APS

2023 APS Annual Convention · 2023

How Does a Walk in Nature Impact the Brain: Exploring the Nurturing Effects of Nature

Washington, DC · May 2023

Flash Talk · Biological/Neuroscience

  • Sonja Sudimac
    Max Planck Institute for Human Development
  • Vera Sale
    Max Planck Institute for Human Development
  • Simone Kuehn
    University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
  • Simone Kuehn
    Max Planck Institute for Human Development

Abstract

An fMRI intervention study with 63 participants demonstrated that a one-hour walk in nature reduced activity in the amygdala, stress-related brain region, whereas activity remained stable after an urban walk. This suggests that nature walks may alleviate disadvantageous effects of the city on stress-related brain regions and prevent mental strain.

Stress

← Biological/Neuroscience Flash Talks