Physiological and Cognitive Responses to Walking in Natural and Built Urban Environments

Bhargavi Mahesh, Jauwairia Nasir, Stina Klein, Tobias Hallmen, Yekta Can, Jonathan Simon, Christoph Beck, Joachim Rathmann, Max Stocker, Lisa-Marie Falkenrodt, Elisabeth Andre

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Keywords: physiological stress, walking intervention, urban nature, wearables, heart rate recovery

TL;DR: We show that walking in urban forests yields restorative heart rate responses and cognitive test performance more than built environments, but the magnitudes vary due to potential contextual factors such as seasons.

Abstract: Walking in natural environments is widely recognized as an effective stress reduction strategy, often offering greater benefits than walking in built environments. We examined the physiological and cognitive responses to walking in urban forest versus urban built environments in summer and in winter. This study utilized continuous heart rate monitoring with a wearable chest sensor and 2-back cognitive tests. Higher increases in heart rate during the walk and slower post-walk recovery were observed for walks in built environments compared to those in the forest, in both seasons. However, the magnitudes varied between the seasons, emphasizing the contextual nature of restorative benefits. Improvements in the accuracy of the cognitive tests were observed during the forest walks in summer, but the results were less conclusive in winter. Despite these differences, walking in built environments still conferred well-being benefits, supporting stress reduction regardless of the environment or season.

Track: 2. Sensors and systems for digital health, wellness, and athletics

NominateReviewer: Bhargavi Mahesh [e-mail]

Submission Number: 158