Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
Published on: June 19, 2019
Nature-based interventions reduce physiological stress in children with chronic illnesses: evidence from salivary
Francisco Díaz-Martínez1,2, Miguel Felipe Sánchez-Sauco1,2, Esteban Orenes-Piñero1
1Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia Pascual Parrilla-IMIB, Murcia, Spain.
Introduction:
Contact with nature is increasingly recognized as an important determinant of public health, yet limited objective evidence exists regarding its benefits for children with chronic illnesses. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of a forest-based intervention on stress-related salivary biomarkers in vulnerable pediatric populations, including cancer survivors and children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental design was used to assess 52 children aged 8-17 years, including both patients and their healthy siblings. Participants completed a 2.5-h guided immersion in a Mediterranean forest. Saliva samples were collected immediately before and after the intervention to measure cortisol, alpha-amylase, and immunoglobulin A levels. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hospital Clínico Universitario "Virgen de la Arrixaca" on June 29, 2021 (CEIC Code, 2021-6-10-HCUVA).
Results:
At the group level, significant reductions in cortisol and alpha-amylase were observed following the intervention, indicating acute stress relief. Subgroup analyses revealed notable decreases in cortisol and immunoglobulin A among children with neurodevelopmental disorders, while cancer survivors showed significant reductions in alpha-amylase.
Discussion:
This study provides novel biomarker-based evidence that brief exposure to natural environments can reduce physiological stress in children with chronic illnesses. These findings support the integration of accessible nature-based interventions into healthcare and community programmes to promote health, resilience, and overall wellbeing in pediatric populations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Physiological Foundation of Stress
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...

