Shinrin-Yoku, Forest Bathing to Reduce Reported Anxiety and Pulse Rate in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Shinrin-Yoku, Forest Bathing to Reduce Reported Anxiety and Pulse Rate in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Short Report Shinrin-Yoku, Forest Bathing to Reduce Reported Anxiety and Pulse Rate in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Bobby Newman This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8194250/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Shinrin-Yoku, translated from the Japanese as “forest bathing,” is a procedure of systematically experiencing nature, particularly wooded areas, during nature walks/immersion. In dozens of studies, it has been shown to have effects in reducing pulse rate, blood pressure, anxiety and increasing Natural Killer cell activity. It achieves this anxiety reduction in a less language-based manner than traditional relaxation exercises and thus is appropriate for many individuals diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. In the current study, Shinrin-Yoku reduced self-reported anxiety and pulse rate in three individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Shinrin-yoku Autism Spectrum Disorder Figures Figure 1 Bullet points Shinrin-Yoku has been shown to have a myriad of health effects. Many individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder do not respond well to language-based anti-anxiety exercises. Shinrin-Yoku is an example of several promising methods of less language-based instruction in particular skills for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Introduction Shinrin-Yoku, translated from the Japanese as “forest bathing,” is a procedure of systematically experiencing nature, particularly wooded areas, during nature walks/immersion. In dozens of studies, it has been shown to have effects in reducing pulse rate, blood pressure, anxiety and increasing Natural Killer cell activity (e.g., Li, 2022). Researchers such Nichols (2014) have suggested that given our species’ history of having evolved in more nature-based settings, it is to be expected that our bodies would respond to natural phenomena and perform optimally in such settings. The reductions in anxiety commonly reported in the nature therapy literature (e.g., Gascon et al., 2017) are understandable within this framework. Individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often report or demonstrate behavior consistent with anxiety-based symptoms (Kerns et al., 2021). As many cognitive behavioral techniques to combat this anxiety, including guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation, require a large language component, they may not be optimal for individuals diagnosed with ASD. Therefore, in the current study the use of shinrin-yoku was attempted to reduce self-reported anxiety and pulse rate in individuals diagnosed with ASD. Methodology Participants and Setting Three adult males diagnosed with ASD participated. All were diagnosed at Level 1 at the time of study, although 2 had met criteria for Level 2 earlier in their lives. All self-reported anxiety and none had responded to progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, or other language-based behavioral anti-anxiety interventions. Experimental Design and Procedure A multiple baseline across subjects study was conducted, with one daily session. During baseline, pulse rate and self-reported anxiety were recorded by the subject using a 5 point likert scale (with 5 being highest level of self-reported anxiety and 1 being lowest) and a commercial finger pulse monitor. 20 minutes later, the measures were re-taken. No specific activities were prescribed for this 20 minutes period. During the Forest Walk condition, self-reported anxiety and pulse rate were recorded as in baseline, but the subject then went for a walk in a densely wooded area. They were instructed to walk at a leisurely pace and to attempt to breathe deeply and to notice/touch and interact with aspects of nature as it caught their attention.(e.g., colors, smells). Self-reported anxiety and pulse rate were self-recorded after 20 minutes of forest walk. Data collection procedure Subjects self-reported anxiety at the beginning and end of each session on a 5 point likert scale and recorded their pulse at the same time with a commercial finger pulse monitor. Each individual had their own pulse-monitoring device, supplied by the experimenter, and used the same one throughout the study. Results Figures 1 and 2 show pre and post session measures. All three subjects showed decreases in self-reported anxiety and pulse rate. Pulse rate reductions were approximately 6–9% on average, replicating results from prior Shinrin-Yoku studies (e.g., Li, 2022 ). Self-reported anxiety showed 1–2 points reduction following the nature walk, with no session leading to increased anxiety. Discussion Shinrin-Yoku has been shown in the medical literature to be an effective treatment for high blood pressure, elevated pulse rate, mood disorders, and even some cancers due to increased Natural Killer cell activity (among many other positive effects). In the current study, we showed that the procedure can also be effective in reducing self-reported anxiety and pulse rate in individuals diagnosed with ASD. It should be noted that shinrin-yoku is not the same as just taking a walk or getting basic exercise. Research that controlled for walking in city streets or shopping malls did not show similar or as significant effects (e.g., Hassan et al., 2018 , Kotera et al. 2022 ) nor did exercise on a treadmill or watching nature scenes on video (Olafsdottir et al., 2020 ). The reasons for these effects are not perfectly established, but seem to be highly correlated with the ingestion of phytoncides (wood essential oils), which are antimicrobial volatile organic compounds derived from trees (Li, 2010 ). That shinrin-yoku was shown to be effective for people diagnosed with ASD suggests it might be effective for reducing behavior that is anxiety-based, or exacerbated by anxiety conditions in individuals who do not easily respond to language-based anxiety interventions. There are some limiting factors, however. It is not always practical to take