scholarly journals Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4790
Author(s):  
Marcia P. Jimenez ◽  
Nicole V. DeVille ◽  
Elise G. Elliott ◽  
Jessica E. Schiff ◽  
Grete E. Wilt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Long Term Effects

There is extensive empirical literature on the association between exposure to nature and health. In this narrative review, we discuss the strength of evidence from recent (i.e., the last decade) experimental and observational studies on nature exposure and health, highlighting research on children and youth where possible. We found evidence for associations between nature exposure and improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity, and sleep. Results from experimental studies provide evidence of protective effects of exposure to natural environments on mental health outcomes and cognitive function. Cross-sectional observational studies provide evidence of positive associations between nature exposure and increased levels of physical activity and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, and longitudinal observational studies are beginning to assess long-term effects of nature exposure on depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and chronic disease. Limitations of current knowledge include inconsistent measures of exposure to nature, the impacts of the type and quality of green space, and health effects of duration and frequency of exposure. Future directions include incorporation of more rigorous study designs, investigation of the underlying mechanisms of the association between green space and health, advancement of exposure assessment, and evaluation of sensitive periods in the early life-course.

scholarly journals Park Proximity and Use for Physical Activity among Urban Residents: Associations with Mental Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (13) ◽  
pp. 4885
Author(s):  
Stephanie L. Orstad ◽  
Kristin Szuhany ◽  
Kosuke Tamura ◽  
Lorna E. Thorpe ◽  
Melanie Jay
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
New York ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Urban Neighborhoods ◽  
Urban Residents ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Park Use ◽  
Random Digit Dial

Increasing global urbanization limits interaction between people and natural environments, which may negatively impact population health and wellbeing. Urban residents who live near parks report better mental health. Physical activity (PA) reduces depression and improves quality of life. Despite PA’s protective effects on mental health, the added benefit of urban park use for PA is unclear. Thus, we examined whether park-based PA mediated associations between park proximity and mental distress among 3652 New York City residents (61.4% 45 + years, 58.9% female, 56.3% non-white) who completed the 2010–2011 Physical Activity and Transit (PAT) random-digit-dial survey. Measures included number of poor mental health days in the previous month (outcome), self-reported time to walk to the nearest park from home (exposure), and frequency of park use for sports, exercise or PA (mediator). We used multiple regression with bootstrap-generated 95% bias-corrected confidence intervals (BC CIs) to test for mediation by park-based PA and moderation by gender, dog ownership, PA with others, and perceived park crime. Park proximity was indirectly associated with fewer days of poor mental health via park-based PA, but only among those not concerned about park crime (index of moderated mediation = 0.04; SE = 0.02; 95% BC CI = 0.01, 0.10). Investment in park safety and park-based PA promotion in urban neighborhoods may help to maximize the mental health benefits of nearby parks.

scholarly journals Information and Communication Technology Use in Community-Dwelling Persons Living with Dementia

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 653-654
Author(s):  
Kyung Hee Lee ◽  
Ji Yeon Lee ◽  
Bora Kim
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Ict Use ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Group 2

Abstract Although many persons living with dementia still remain living in the community, they encounter many difficulties due to cognitive and physical impairment. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) could be helpful to protect persons living with dementia from risky events and monitor changes in physical function. This study aimed to review studies regarding ICT usage to monitor physical activity and safety in community-dwelling persons living with dementia. We searched quantitative studies that utilized ICT to monitor physical activity and safety published from 2011 to 2020 through five databases; 24 studies were included in the systematic review. Most studies (79%) were observational studies and conducted in North America or Europe (75%). In terms of ICT usage, the most frequently used type was a wearable device (96%); data such as physical activity, gait, and circadian rhythms were gathered. The ICT data were utilized for: 1) comparing ICT data within dementia group or with normal cognition group; 2) exploring a relationship with other variables in observational studies; 3) measuring an outcome of the experimental studies; and 4) determining feasibility of a sensor itself. Less than half of the studies met all five criteria in quality assessment. We found the ICT is being used in various ways in research for community-dwelling persons living with dementia. However, we are uncertain about the effectiveness of ICT use and the quality of studies. Future studies with rigorous study design are needed to provide better evidence for ICT use in persons living with dementia.

