Current Research

Integrating nature-based physical activity into mental healthcare

There is strong evidence that physical activity is beneficial for the prevention and treatment of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. In fact, based on these benefits, experts have called for physical activity and exercise to be consistently integrated into mental health treatment. Yet a variety of barriers have prevented routine inclusion of physical activity in therapy. For example, mental health providers may not feel sufficiently trained to address this topic, or may be unsure about how to navigate the conversations. Our research aims to address these barriers by equipping therapists with the tools and skills to feel confident discussing and promoting physical activity.

Our research has a unique focus on promoting outdoor, nature-based physical activity. There are unique mental health benefits associated with spending time in nature. Additionally, outdoor physical activity has been associated with greater enjoyment, satisfaction, and long-term adherence. Being active outdoors reinforces the emphasis on mental health benefits – the sense of revitalization physical activity can provide – as opposed to exercising for motives related to physical health and appearance. However, to date, active nature-based interventions have not been implemented in traditional counseling settings.

In collaboration with the PARCS Lab, our lab is currently conducting two studies that explore the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating nature-based physical activity in mental healthcare settings. See below to learn more about these studies.

If you are a healthcare provider or an individual who is interested in promoting or increasing your own nature-based physical activity, try out our Park Therapy worksheet (pdf) to get started.

Moving Naturally Through Challenges: Development of a toolkit and training intervention for university counseling centers

Funded by: Laura S. Aaronson Frontiers Clinical and Translational Research Pilot Program

Overview: This study is being conducted in partnership with K-State’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Together, we are developing a nature-based physical activity therapy group for college students with depression and anxiety. The one-year study will focus on the development of a toolkit and training workshop for CAPS therapists, and a pilot implementation of the therapy group. We will assess therapists’ satisfaction with the training and fidelity to the group therapy protocol, as well as students’ satisfaction with the group and changes in depression and anxiety. If feasible and effective, the standardized materials developed for this project will facilitate implementation of nature-based physical activity therapy groups in university counseling centers on a broader scale.

Can nature-based physical activity improve symptoms of depression and anxiety?

Funded by: REI Cooperative Action Fund

Overview: This study aims to add to the evidence that nature-based physical activity can improve symptoms of clinical depression and anxiety. We will recruit and train licensed therapists to promote nature-based physical activity with their clients through walk-and-talk therapy and verbal and/or written recommendations to engage in outdoor physical activity outside of therapy sessions. Therapists will recruit clients with diagnosed depression and/or anxiety to participate in the study, and clients will be randomly assigned to the intervention or a waitlist control group. We will assess physical activity, time in nature, and mental health outcomes using Fitbit devices, the NatureDose mobile app, and validated measures of depression and anxiety, respectively. We hope to demonstrate that increases in nature-based physical activity are associated with reductions in clinical depression and anxiety.

Are you a therapist who is interested in learning more about this project?
Read more about partnering with us (pdf).