Can Nature-based Physical Activity Improve Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety?

For this project, we will recruit ten licensed therapists whose caseload includes adults with depression and anxiety. We aim to recruit therapists who practice in northeast Kansas. Our team will lead a 3-hour in-person training for participating therapists that covers project aims and procedures, benefits of nature-based physical activity for mental health, identifying and enrolling suitable clients for participation, recommending and engaging in nature-based physical activity with clients, and completing project assessments.

Following the training, each therapist will recruit six clients aged 18-65 who are willing to participate in a 10-week research study and meet the following criteria: 1) diagnosed depressive or anxiety disorder, 2) able to safely engage in moderate physical activity, and 3) willing to complete all research requirements. Clients who are part of an underrepresented minority group (i.e., racial/ethnic minority, low SES, LGTBQ) will be prioritize during recruitment. Therapists will invite eligible clients to participate in the study, and those who agree will sign an informed consent document. Clients will be randomly assigned to the intervention or active waitlist control (usual care) condition. All participants will receive a Fitbit and download the NatureDose app. During the 10-week intervention, clients and therapists will engage in walk-and-talk therapy outdoors in natural settings during weekly therapy sessions. In addition, therapists will work with clients to set realistic goals for increased nature-based physical activity outside of the therapy setting. Therapists will check in with clients weekly regarding their progress and assist with goal revision, barrier planning, and self-monitoring. Control participants will receive information about nature-based physical activity, and then will receive the full intervention after 10 weeks.

All participating clients will complete surveys assessing depression and anxiety symptoms at baseline (following informed consent) and at the end of the 10-week intervention. Throughout the 10-week intervention, therapists will keep a weekly log of frequency and duration of walk-and talk sessions. Clients will also keep a weekly log of nature-based physical activity, use the NatureDose app to measure time spent in nature each day, and wear a Fitbit to track their daily physical activity. At the end of the intervention, clients will complete a brief satisfaction survey, and therapists will complete an individual interview with the research team.