a nature walk at times of increased anxiety. Therefore, it will be important to figure out a way to bring the procedure indoors and with some degree of immediacy as anxiety is noted (e.g., through “tabletop” nature such as bonsai trees or miniature Zen gardens). The exact mechanism of the effectiveness of Shinrin-Yoku is not entirely understood, but does seem to be related to the breathing in of phytoncides, chemicals given off by trees. Perhaps indoor ingestion of phytoncides can produce a similar effect. Alternate nature experiences might also prove useful in a similar manner. “Blue spaces” (beach, ocean and other bodies of water immersion) has been proposed as an alternate and shows some similar promise (e.g., Gascon et al., 2017 ). In this latter case, rather than phytoncides, perhaps there is a chemical component in the salt air or simply the auditory or visual effect of rhythmic crashing waves/flowing water, etc. (e.g., Nichols, 2014 ). The anti-anxiety effects of indoor nature scenes such as the visual effects of aquaria with varying degrees of biodiversity (Cracknell et al., 2016 ) support this alternate suggestion. There are some limitations to the current study. For example, many individuals diagnosed with ASD will not be able to engage in the self-report and a measure such as levels of challenging behavior might be used instead, with anticipated decreases in levels of challenging behavior following a forest walk. It should also be noted that forest bathing is meant to be done at a leisurely pace. An exploratory examination of the procedure with children diagnosed with ASD actually paradoxically showed elevated pulse rates following forest walk, likely due to excessive activity/play once in the outdoors. Whether this will lead to reductions in challenging behavior is unknown but is likely given results previously seen in shinrin-yoku studies. Declarations Compliance with Ethical Standards Conflicts of Interest/Competing Interests : Not Applicable. Research involving Human Participants and/or Animals The study was performed in accordance with the ethical standards as laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its subsequent amendments, or comparable ethical standards. This project was approved by the institutional review board of Proud Moments ABA. Informed Consent: Informed consent was obtained by the participant’s legal guardians or by the individual themselves when they have their own guardianship. Data Sharing Data are available upon request to the corresponding author. Funding: Not Applicable. References Cracknell, D., White, M.P., Pahel, S., Nichols, W.J., & Depledge (2016). Marine biota and psychological well-being: A preliminary examination of dose-response effects in an aquarium setting. Environment and Behavior, 48, 1242-1269. Gascon, M., Zijlema, W., Vert, C., White, M.P., Nieuwenhuijsen, N.J. (2017). Outdoor blue spaces, human health and well-being: A systematic review of quantitative studies. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 220(8), 1207-1221. Hassan, A.; Tao, J.; Li, G.; Jiang, M.; Aii, L.; Zhihui, J.; Zongfang, L.; Qibing, C. (2018). Effects of Walking in Bamboo Forest and City Environments on Brainwave Activity in Young Adults. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 1-9 . Kotera, Y., Richardson, M. & Sheffield, D. (2022). Effects of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy on Mental Health: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction 20, 337–361. Kerns, C. M., Winder-Patel, B., Iosif, A. M., Nordahl, C. W., Heath, B., Solomon, M., & Amaral, D. G. (2021). Clinically Significant Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Varied Intellectual Functioning. Journal of clinical child and adolescent psychology : the official journal for the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, American Psychological Association, Division 53, 50(6), 780–795. Li, Q. (2010). Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environmental Health and Preventative Medicine, 9-17 . Li, Q. (2022). Effects of forest environment (Shinrin-yoku/Forest bathing) on health promotion and disease prevention -the Establishment of "Forest Medicine“. Environmental Health and Preventative Medicine, 27:43. doi:10.1265/ehpm.22-00160 . Nichols, W.J. (2014 ). Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do . Little, Brown and Company. Olafsdottir, G.; Cloke, P.; Schulz, A.; Van Dyck, Z.; Eysteinsson, T.; Thorleifsdottir, B.; Vögele, C. (2020). Health Benefits of Walking in Nature: A Randomized Controlled Study Under Conditions of Real-Life Stress. Environmental Behavior. 52, 248–274. Pan, C.Y. (2010). Effects of water exercise swimming program on aquatic skills and social behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders . Autism: The international journal of research and practice, 14(1) , 9–28. Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. 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particular skills for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eShinrin-Yoku, translated from the Japanese as \u0026ldquo;forest bathing,\u0026rdquo; is a procedure of systematically experiencing nature, particularly wooded areas, during nature walks/immersion. In dozens of studies, it has been shown to have effects in reducing pulse rate, blood pressure, anxiety and increasing Natural Killer cell activity (e.g., Li, 2022). Researchers such Nichols (2014) have suggested that given our species\u0026rsquo; history of having evolved in more nature-based settings, it is to be expected that our bodies would respond to natural phenomena and perform optimally in such settings. The reductions in anxiety commonly reported in the nature therapy literature (e.g., Gascon et al., 2017) are understandable within this framework.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndividuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often report or demonstrate behavior consistent with anxiety-based symptoms (Kerns et al., 2021). \u0026nbsp;As many cognitive behavioral techniques to combat this anxiety, including guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation, require a large language component, they may not be optimal for individuals diagnosed with ASD. \u0026nbsp;Therefore, in the current study the use of shinrin-yoku was attempted to reduce self-reported anxiety and pulse rate in individuals diagnosed with ASD.