Biophilic Design for Enhanced Exercise Experience

Overseen By Kayla Aronoff

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Colorado State University

Disqualifiers: Hypertension, Tachycardia, Obesity, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

24 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Exercise Environment in the clinical trial titled 'Biophilic Design for Enhanced Exercise Experience'?

Research suggests that environments designed with biophilic elements (features that connect people with nature) can enhance health outcomes by providing psychological, emotional, and social support. Additionally, studies show that the aesthetic appeal of exercise equipment can increase enjoyment and adherence to physical activity, which may be relevant to the effectiveness of exercise environments designed with biophilic principles. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does the treatment 'Exercise Environment' differ from other treatments for enhancing exercise experience?

The 'Exercise Environment' treatment is unique because it focuses on the design of the physical space where exercise occurs, potentially incorporating elements like biophilic design (which uses natural elements to improve well-being) to enhance the exercise experience, unlike traditional treatments that might focus on equipment or apparel. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this observational study is to examine whether exercising in a biophilic environment - a space designed to include natural elements like real plants, simulated sunlight, nature sounds, and outdoor views - can improve exercise performance and enjoyment compared to a standard indoor gym environment in male college students age 18-25 who have regularly exercised prior. The main question it aims to answer is: "Can biophilic design enhance the physical and mental benefits of indoor exercise?" Researchers will compare the two environments to see if there is any changes in exercise performance and enjoyment for each participant. Participants will complete a treadmill fitness test in both settings to compare physical outcomes like maximal aerobic capacity, so the maximal amount of oxygen one can use during exercise, as well as perceived effort. After each treadmill test participants will be given surveys where they will be asked to evaluate their mood and enjoyment in that environment.

Research Team

Kaigang Li

Principal Investigator

Colorado State University

Eligibility Criteria

This study is for male college students aged 18-25 who regularly exercise. It's designed to see if working out in a gym with natural elements like plants and sunlight feels better and improves performance compared to plain gyms.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a man aged between 18 and 25.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had a major illness or health issue in the past.

Resting BP greater than 140/90

Resting HR greater than 100 bpm

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Testing Day 1

Participants complete a treadmill fitness test in the traditional gym environment, measuring heart rate and perceived exertion.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Testing Day 2

Participants complete a treadmill fitness test in the biophilic environment, measuring VO2Max and mood and enjoyment post-test.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any delayed effects on exercise performance and enjoyment.

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Exercise Environment

Trial Overview The trial tests the impact of biophilic design on exercise by comparing workouts in nature-inspired environments versus standard indoor gyms. Participants will do treadmill fitness tests in both settings, assessing physical outcomes and enjoyment.

Participant Groups

Group I: Traditional Exercise Environment Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The exercise environment will be designed like a traditional indoor gym setting. With a treadmill at the center and no other purposeful design elements.

Group II: Biophilic Design Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The exercise environment will be designed with nature elements, real and artificial plants, a landscape wall paper, simulated sunlight, and nature sounds.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Colorado State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

138

Recruited

38,200+

Findings from Research

The study emphasizes the importance of therapeutic environments in healthcare, particularly for cancer patients, highlighting that biophilic design—incorporating nature into healthcare settings—can significantly enhance health outcomes.

A revised biophilic design framework was developed based on user experiences and expert interviews, which ranks critical design parameters tailored to specific healthcare contexts, aiming to improve the effectiveness of future healthcare facility designs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Human-centred health-care environments: a new framework for biophilic design. Tekin, BH., Urbano Gutiérrez, R.[2023]

The systematic review of nine studies highlights key biophilic design parameters that enhance the well-being of hospital users, including fresh air, daylight, and comfort for outpatients, while inpatients prioritize relaxation and security.

The findings provide a ranked list of critical biophilic design features that can inform future hospital designs, aiming to improve both patient and staff experiences in clinical environments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Systematic Review and Conceptual Framework of Biophilic Design Parameters in Clinical Environments. Tekin, BH., Corcoran, R., Gutiérrez, RU.[2022]

References

1. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Designing Affordances for Health-Enhancing Physical Activity and Exercise in Sedentary Individuals. [2018]

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Human-centred health-care environments: a new framework for biophilic design. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Systematic Review and Conceptual Framework of Biophilic Design Parameters in Clinical Environments. [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Perceived treadmill function is correlated with enjoyment of use in trained runners: A user-centred approach. [2019]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Biomechanical validation of upper extremity exercise in wheelchair users: design considerations and improvements in a prototype device. [2013]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Customized Body Mapping to Facilitate the Ergonomic Design of Sportswear. [2018]

7. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Longitudinal bending stiffness does not affect running economy in Nike Vaporfly Shoes. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mechanical Properties of Treadmill Surfaces and Their Effects on Endurance Running [2020]

9. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Does an increase in energy return and/or longitudinal bending stiffness shoe features reduce the energetic cost of running? [2021]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Multi-station equipment for physical training: design and validation of a prototype. [2019]