Nature-based Solutions for Work-related Stress

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Stress, Psychological
• Interventions: Other: nature based solution for stress reduction

• Registration Number: NCT04111796
• Lead Sponsor: Hasselt University

Brief Summary

Although exposure to nature has restorative effects on human health, beneficial effects of nature-based interventions in the working environment have been underexplored. The investigators aim to conduct a randomised controlled pilot study.

During workhours one group participates in a nature-based program, the other group is a control group. The investigators test stress-related parameters including cortisol levels, wellbeing and stress, and neurocognition.

Detailed Description

Participants of the intervention group follow a 30-minute stress management course in nature followed by a nature-based activity of 1.5 hours, twice a week for 3 consecutive weeks. The investigators measure neurocognition via neurocognitive tests, emotional status via burnout assessment tool and well-being questionnaires, and asses stress levels via salivary cortisol and smartwatches.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2019-08-01
• Study First Submitted: 2019-09-27
• Study First Submitted QC: 2019-09-30
• Status Verified: 2019-10
• Study First Posted: 2019-10-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2019-10-01
• Last Update Posted: 2019-10-03
• Primary Completion: 2019-11-01
• Study Completion: 2019-11-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 50

Inclusion Criteria

• work at province of Limburg speak dutch

Exclusion Criteria

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
group in nature	nature based solution for stress reduction	they participate in nature based-program during work hours

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Neurocognition: selective attention	5 minutes	computerised tests (stroop test). The scale is mean reaction time and is used as a continuous variable.
Neurocognition: short-term memory	10 minutes	computerised tests (Digit Span Test). The scale is number of digits and is used as a continuous variable.
Neurocognition:visual information processing speed	5 minutes	computerised tests (Digit Symbol test). The scale is number of digits and is used as a continuous variable.
Neurocognition: visual information processing speed	5 minutes	computerised tests (Pattern Comparison test ). The scale is reaction time and is used as a continuous variable.
stress levels	3 weeks	Assessed by smartwatch (algorithm including hart rate and movement). Values are used as continuous variable

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Province of Limburg; 🇧🇪 Hasselt, Limburg, Belgium