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methodology","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eParticipants and Setting\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThree adult males diagnosed with ASD participated. All were diagnosed at Level 1 at the time of study, although 2 had met criteria for Level 2 earlier in their lives. All self-reported anxiety and none had responded to progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, or other language-based behavioral anti-anxiety interventions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExperimental Design and Procedure\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA multiple baseline across subjects study was conducted, with one daily session. During baseline, pulse rate and self-reported anxiety were recorded by the subject using a 5 point likert scale (with 5 being highest level of self-reported anxiety and 1 being lowest) and a commercial finger pulse monitor. 20 minutes later, the measures were re-taken. No specific activities were prescribed for this 20 minutes period.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuring the Forest Walk condition, self-reported anxiety and pulse rate were recorded as in baseline, but the subject then went for a walk in a densely wooded area. They were instructed to walk at a leisurely pace and to attempt to breathe deeply and to notice/touch and interact with aspects of nature as it caught their attention.(e.g., colors, smells). Self-reported anxiety and pulse rate were self-recorded after 20 minutes of forest walk.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData collection procedure\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubjects self-reported anxiety at the beginning and end of each session on a 5 point likert scale and recorded their pulse at the same time with a commercial finger pulse monitor. Each individual had their own pulse-monitoring device, supplied by the experimenter, and used the same one throughout the study.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eFigures 1 and 2 show pre and post session measures. All three subjects showed decreases in self-reported anxiety and pulse rate. Pulse rate reductions were approximately 6\u0026ndash;9% on average, replicating results from prior Shinrin-Yoku studies (e.g., Li, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Self-reported anxiety showed 1\u0026ndash;2 points reduction following the nature walk, with no session leading to increased anxiety.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eShinrin-Yoku has been shown in the medical literature to be an effective treatment for high blood pressure, elevated pulse rate, mood disorders, and even some cancers due to increased Natural Killer cell activity (among many other positive effects). In the current study, we showed that the procedure can also be effective in reducing self-reported anxiety and pulse rate in individuals diagnosed with ASD.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt should be noted that shinrin-yoku is not the same as just taking a walk or getting basic exercise. Research that controlled for walking in city streets or shopping malls did not show similar or as significant effects (e.g., Hassan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e, Kotera et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) nor did exercise on a treadmill or watching nature scenes on video (Olafsdottir et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). The reasons for these effects are not perfectly established, but seem to be highly correlated with the ingestion of phytoncides (wood essential oils), which are antimicrobial volatile organic compounds derived from trees (Li, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThat shinrin-yoku was shown to be effective for people diagnosed with ASD suggests it might be effective for reducing behavior that is anxiety-based, or exacerbated by anxiety conditions in individuals who do not easily respond to language-based anxiety interventions. There are some limiting factors, however. It is not always practical to take a nature walk at times of increased anxiety. Therefore, it will be important to figure out a way to bring the procedure indoors and with some degree of immediacy as anxiety is noted (e.g., through \u0026ldquo;tabletop\u0026rdquo; nature such as bonsai trees or miniature Zen gardens). The exact mechanism of the effectiveness of Shinrin-Yoku is not entirely understood, but does seem to be related to the breathing in of phytoncides, chemicals given off by trees. Perhaps indoor ingestion of phytoncides can produce a similar effect.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlternate nature experiences might also prove useful in a similar manner. \u0026ldquo;Blue spaces\u0026rdquo; (beach, ocean and other bodies of water immersion) has been proposed as an alternate and shows some similar promise (e.g., Gascon et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). In this latter case, rather than phytoncides, perhaps there is a chemical component in the salt air or simply the auditory or visual effect of rhythmic crashing waves/flowing water, etc. (e.g., Nichols, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). The anti-anxiety effects of indoor nature scenes such as the visual effects of aquaria with varying degrees of biodiversity (Cracknell et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e) support this alternate suggestion.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere are some limitations to the current study. For example, many individuals diagnosed with ASD will not be able to engage in the self-report and a measure such as levels of challenging behavior might be used instead, with anticipated decreases in levels of challenging behavior following a forest walk.