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

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.

Promoting Active Therapy: Path to Wellness