D1.133 - Nature Prescription: Another Alternative Therapy for Patients with Chronic Respiratory Disease – Pilot Study

Nature prescription involves recommendations for time in nature and is associated with improved physical and mental well-being, and can be incorporated into chronic respiratory disease management programs, through the availability of free or low-cost activities and the involvement of local health professionals. 

Objective:To demonstrate the feasibility of a nature prescription program for patients with chronic respiratory diseases, how it can be implemented cost-effectively, using existing resources to assist in future communication and evaluation.

A pilot project was conducted with 15 patients (35-60 years old), 10 (female) diagnosed with chronic respiratory disease treated at a health center in southern Brazil (Uruguaiana). Patients were evaluated for three months, receiving the following interventions: arts, dance, nature exposures, spirituality, Mindfulness, and Yoga. After an initial medical interview and evaluation, spirometry, ECG, assessment of physical activity level, quality of life, Asthma Control Test (ACT), exposure to pollution, level of depression and anxiety, and relationship with nature were performed. Patients were monitored by physicians, physical educators, medical students, occupational therapists, and psychologists.

Most participants (80%) were interested in a nature prescription, even among those who spent less than 2 hours per week in nature (70%). At the end of the three months, (70%) of the patients showed improvement in physical activity, 60% had improvement in ACT with reduction of rescue medication (salbutamol), improvement in peak flow and other parameters of lung function, (30%) had lower blood pressure values, (20%) in tobacco and alcohol consumption, and (50%) improved sleep, 80% reported reduction in episodes of anxiety-depression (mainly in 5 patients who lived alone).

Growing evidence suggests that time in nature can positively influence many health parameters, including respiratory problems. Health professionals are in a key position to integrate public health promotion and environmental care. Nature prescription programs can involve a variety of natural environments and activities and can become part of clinical practice.