Psychophysiological Impact of Touching Landscape Grass among Older Adults.

Few studies have investigated plants' healing effects, particularly through touch-based therapy, on older adults. As hypertension rates continue to climb worldwide, touch-based therapy for hypertension prevention has become a significant priority in public health initiatives. This study investigated the impact of tactile interaction with real grass (a landscape activity) versus artificial grass on older adults' physical and cognitive abilities. Employing a within-subject design, we assessed the physiological and emotional effects of touching real grass versus artificial glass for 10 min. Study participants included 50 Chinese individuals, with an average age of 85.64 ± 3.72 years. Measurements included blood pressure, electroencephalogram, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and standard deviation (SD). Analyzing the SD data revealed that participants experienced a heightened sense of relaxation and calmness after touching real grass, compared to artificial grass. Furthermore, the participants' brainwave patterns-measured in mean power units-exhibited an upward trend while interacting with real grass, whereas they exhibited a downward trend during the interaction with artificial grass. Moreover, the mean systolic blood pressure significantly decreased following interaction with real grass. These findings suggest that engaging with real grass through touch potentially alleviates mental stress, in contrast to the effects of artificial grass.

Nature's therapeutic power: a study on the psychophysiological effects of touching ornamental grass in Chinese women.

The health of city residents is at risk due to the high rate of urbanization and the extensive use of electronics. In the context of urbanization, individuals have become increasingly disconnected from nature, resulting in elevated stress levels among adults. The goal of this study was to investigate the physical and psychological benefits of spending time in nature. The benefits of touching real grass and artificial turf (the control activity) outdoors with the palm of the hand for five minutes were measured. Blood pressure and electroencephalography (EEG) as well as State-trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores, and the semantic differential scale (SDM) were used to investigate psychophysiological responses. Touching real grass was associated with significant changes in brainwave rhythms and a reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to touching artificial turf. In addition, SDM scores revealed that touching real grass increased relaxation, comfort, and a sense of naturalness while decreasing anxiety levels. Compared to the control group, the experimental group had higher mean scores in both meditation and attentiveness. Our findings indicate that contact with real grass may reduce physiological and psychological stress in adults.

Impact of sleeping in a forest on sleep quality and mental well-being.

Forest ecosystems have been acknowledged as a viable intervention for mitigating mental stress. However, there is a scarcity of research investigating the impact of forest environments on sleep. This study primarily investigated the physiological and psychological effects of sleep in a forest environment. It included a sample of 50 Chinese young adult students. A comparative analysis was conducted to examine the impact of sleeping in a forest environment as opposed to a controlled room setting (control). The researchers collected data on blood pressure, electroencephalography (EEG), and psychological markers. There was a statistically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure after the participants slept in a forest environment compared to when they slept in a room (control). Moreover, a notable increase in alpha- and beta-wave frequencies was detected in the forest environment. A more pronounced reduction in anxiety scores was observed in those exposed to a forest environment compared to those in the control group. The physiological and psychological data presented in this study demonstrate that engaging in forest leisure positively affects both physical and mental relaxation in young adults.

Promoting adult health: the neurophysiological benefits of watering plants and engaging in mental tasks within designed environments.

BACKGROUND: Indoor, sedentary lifestyles have disconnected individuals from nature, necessitating interventions to reestablish this bond. Performing horticultural activities, such as watering houseplants, offers a potential solution. This study sought to determine how participating in horticulture activities affected adults' cognitive and emotional moods. METHODS: We compared the benefits of watering houseplants (a gardening task) to those of standing while performing a computer task (a mental task). Chinese participants, aged 20 to 21 years, were recruited; their physiological and psychological reactions were measured using electroencephalograms, blood pressure assessments, and psychological assessments. RESULTS: Fifty participants were included. Watering indoor plants significantly reduced blood pressure, without affecting pulse rate. During the plant watering task as opposed to the mental activity, more dramatic different patterns of very high alpha and beta brainwave activity were identified. Participants reported increased happiness following gardening activities. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study highlight the substantial relaxation benefits, both mental and physical, associated with the simple act of watering indoor plants.