Randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of forest walking compared to urban walking in enhancing mucosal immunity.

ABSTRACT: Scientific research on forest therapy's preventive medical and mental health effects has advanced, but the need for clear evidence for practical applications remains. We conducted an unblinded randomized controlled trial involving healthy men aged 40-70 to compare the physiological and psychological effects of forest and urban walking. Eighty-four participants were randomly assigned to either the forest or urban group, with 78 completing 90-min walks and analysis. The primary outcome measured was the change in saliva-secreted immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels. Evaluating researchers were blinded to the groups, but participants and on-site staff were not. Here, we demonstrate a significant increase in saliva-secreted immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels in the forest group. Furthermore, forest walki

SUBMITTER: Ochiai H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11762291 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature