Forest recreation and well-being - a survey of sanatorium patients' opinions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15287/afr.2025.3504Keywords:
forest bathing, forest therapy, public health, shinrin-yoku, spas, wellnessAbstract
Numerous studies provide evidence of the positive effects of forest recreation on well-being. However, there is a lack of research conducted among sanatorium patients. Some sanatoria organize various exercises for patients, supervised by instructors in the forests surrounding the health resort. This study examined the opinions of patients in these sanatoria regarding the impact of such forest exercises on their well-being. An additional objective was to gain knowledge about the type of exercises held in the forest, as well as their frequency and duration. A total of 293 patients participated in the individual questionnaire interview. Ninety-five percent of respondents declared that forest exercises took place several times a week, while 5% indicated a frequency of 1-2 times a week. Seventy-five percent of patients spent 1 to 2 hours during individual forest exercises, 23% spent more than 2 hours, and 2% less than 1 hour. The most frequently organized forms of forest activities for sanatorium patients were walking (40%) and Nordic walking (31%), followed by exercising in the outdoor gym (17%) and gymnastics (12%). Almost all patients reported improved well-being after forest exercises. Additionally, 92% of patients also visited the forest during their leisure time. The results may pave the way for the potential development of forest bathing as an effective method to enhance the well-being of sanatorium patients, thereby positively influencing the process of improving their health. Considering health promotion, sanatorium management is encouraged to implement various forms of forest recreation, including forest bathing, into sanatorium treatment programs. It is essential to ensure that the form of forest recreation and the duration of sessions (1-2 hours) are tailored to the capabilities of sanatorium patients.
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