating factors. Thus, the garden-based integrated intervention developed in this study was effective in improving children's eating behavior for vegetables.
Subject(s)
Feeding Behavior , Food Preferences , Gardening , Health Promotion , Vegetables , Child , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Gardens , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , SchoolsABSTRACT
We aimed to develop a horticultural therapy program for the vocational rehabilitation of individuals with intellectual disabilities and examine its effects. Individuals with intellectual disabilities (n = 28, average age: 33.23 ± 4.9 years) were recruited from a welfare center in Jecheon, South Korea. They participated in eight weekly sessions of a horticultural therapy program consisting of common succulent cultivation techniques at a specialized succulent cultivation farm located in Jecheon, South Korea. Before and after the program, we assessed hand function (grip strength, pinch force, and hand dexterity, evaluated using a hand dynamometer, Jamar hydraulic pinch gauge, and grooved pegboard, respectively), emotional behavioral strategies (evaluated using the emotional behavioral checklist), and social skills (evaluated using the social skill rating system-teacher form). After participation in the horticultural therapy program, individuals with intellectual disabilities displayed significantly improved hand function, emotional behavior, and social skills (all p < 0.05). This study demonstrates the potential of horticultural therapy focused on succulent cultivation for the vocational training of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Future studies should investigate the effects of the program in a larger cohort.
Subject(s)
Horticultural Therapy , Intellectual Disability , Rehabilitation, Vocational , Adult , Female , Humans , Intellectual Disability/rehabilitation , Male , Republic of Korea , Vocational Education , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Children in modern society are exposed to high levels of stress. Various previous studies have reported that horticultural activities help children's emotional stability. The objective of this study is to develop and implement a horticultural therapy program to improve the emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-efficacy of elementary school students. METHODS: A total of 582 Korean students (11-13 years old) from 28 schools participated in this study. The horticultural therapy program consisted of seven sessions and was conducted once a week for 60â¯min per session, during regular or after-school classes. Before and after the horticultural therapy program, emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-efficacy of the elementary school students were assessed using questionnaires. At the end of the program, students evaluated their satisfaction with the program. RESULTS: The horticultural therapy program significantly improved emotional intelligence (pâ¯=â¯0.000), resilience (pâ¯=â¯0.001), and self-efficacy (pâ¯=â¯0.003) of the elementary students participating in this study. After the program, emotional intelligence improved both male and female students. In resilience and self-efficacy, male students improved after the program, but female students did not. CONCLUSIONS: This study may show a potential of horticultural therapy for psycho-emotional health of children.
ABSTRACT
Metabolomics is useful for evaluating the fundamental mechanisms of improvements in the health functions of the elderly. Additionally, gardening intervention as a regular physical activity for the elderly maintained and improved physical, psychology, cognitive, and social health. This study was conducted to determine whether the cognitive ability of the elderly is affected by participating in a gardening activity program as a physical activity with a metabolomic potential biomarker. The gardening program was designed as a low to moderate intensity physical activity for the elderly. Serum metabolites resulting from gardening were subjected to metabolite profiling using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-linear trap quadruple-orbitrap-mass spectrometry followed by multivariate analyses. The partial least squares-discriminant analysis showed distinct clustering patterns among the control, non-gardening, and gardening groups. According to the pathway analysis, tryptophan metabolism including tryptophan, kynurenine, and serotonin showed significantly distinctive metabolites in the gardening group. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels (BDNF) in the gardening group were significantly increased after the gardening program. Correlation map analysis showed that the relative levels of tryptophan metabolites were positively correlated with BDNF. Our results show that tryptophan, kynurenine, and serotonin may be useful as metabolic biomarkers for improved cognitive ability by the gardening intervention.
Subject(s)
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/blood , Cognition , Gardening , Serotonin/metabolism , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Biomarkers/blood , Female , Humans , Kynurenine/metabolism , Male , Metabolomics , Tryptophan/metabolismABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the physiological and psychological benefits of foliage plants as visual stimuli. Twenty-three elementary students (aged 11 to 13 years old) participated in this study. In a crossover design, electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure and determine the psycho-physiological effects of four different visual stimuli: an actual plant, artificial plant, photograph of a plant, and no plant. Subjective evaluations of emotions were assessed using the profile of mood state and semantic differential methods immediately after exposure to each visual stimulus. A significant decrease in theta waves of the frontal lobe was associated with presentation of the actual plants. This response indicated that the viewing of living plants prompted improvements in the attention and concentration of the elementary students. Furthermore, the presentation of the living plants was associated with more positive mood states, such as feelings of comfort and naturalness. In conclusion, actual plants may improve attention and prompt psychological relaxation in elementary students relative to artificial plants, photographs of plants, or the absence of plants.