Effectiveness of Nature Walks in Depressed Adults

Experimental Clinical Trial

Official title: Investigations of Immediate and Short-term Effects of Nature Walks on Stress and Depression-related Symptoms

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Over the past few years, a growing number of campaigns from around the world, including Canada, are highlighting the positive impact of spending time in nature on well-¬being. Indeed, mounting evidence suggests that spending time with nature is associated with a myriad of affective and cognitive benefits. Surprisingly few studies to date have tested the assumption that walking in nature versus in urban settings could alleviate stress and depressive symptoms in clinically depressed adults.

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of walking in nature versus in urban settings to improve depression related symptoms and reduce stress. The trial initially included 2 primary outcomes: patients stress levels (salivary cortisol) and depression-related symptoms (eg, affect, rumination, executive functioning).

However, due to hygienic concerns in light of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the collection of saliva samples (and in turn, the measurement of stress levels via salivary cortisol) was removed from the study's procedure. The main outcome was changed to effects on positive and negative affect.

Clinical Trial Description

n/a

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Experimental

• NCT number: NCT03996785
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: McGill University
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: June 18, 2019
• Completion date: September 3, 2021