New research has found that exercising in the presence of nature — even virtual nature — offers psychological benefits.
The study also pinpointed areas of the brain that may be responsible for these effects.
In the study, 30 participants were randomly assigned to three different conditions in counterbalanced order.
During each condition, participants were instructed to walk for one quarter of a mile at their own pace.
In the green exercise condition, participants walked on a campus trail that was surrounded by trees and greenery.
In the virtual green exercise condition, participants walked on a treadmill while watching and listening to a video of the campus trail route.
In the control condition, participants walked indoors on a treadmill in front of a white wall.
Throughout the walks, brain activity was monitored via an EEG cap fit to the participant’s head.
The green exercise condition elicited more positive affect and more emotional awareness.
The green exercise condition, and to a lesser extent the virtual green exercise condition, also helped participants reallocate their attention externally.
The green exercise condition was associated with greater connectivity in the frontal and parietal brain regions.
According to the lead author, “if you have a couple of minutes to spare in your day to unwind, spending that time outdoors will maximize those results.”
“Your brain will react positively to that experience, although you might not be completely aware of that.”
The study was published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology.
Learn more: https://www.psypost.org/2023/02/exercising-in-nature-produces-psychological-benefits-and-measurable-changes-in-brain-activity-68307
