Research & Innovation
Publications
Nature-Based Therapy for Metabolic Syndrome in Salzburg: A Novel Approach to Sustainable Health Promotion
PMU Authors
Christina Pichler, Arnulf Hartl, Yara Meilinger, Elmar Aigner
All Authors
Christina Pichler, Arnulf Hartl, Yara Meilinger, J. Litt, M. van den Bosch, M. Ubalde, Julia Egger, Matthew White, A. Moé, M. Bolognesi, Elmar Aigner
Abstract
Nature-based therapies (NbTs) are promising interventions for chronic disease prevention, yet their effects remain underexplored. The NATURE-MET-S study, part of the Horizon Europe project RESONATE, is a randomised controlled trial investigating how NbTs improve biopsychosocial resilience in people with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Participants (n=116; 40-65yrs) diagnosed with MetS were randomized to either a wait-list control or intervention group. The 10-week intervention combines Green Exercise, mindfulness training, and self-directed nature exposure in Salzburg, including urban nature with alpine landscapes. During the first five weeks, participants can choose guided or independent hikes, and from weeks six to ten, they hike independently. Outcomes include health-related quality of life and an allostatic load index as key indicators of resilience using a range of physiological (e.g. salivary alpha amylase), psychological (e.g. state resilience), and social (e.g. friend networks). Parameters were assed at T1 (pre), T2 (during five weeks), T3 (at ten weeks) and T4 (six months post) to evaluate changes within and between groups. Parallel studies in Padua (IT) and Barcelona (ES) allow for a comparative analysis of different natural environments, from urban green spaces to coastal blue environments. The presentation will explore the study's research methods, initial findings and implications for the integration of NbTs into preventive and accessible health strategies.
Keywords
naturbasierte Prävention, naturbasierte Therapie, Metabolisches Syndrom, Green Exercise