An interventional study of Exposure to nearby nature and Exposure to virtual nature in Physiological Recovery, Psychological Recovery and Restorative Experiences, sponsored by JAMK University Of Applied Sciences. Completed at 1 site in Finland. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2023-07-06.
Sponsored by JAMK University Of Applied Sciences · Not applicable, Interventional, and Prevention
The research examines employees' recovery from work stress during visits in nearby nature and when viewing virtual nature with Virtual Reality (VR) goggles. The research provides information on the physiological and psychological recovery of employees who do remote or hybrid work. Recovery is analysed with qualitative and quantitative methods including Firstbeat Life measurements, surveys and interviews. The results can be used in workplaces to develop operating models to promote well-being in remote and hybrid work. The research generates new understanding on how employees' recovery can be supported by means of virtual nature tourism services.
An intervention study with a cross-over research design will be conducted among a sample of 60 employees who do remote or hybrid work. The intervention phase lasts in total of four weeks. During the first week (control phase), the participants continue their daily routine as normal. During the second week of the intervention, a half of the participants are randomised to visit a nearby natural area after finishing work (exposure to nearby nature). The other half of the participants are randomised to view virtual nature videos with VR goggles after finishing work (exposure to virtual nature). On the third week of the intervention, the participants complete nature exposure the other way around. That is, those participants who took part first in exposure to nearby nature will view virtual nature, and vice versa. On the fourth week of the intervention, the participants take part in a semi-structured focus group interview.
Recovering from work in nearby nature and virtual nature is examined through multidisciplinary perspectives of health, well-being, and tourism. The aim of the research is to find new ways of promoting work stress recovery, psychological detachment and restoration among employees when they are making the transition between work time and personal time. These research findings are particularly relevant for fields in which there has been a growing trend for remote or hybrid work. This research is funded by the Finnish Work Environment Fund (Project Number: 220076).
Exclusion Criteria:
During the first week, the participants continue their normal routine at work and in leisure time. On the second week, the participants visit a nearby natural area after finishing their workday on three days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). On the third week, the participants watch virtual nature videos with Virtual Reality (VR) goggles after finishing their workday on three days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).
Behavioral: Exposure to nearby nature · Behavioral: Exposure to virtual nature
During the first week, the participants continue their normal routine at work and in leisure time. On the second week, the participants watch virtual nature videos with Virtual Reality (VR) goggles after finishing their workday on three days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). On the third week, the participants visit a nearby natural area after finishing their workday on three days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).
Behavioral: Exposure to nearby nature · Behavioral: Exposure to virtual nature
Participants spend a minimum of 20 minutes in their favourite place in nearby nature.
Participants spend a minimum of 20 minutes watching virtual nature videos.
Psychological recovery
Recovery Experience Questionnaire (REQ), the scores range from 1 to 5, a higher score refers to better psychological recovery.
Time frame: Three weeks
Restorative experiences
Restorative Outcome Scale (ROS), the scores range from 1 to 7, a higher score refers to better restoration.
Time frame: Three weeks
Work engagement
Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), the scores range from 1 to 7, a higher score refers to higher work engagement.
Time frame: Three weeks
Burnout
Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), the scores range from 1 to 5, a higher score refers to higher burnout.
Time frame: Three weeks
Stress recovery
A physiological measure of stress recovery balance, the scores range from 0 to 100, a higher score refers to better physiological stress recovery.
Time frame: Three weeks
Sleep quality
A physiological measure of the restorative effect of sleep, the scores range from 0 to 100, a higher score refers to better recovery during sleep.
Time frame: Three weeks
Relax-Stress Intensity
A physiological measure of the Relax-Stress Intensity (RSI), the scores range from -100 to 100, a higher score (+/- 100) refers to a stronger reaction.
Time frame: Three weeks
Body resources
A physiological measure of body resources, the scores range from 0 to 100, a higher score refers to higher body resources.
Time frame: Three weeks
Plan to share: Yes — Data from surveys and physiological measurements will be anonymised after the research and will be archived to the research data storage service (IDA). Anonymised data will open for reuse after the research finishes in 2024. The reuse of interview data will be restricted to suitable parts.
Supporting information: Study protocol
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This study is completed, as verified in Jul 2023. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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JAMK University Of Applied Sciences