Abstract
ObjectiveLong/Post-COVID patients are in urgent need of specialized treatment. Forest bathing has shown to promote health and well-being, and thus may be an appropriate treatment option. This pilot study aimed to investigate both the feasibility of a two-week audio-guided and mindfulness-based forest bathing intervention and pre-to-post symptom changes in Long/Post-COVID patients. MethodsA repeated-measures design was employed to collect self-reported data on Long/Post-COVID symptoms, fatigue, well-being and stress-coping strategies from moderately affected Long/Post-COVID patients (N = 46, N = 36 included; recruited through media) prior to and following participation in the forest bathing program. Pulse rate was monitored through smartwatches. Feasibility was assessed by analysis of dropout rates. ResultsThe dropout rate was 22 % due to physical and environmental conditions. We observed decreased overall Long/Post-COVID symptoms (p < .001) and fatigue (p < .001), increased well-being (p < .001) and a more adaptive use of stress-coping strategies (p < .01) over time. Participants` pulse rate fell within the normal range after a forest “walk” (p < .001). ConclusionOur results suggest that further research on audio-guided and mindfulness-based forest bathing is warranted, since this approach may offer a feasible and cost-effective method for the complementary treatment of moderate Long/Post-COVID.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