scholarly journals Green space associations with mental health and cognitive function

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Perry Hystad ◽  
Yves Payette ◽  
Nolwenn Noisel ◽  
Catherine Boileau
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Green Space

Clinical perspective on pain in multiple sclerosis

2020 ◽  
pp. 135245852095201
Author(s):  
Cigdem Yilmazer ◽  
Ilse Lamers ◽  
Claudio Solaro ◽  
Peter Feys
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Clinical Perspective ◽  
Frequent Symptom ◽  
Topical Review ◽  
Disability Level

Pain is an important and frequent symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS), which leads to a low quality of life, increased disability level, and lack of employment and mental health. Recently, studies have shown increased interest in pain in MS and there is a growing evidence of its prevalence. However, the literature suffers from lack of experimental studies focusing on pain reduction. This topical review summarizes the current knowledge about pain in MS with its definitions, assessments, treatments and rehabilitation within a holistic perspective.

Role of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 (FABP4) in Kidney Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (22) ◽  
pp. 3657-3664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Shi ◽  
Liang Ma ◽  
Ping Fu
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Fatty Acid Binding Protein ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Fatty Acid Binding ◽  
Acid Binding Protein

Accumulating evidences indicated that obesity and metabolic syndrome were independent risk factors for the development and progression of kidney diseases. Apart from inflammation, lipotoxicity, and hemodynamic factors, adipokines have been proposed to play crucial roles in the relationship between kidney diseases and metabolic disorders. As one of the key adipokines, fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), which is mainly expressed in adipocytes and macrophages, has recently been shown to be associated with renal dysfunction and kidney damage. Both clinical and experimental studies have proposed circulating FABP4 as a novel predictor for renal injuries, and it might also be a predictor for cardiovascular events in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). FABP4 has also been detected in the glomerular cells and epithelial tubular cells in mouse and human kidneys, and the expression of FABP4 in these cells has been involved in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases. In addition, experimental studies suggested that inhibition of FABP4 had protective effects on renal damage. Here, we reviewed current knowledge regarding the role of FABP4 in pathophysiological insights as well as its potential function as a predictor and therapeutic target for kidney diseases.

scholarly journals Do Physical Activity, Social Cohesion, and Loneliness Mediate the Association Between Time Spent Visiting Green Space and Mental Health?

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena M. van den Berg ◽  
Mireille van Poppel ◽  
Irene van Kamp ◽  
Annemarie Ruijsbroek ◽  
Margarita Triguero-Mas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Mediation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediation Analyses

This cross-sectional study investigated whether physical activity, social cohesion, and loneliness mediate the association between time spent visiting green spaces and perceived mental health and vitality. Questionnaire data were collected from 3,948 residents from 124 neighborhoods across four European cities. Multilevel linear regression analysis revealed positive, but weak, associations between time spent visiting green space and Medical Outcome Study Short Form (SF-36) mental health and vitality score, which suggest small mental health benefits. Single mediation analyses showed that different indicators of physical activity (total, during leisure time, and walking during leisure time), social cohesion, and loneliness were mediators. Multiple mediation analyses showed that physical activity during leisure time and loneliness may explain about 25% of the relationship. The unmediated part of the association suggests that other mediators may explain the association.

Long-Term Effects of Individually Tailored Physical Training and Activity on Physical Function, Well-Being and Cognition in Scandinavian Nursing Home Residents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Gerontology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 571-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerstin Frändin ◽  
Helena Grönstedt ◽  
Jorunn L. Helbostad ◽  
Astrid Bergland ◽  
Mette Andresen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Physical Functions