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt should also be noted that forest bathing is meant to be done at a leisurely pace. An exploratory examination of the procedure with children diagnosed with ASD actually paradoxically showed elevated pulse rates following forest walk, likely due to excessive activity/play once in the outdoors. Whether this will lead to reductions in challenging behavior is unknown but is likely given results previously seen in shinrin-yoku studies.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCompliance with Ethical Standards\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eConflicts of Interest/Competing Interests\u003c/b\u003e: Not Applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResearch involving Human Participants and/or Animals\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e The study was performed in accordance with the ethical standards as laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its subsequent amendments, or comparable ethical standards. This project was approved by the institutional review board of Proud Moments ABA.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInformed Consent:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e Informed consent was obtained by the participant\u0026rsquo;s legal guardians or by the individual themselves when they have their own guardianship.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Sharing\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eData are available upon request to the corresponding author.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot Applicable.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003cp\u003eCracknell, D., White, M.P., Pahel, S., Nichols, W.J., \u0026amp; Depledge (2016). \u0026nbsp;Marine biota and psychological well-being: \u0026nbsp;A preliminary examination of dose-response effects in an aquarium setting. \u0026nbsp; \u003cem\u003eEnvironment and Behavior, 48,\u003c/em\u003e 1242-1269.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGascon, M., Zijlema, W., Vert, C., White, M.P., Nieuwenhuijsen, N.J. \u0026nbsp; (2017). Outdoor blue spaces, human health and well-being: A systematic review of quantitative studies. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 220(8),\u003c/em\u003e 1207-1221.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHassan, A.; Tao, J.; Li, G.; Jiang, M.; Aii, L.; Zhihui, J.; Zongfang, L.; Qibing, C. (2018). \u0026nbsp;Effects of Walking in Bamboo Forest and City Environments on Brainwave Activity in Young Adults. \u003cem\u003eEvidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 1-9\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKotera, Y., Richardson, M. \u0026amp; Sheffield, D. (2022). \u0026nbsp;Effects of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy on Mental Health: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction 20,\u003c/em\u003e 337–361.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKerns, C. M., Winder-Patel, B., Iosif, A. M., Nordahl, C. W., Heath, B., Solomon, M., \u0026amp; Amaral, D. G. (2021). Clinically Significant Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Varied Intellectual Functioning. \u003cem\u003eJournal of clinical child and adolescent psychology : the official journal for the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, American Psychological Association, Division 53, 50(6),\u003c/em\u003e 780–795.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLi, Q. \u0026nbsp;(2010). Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. \u003cem\u003eEnvironmental Health and Preventative Medicine, 9-17\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLi, Q. (2022). Effects of forest environment (Shinrin-yoku/Forest bathing) on health promotion and disease prevention -the Establishment of \"Forest Medicine“. \u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eEnvironmental Health and Preventative Medicine, 27:43. doi:10.1265/ehpm.22-00160\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNichols, W.J. \u0026nbsp;(2014\u003cem\u003e). Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do\u003c/em\u003e. \u0026nbsp;Little, Brown and Company.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOlafsdottir, G.; Cloke, P.; Schulz, A.; Van Dyck, Z.; Eysteinsson, T.; Thorleifsdottir, B.; Vögele, C. (2020). \u0026nbsp;Health Benefits of Walking in Nature: A Randomized Controlled Study Under Conditions of Real-Life Stress. \u003cem\u003eEnvironmental Behavior. 52,\u003c/em\u003e 248–274.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePan, C.Y. \u0026nbsp;(2010). Effects of water exercise swimming program on aquatic skills and social behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders\u003cem\u003e. Autism: The international journal of research and practice, 14(1)\u003c/em\u003e, 9–28.\u003c/p\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Shinrin-yoku, Autism Spectrum Disorder","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8194250/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8194250/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eShinrin-Yoku, translated from the Japanese as “forest bathing,” is a procedure of systematically experiencing nature, particularly wooded areas, during nature walks/immersion. In dozens of studies, it has been shown to have effects in reducing pulse rate, blood pressure, anxiety and increasing Natural Killer cell activity. It achieves this anxiety reduction in a less language-based manner than traditional relaxation exercises and thus is appropriate for many individuals diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. In the current study, Shinrin-Yoku reduced self-reported anxiety and pulse rate in three individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Shinrin-Yoku, Forest Bathing to Reduce Reported Anxiety and Pulse Rate in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-12-02 05:02:13","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8194250/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"e4c5c5de-cdd5-4919-b6f7-10d0913c135d","owner":[],"postedDate":"December 2nd, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-12-02T05:02:13+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-12-02 05:02:13","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8194250","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8194250","identity":"rs-8194250","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}