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Post-Pandemic Perception of Public Space in Singapore

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Anxiety
Stress
Interventions
Other: Public space exposure
Registration Number
NCT04394039
Lead Sponsor
National University of Singapore
Brief Summary

In this study it is aimed to investigate the difference between the brain response to different urban environments in Singapore before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The datasets acquired from 34 healthy individuals as part of ongoing study "Effects of Landscape on the Brain" (IRB Ref #: S-18-352) will be used. These datasets consist of neurophysiological data recordings and behavioral self-reported measures and were collected before 20 of January 2020. The same experimental protocol would be followed, given that the data collection in the lab-setting would start after 7 th May 2020/whenever research activities are allowed to resume, and the outdoor sessions after the "circuit-breaker" period in Singapore is over.

Detailed Description

The aim is to explore the difference between pre and post COVID-19-related isolation on their perception of green and public spaces, as well as mood, neuroelectrical (EEG) and haemodynamic (fNIRS) response.

The hypothesi is that crowded, busy public spaces, such as experimental site near Chinatown MRT, may induce more patterns of brain activity related to stress, anxiety and aversive attitudes after COVID-19 as compared to before. Similarily, it is expected that green urban spaces, such as experimental site at Hortpark, perceived after COVID-19 can elicit more salutogenic effect of relaxation, positive emotions and attention restoration than before the pandemic.

This study will allow better understanding of the mental health consequences of unprecedented period of isolation at home and social distancing. The relationship between city residents and their living environment may change due to COVID-19 and it's very important to uncover the mental health implications of social distancing to prepare for potential future outbreaks through developing tools and solutions addressing specific issues. Finally, for the urban planning and design the study may highlight important trends in changing human perception of space and redefine the concept of a "healthy city".

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
34
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age of 21 to 75
  • Right-handed only
Exclusion Criteria
  • left-handed

  • serious visual or auditory impairment

    • Major neurological disorders e.g. epilepsy, stroke
    • Any form of cancer
    • Major heart diseases: e.g. ischemic heart disease
    • Major lung diseases: e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
    • Major liver disease e.g. liver failure
    • Major kidney disease e.g. kidney failure

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SEQUENTIAL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
public sp exposuresPublic space exposureAll participants undergo the procedure of visiting all landscape exposures in a random order.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
EEG power in alpha band5 minutes

predictor of positive affect and positive mental health outcomes, measured with EEG

EEG power in beta band5 minutes

more beta in the right temporal lobes associated with stimuli-driven attention, measured with EEG

fNIRS haemodynamics5 minutes

decreased oxy-hemoglobin in the frontal part of the brain indicates more relaxation

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
landscape preference measured with self-assessment manikin scale30 minutes

measured using pictorial Self-Asessment Manikin (SAM) where score ranged from -3 to +3, where the lower the score the less positive (valence + arousal) emotions are caused by looking at the view

Profile of mood states30 minutes

self-reported, pre-and post- stimulation Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale measures the change in the momentary mood, giving as an outcome measure the Total Mood Disturbance (TMD), where 1 is neutral, and above 1 is disturbed mood

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Institute for Health Innovation & Technology (iHealthtech)

🇸🇬

Singapore, Singapore

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