Background: The preservation of physical functions such as muscle strength, balance and mobility is fundamental to maintaining independence in activities of daily living (ADL). The physical activity level of most nursing home residents is very low, which implies that they are often subject to a decline in health, mobility, autonomy and social contacts and are also at risk of suffering a decline in mental well-being. In a previous study, we demonstrated that transfers, balance and physical activity level improved after 3 months of individually tailored intervention in nursing home residents. Objective: To evaluate the long-term effects on ADL, balance function, physical activity level, physical performance, falls-related self-efficacy, well-being and cognitive function 3 months after the completion of our intervention in nursing home residents. Methods: The study was a multicenter randomized, controlled clinical trial with a parallel-group design. It was conducted in nursing homes in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, with an intervention period lasting 3 months and a follow-up at 6 months. Initially, 322 nursing home residents with a mean age of 85 years were included; 85 from Sweden, 171 from Norway and 66 from Denmark. Of these, 241 [129 intervention group (IG), 112 control group (CG)] were eligible for the 6-month follow-up tests. The level of dependence in ADL, physical activity level, several dimensions of physical function, well-being, falls-related self-efficacy and cognitive function were assessed with reliable and valid instruments at baseline, immediately after 3 months of intervention and 3 months later at the 6-month follow-up. Results: After 3 months of intervention and an additional period of 3 months without intervention, only the following 2 variables demonstrated significant group differences: social and cognitive function, measured by the Functional Independence Measure n-r, where the IG deteriorated while the CG was almost stable. However, regarding transfers, the IG deteriorated significantly less than the CG. Conclusion: Without supervised physical exercise that challenged the individuals' capability, gains in ADL function, balance and transfer ability deteriorated during the 3 months following the intervention period. Thus, continuous, individually adjusted and supported physical activity seems crucial for the maintenance of physical functions in these vulnerable elderly persons.

The long-term effects of a primary care physical activity intervention on mental health in low-active, community-dwelling older adults

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 766-772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asmita Patel ◽  
Justin W.L. Keogh ◽  
Gregory S. Kolt ◽  
Grant M. Schofield
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

scholarly journals Effects of Online Bodyweight High-Intensity Interval Training Intervention and Health Education on the Mental Health and Cognition of Sedentary Young Females

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 302
Author(s):  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Beier Zhang ◽  
Liaoyan Gan ◽  
Limei Ke ◽  
Yingyao Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Health Education ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Interval Training ◽  
High Intensity Interval Training ◽  
Young Females ◽  
Post Test ◽  
High Intensity Interval

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an online high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention and health education on the behaviors, mental health, and cognitive function of sedentary young females. A single-blinded, six-week, randomized controlled pilot trial involving 70 sedentary young Chinese females, aged 18–30 years, was conducted. An intervention group (IG) (n = 33) underwent a HIIT intervention and health education, while a waitlist group (WG) (n = 37) only received health education. In pre-, mid-, and post-tests, both groups filled out questionnaires about physical activity, sedentary behavior, and mental health. Cognitive functions were assessed at the pre- and post-tests by computer-administered cognitive tests. A mixed-effect model with repeated measures was used to analyze outcomes of interest. The retention rate of the IG and WG was 100% and 78.38%, respectively. The IG were found to have significantly increased rates of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (Mdiff = 940.61, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 576.67, 1304.55) from pre-test to post-test, while the WG demonstrated a more marked reduction in sedentary time (Mdiff = −73.02, p = 0.038, 95% CI: −141.90, −4.14) compared with the IG in the post-test. Moreover, anxiety and stress levels were shown to significantly reduce in the IG over the six-week period (Mdiff = −4.73, p = 0.002, 95% CI: −7.30, −2.15 and Mdiff = −5.09, p = 0.001, 95% CI: −8.29, −1.89, respectively). In addition, we observed a significant improvement in verbal ability (p = 0.008, ηp2 = 0.19) following the HIIT intervention and effects of the interaction with time on processing speed (p = 0.050, ηp2 = 0.10) and episodic memory (p = 0.048, ηp2 = 0.11). Moreover, the IG had better global cognitive performance than the WG in the post-test (Mdiff = 8.28, p = 0.003, 95% CI: 3.06, 13.50). In summary, both an online bodyweight HIIT intervention combined with health education, or health education alone, can effectively improve health-related behaviors, but the behavioral consequences may differ based on the emphasis of different intervention modalities. Furthermore, the “bodyweight HIIT plus health education” modality might be a more promising online intervention strategy to mitigate against negative emotions and improve cognitive function.

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