Exploring the MIND diet and Forest Bathing for reducing stress
The Effectiveness of MIND Diet and Forest Bathing on Reducing Psychological Stress Among Older Chinese: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if following the MIND diet and participating in Forest Bathing can help reduce stress in older Chinese adults compared to regular care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hong Kong Metropolitan University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06351423 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of the MIND diet and Forest Bathing in alleviating psychological stress among older Chinese individuals. Participants will engage in a two-hour Forest Bathing session over four weekends and attend four nutrition sessions focused on the MIND diet for a duration of 12 weeks. The study aims to compare the outcomes of these interventions against routine care to determine their impact on stress reduction. This pilot study addresses a significant gap in mental health management for older adults in Hong Kong, where conventional treatments have proven insufficient.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older Chinese individuals who can speak Cantonese and have mild to moderate levels of psychological stress.
Not a fit: Patients with poorly controlled kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or those with known allergies to key dietary components, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective non-pharmacological interventions for reducing stress and improving mental health in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While the combination of MIND diet and Forest Bathing is relatively novel, previous studies have shown positive effects of each intervention separately on mental health.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Chinese ethnicity, and * able to speak and understand Cantonese, and * the Chinese version of the DASS-21 stress subscale score larger than or equal to 8, and smaller than or equal to 12; or * the Chinese version of the DASS-21 anxiety subscale score larger than or equal to 4, and smaller than or equal to 7, or * the Chinese version of the DASS-21 depression subscale score larger than or equal to 5, and smaller than or equal to 10. Exclusion Criteria: * kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that is poorly controlled * known allergies to berries, nuts, fish or olive oil * known to mental health services * those who participated in any relaxation or dietary programme in the past 3 months and those who anticipate joining such a programme shortly * those who are unable to walk independently
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Metropolitan University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fabian Ling Ngai Tung, PhD — Assistant Professor
- Study coordinator: Fabian Ling Ngai Tung, PhD
- Email: ftung@hkmu.edu.hk
- Phone: 85239708732
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.