Green space is good for our health? University scientists put it to test

RESEARCHERS at Loughborough University are set to put the theory that green spaces are good for our health and wellbeing to the test.

A new research programme will investigate and measure the impact of different environments on human stress and function.

It will be led by Dr Danny Longman, lecturer in physiology, Yvanna Todorova, doctoral candidate (both School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences), and Dr Colin Shaw (University of Zurich).

Comparing natural envir o n m e n t s where our ancestors once thrived, to the towns and cities where we now live, the project will analyse how these different settings affect the human population.

The programme’s first study (funded by the SSHB) recruited an all-female group (aged 18 to 35) to be randomly assigned to spend one hour in either an urban environment (Loughborough town centre) or a forest environment (Holywell Wood, Loughborough

University campus). Following campus-based testing to establish baseline stress markers, participants were asked to complete two laps of a guided 2.5km walking trail, including a 15-minute seated rest.

Immediately after completing the task, participants returned to the laboratory for measures of physiological and psychological stress, as well as eating behaviour.

This cohort was selected as it is most affected by chronic stress and is also the group currently unrepresented. Dr Longman said: “Since our species first appeared 200,000 - 300,000 years ago, natural environments have been our primary habitat.

“As a result, evolutionary processes have shaped our biology to be adapted to natural environments. However, the last 200 to 300 years has seen urban centres rapidly replace nature as our primary habitat.

“This change has created a mismatch between the environment we are adapted to, and the one we live in. This leads to stress, damaging our health and wellbeing.

“Our work aims to improve our understanding of how our evolutionary history underpins our interactions with the modern environment.”

Previous research groups have discovered that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost immune function.

As stress is also linked to eating behaviour and obesity, the Loughborough team wanted to test if the stress-reducing effect of the forest can go as far as influencing eating behaviour.

The group are preparing the next stage of the programme, which is being funded by the British Academy and Leverhulme Trust.

This project will address a more diverse range of natural environments, as well as more targeted aspects of human function, including cognitive, immune and physical function. Those wishing to participate in the research can register their interest by contacting Yvanna Todorova at y.todorova@ lboro.ac.uk.

The results of the work will be published by Easter 2022.