The Efficacy of Forest Therapy on Negative Emotions, Oxidative Stress, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Elderly Hypertensive Patients.

BACKGROUND

This study aims to explore the effects of forest therapy on negative emotional states, oxidative stress levels, and the risk of cardiovascular disease among elderly patients with hypertension.

METHODS

A total of 120 eligible elderly hypertensive participants were randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group, utilizing a random number table, with each group comprising 60 individuals. The control group engaged in urban walking, while the intervention group underwent forest therapy. Following a 4-week intervention period, comparisons were made between the 2 groups regarding blood pressure, emotional well-being, and oxidative stress levels. Participants were subsequently followed for 12 months to evaluate the incidence of cardiovascular events.

RESULTS

After the intervention, both groups exhibited significant reductions in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, with the intervention group showing markedly greater improvements compared to the control group. Furthermore, the intervention group demonstrated a significantly greater increase in superoxide dismutase levels and a more pronounced decrease in malondialdehyde levels than the control group. Assessments of emotional health indicated that the intervention group had significantly lower scores in Tension-Anxiety, Anger-Hostility, Fatigue-Inertia, Depression-Dejection, and Confusion-Bewilderment, while scores for Vigor-Activity were significantly higher. The intervention group also exhibited a significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular events (hazard ratio = 0.340, P = .018, 95% CI: 0.120-0.950).

CONCLUSION

Forest therapy is an effective intervention for managing blood pressure, enhancing emotional well-being, and reducing oxidative stress levels in elderly hypertensive patients, ultimately contributing to a lower risk of cardiovascular events.