Nature-based therapy with mindful walks for metabolic syndrome in Barcelona
NATURE-based Therapy for METabolic Syndrome (NATURE-MET-B)
This study is testing whether nature-based therapy, including mindful walks in natural settings, can help people with metabolic syndrome feel better and improve their overall health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Barcelona Institute for Global Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Barcelona) |
| Trial ID | NCT06622629 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effects of Nature-based Therapy (NbT) on the biopsychological resilience of sedentary patients with metabolic syndrome in urban coastal settings. Participants will engage in therapeutic activities in natural environments to improve health-related quality of life and reduce allostatic load. The study also seeks to gather data on the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the intervention to enhance prevention programs for metabolic syndrome. Similar studies will be conducted in Padua and Salzburg, focusing on different natural settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include sedentary individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome who have limited exposure to nature.
Not a fit: Patients who are physically active or do not meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life and health outcomes for patients with metabolic syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, similar nature-based interventions have shown promise in improving health outcomes in other populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Medical diagnosis of metabolic syndrome according to the ATPIII (Adult Treatment Panel III of the National Cholesterol Education Program) criteria. According to the ATP III definition, metabolic syndrome is present if at least three of the following five criteria are met (NCEP, 2001): * Abdominal fat distribution: waist circumference \>102 cm (men), \>88 cm (women) * Serum triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL * HDL cholesterol: \<40 mg/dL (men), \<50 mg/dL (women) * Blood pressure: ≥130/≥85 mmHg * Fasting glucose: ≥110 mg/dL * Sedentary/inactive lifestyle: Category 1 (low physical activity) of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF) (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, 2005) * Low nature use (\"infrequent users of nature\"): Categories 1, 2, and 3 of the Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment Survey (MENE) - \"Nature use\" question (Natural England, 2020) * Smartphone users Exclusion Criteria: * Acute contraindications - Malignant hypertension * Contraindications or differential diagnosis * Severe respiratory or pulmonary disease (COPD, severe asthma, emphysema) * Arteriosclerotic incident (e.g., myocardial infarction) \< 6 months ago * Heart failure * Uncontrolled metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes mellitus) * Diagnosis or treatment of a malignant disease \< 3 years ago * Chronic immunological diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) * Orthopedic conditions that prevent participation in excursions * Factors that prevent or hinder participation in the intervention program * Alcohol or substance abuse (except nicotine) * Pregnancy * Insufficient knowledge of Spanish or Catalan (written and spoken/questionnaires) * Factors that prevent self-management * Moderate to severe depression (score \< 13 points on the WHO-5) * Other untreated severe psychiatric illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia) * Taking certain medications * Use of weight loss supplements * Participation in another clinical intervention trial * Participation in therapeutic weight loss programs
Where this trial is running
Barcelona
- ISGlobal — Barcelona, Spain (Recruiting)
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.