Effect of Indoor Plants on Cardiopulmonary System

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
This is a randomized controlled human exposure crossover study, aims to explore the health benefits of indoor plants on cardiopulmonary system on adults.

Detailed Description
-----------------
The researchers will conduct a randomized cross-controlled trial involving 48 healthy adults in Hangzhou, China. These participants will be randomly assigned into two groups, each comprising 24 individuals. Each participant will undergo two separate exposures in an office setting: one exposure without any plants present, and another exposure with 34 to 38 potted plants. A washout period of at least 4 weeks will be implemented between the two exposures. Questionnaires, physical examinations and the collection of biological samples will be conducted prior to exposure and after exposure. In addition, the monitoring of negative air ion, air pollutants and noise exposure, as well as collection of environmental microbial samples, will be conducted on weekdays. Researchers will gather samples of blood, urine, nasal secretion, and exhaled breath condensate from participants.

Official Title
-----------------
Effect of Indoor Plants on Cardiopulmonary System: a Randomized, Crossover, Controlled Trial

Conditions
-----------------
Cardiopulmonary

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Other: Plants placed in an office environment
* Other: Devoid of any plant presence in an office environment


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Living in Hangzhou during the study period; Non-smoking, no history of alcohol or drug abuse; Staying indoors in daytime we required. Exclusion Criteria: Current or ever smokers; Subjects with allergic disease, such as allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and atopy; Subjects with cardiovascular disease, such as congenital heart disease, pulmonary heart disease, and hypertension; Subjects with respiratory disease, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Subjects with chronic disease, such as diabetes, chronic hepatitis, and kidney disease; Subjects with a history of major surgery; Medication use or dietary supplements intake in recent two months; Unable to cooperate with follow-up.

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 35 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Plants placed in an office environment<br>Participants in this group will receive an intervention of plants placed in an office environment. | Other: Plants placed in an office environment<br>* The intervention group will be provided with an intervention consisting of 34-38 potted plants arranged in an office environment for a duration of 8 hours (09:00-17:00) on weekdays (Monday to Friday) for 4 weeks.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Devoid of any plant presence in an office environment<br>Participants in this group will be exposed to an office environment devoid of any plant presence. | Other: Devoid of any plant presence in an office environment<br>* Participants assigned to the control group will be exposed to an office environment devoid of any plant presence for a duration of 8 hours (09:00-17:00) on weekdays (Monday to Friday) for 4 weeks.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Forced Vital Capacity(FVC) | We plan to measure forced vital capacity (FVC) of lung function. | Baseline and after 4 weeks plants exposure in first stage, and after washout period, baseline and after 4 weeks plants exposure in second stage. | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Blood Pressure(BP) | We plan to measure systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). | Baseline and after 4 weeks plants exposure in first stage, and after washout period, baseline and after 4 weeks plants exposure in second stage. | 
| Heart Rate Variability(HRV) | We plan to measure Heart Rate Variability (HRV). | Baseline and after 4 weeks plants exposure in first stage, and after washout period, baseline and after 4 weeks plants exposure in second stage. |