Nature-based Solutions for Work-related Stress

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Although exposure to nature has restorative effects on human health, beneficial effects of nature-based interventions in the working environment have been underexplored. The investigators aim to conduct a randomised controlled pilot study. During workhours one group participates in a nature-based program, the other group is a control group. The investigators test stress-related parameters including cortisol levels, wellbeing and stress, and neurocognition.

Detailed Description
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Participants of the intervention group follow a 30-minute stress management course in nature followed by a nature-based activity of 1.5 hours, twice a week for 3 consecutive weeks. The investigators measure neurocognition via neurocognitive tests, emotional status via burnout assessment tool and well-being questionnaires, and asses stress levels via salivary cortisol and smartwatches.

Official Title
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Nature-based Solutions for Work-related Stress: an Intervention Study

Conditions
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Stress, Psychological

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: nature based solution for stress reduction


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: work at province of Limburg speak dutch Exclusion Criteria: -

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: group in nature<br>they participate in nature based-program during work hours | Other: nature based solution for stress reduction<br>* participation in nature activities: 30 min stress management in nature and group activity (walking, cycling)<br>|
| No Intervention: control group<br>they participate don't in nature based-program during work hours and perform their normal work schedule | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Neurocognition: selective attention | computerised tests (stroop test). The scale is mean reaction time and is used as a continuous variable. | 5 minutes | 
| Neurocognition: short-term memory | computerised tests (Digit Span Test). The scale is number of digits and is used as a continuous variable. | 10 minutes | 
| Neurocognition:visual information processing speed | computerised tests (Digit Symbol test). The scale is number of digits and is used as a continuous variable. | 5 minutes | 
| Neurocognition: visual information processing speed | computerised tests (Pattern Comparison test ). The scale is reaction time and is used as a continuous variable. | 5 minutes | 
| stress levels | Assessed by salivary cortisol levels. Scale is µg/dl and used as a continuous variable. | 5 minutes | 
| stress levels | Assessed by questionnaires (burnout assessment tool). Scores are used as continuous variable. Lower scores represent lower risk of burnout, higher scores represent higher risk of burnout. The score is constructed from questions concerning exhaustion, mental distance, emotional disorder and cognitive disorder. | 10 minutes | 
| stress levels | Assessed by smartwatch (algorithm including hart rate and movement). Values are used as continuous variable | 3 weeks |