Investigating the Impact of Mindful Attention Focus During Nature Walks on Mental Well-being: A Mixed Methods Randomised Control Trial

Abstract

Background: Poor mental well-being and sedentary lifestyles are an increasing problem, especially in the student population. Literature shows Green Exercise (GE) has a synergetic effect, resulting in increased benefits to mental well-being compared to being in nature or physical activity individually. GE has the ability to promote both mental well-being and physical activity. Previous studies have investigated the optimal dose of exercising in nature including duration, intensity, type and environmental characteristics. However, the exerciser-environment relationship, developed through affordances, seems more important to understand the mental well-being benefits that arise during GE. Methods/design: This proposed study will follow a mixed method randomised control trial design. It aims to investigate if a greater improvement in mental well-being is found after carrying out a four-week mindful nature walking programme, compared to a four-week standard practice walking programme. The mindful intervention will focus on drawing participants attention to their external environment, with participants listening to an audio recording through earphones during their walks. Approximately 20 participants will be recruited from Queen Margaret University. Mental well-being will be evaluated by the Warwick- Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). Semi-structured interviews will gather qualitative data. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) will be used to analyse data extracted from interviews to establish themes of participants experiences. Paired-t tests will be used to test significance (p<0.05) of WEMWBS scores pre and post intervention. Discussion: This study will contribute to existing evidence by investigating if mindful walking could be used as an accessible and cost-effective practice to improve mental well-being whilst promoting physical activity. The design of the study is rigorously based on existing evidence within GE. The methodology carefully balances strengthening internal validity by controlling for confounding effects, whilst also ensuring results are externally valid and applicable to real life practice.