Actively Recruiting
Can Nature-based Physical Activity Improve Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety?
Led by Kansas State University · Updated on 2025-03-05
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
K
Kansas State University
Lead Sponsor
R
REI Cooperative Action Fund
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying adults with depression and anxiety to understand how nature-based physical activity affects these conditions. The study involves licensed therapists and their clients and aims to see how a 10-week outdoor walk-and-talk therapy program might change depression and anxiety symptoms. The project also looks at how participating in nature-based activities impacts physical activity levels and mental health. Ten therapists will be trained to carry out the study, then each will recruit six adult clients diagnosed with depression or anxiety. Clients will be randomly placed in either the intervention group, which will participate in weekly outdoor walk-and-talk therapy sessions and set goals for more outdoor activity, or the control group, which will receive educational materials and access to the intervention after 10 weeks. Both groups will use a Fitbit and the NatureDose app to track activity and time spent in nature. Participants will complete surveys about their depression and anxiety symptoms before and after the 10-week program. Therapists will keep weekly logs of therapy sessions, and clients will log their nature-based activities. At the end, clients will fill out satisfaction surveys, and therapists will be interviewed. The study measures include participation in therapy, therapist support, acceptability of the program, physical activity, time spent in nature, and self-efficacy for physical activity and nature engagement.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Promoting Active Therapy: Path to Wellness
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Current client of a participating therapist who has completed study training
- Diagnosed depressive or anxiety disorder
- Able to safely engage in moderate physical activity
- Willing to complete all study requirements
You will not qualify if you...
- Planning to discontinue therapy in less than 6 months
- Active suicidal ideation
- Does not pass exercise risk screener
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit (in-person)
Duration - 10 weeks
Participants engage in weekly walk-and-talk therapy sessions outdoors in natural settings. They also set personal goals for nature-based physical activity outside of therapy, with weekly check-ins from their therapist to support progress and goal adjustment.
Weekly therapy sessions and weekly check-ins
Duration - 10 weeks
Participants in the waitlist control group receive educational materials about nature-based physical activity and local parks, followed by the full intervention after 10 weeks.
Educational material distribution and follow-up
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas, United States, 66506
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Emily L Mailey, PhD
G
Gina M Besenyi, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here