Outdoor Walks for Depression
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether outdoor walking in different environments-urban or natural-can reduce depressive symptoms among college students. The study also tests whether providing prompts for active engagement during nature walks enhances the benefits compared to unstructured nature walks.Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) urban walk, (2) nature walk, or (3) active nature walk with guided interaction. Each participant will walk for 30 minutes, twice a week, for 3 weeks, complete questionnaires, and participate in interviews.Our primary outcome (PHQ-9) will be used to test the following two primary hypotheses:* Hypothesis 1: Participants in both nature walk conditions (combined) will show greater reductions in depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) than those in the urban walk group.* Hypothesis 2: Participants in the active nature walk will show greater reductions than those in the regular nature walk.
Research Team
Xuanyi Wang
Principal Investigator
University of Washington
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for college students experiencing depression. Participants will be randomly placed into one of three groups to take part in different types of outdoor walks: urban, nature, or active nature with guided interaction. They must commit to walking twice a week for 30 minutes over three weeks and complete surveys and interviews.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in walking sessions in different environments (urban, nature, active nature) for 30 minutes, twice a week for 3 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in depressive symptoms, anxiety, and other psychological measures
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Outdoor Walks
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Washington
Lead Sponsor