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<p>Existing research has confirmed the association between forest walking and enhanced health and well-being; however, the underlying mechanism by which forest trails exert health effects remains incompletely understood-particularly regarding how the spatial structure of trails induces variations in health index responses. This study empirically examines dynamic changes of multiple physiological and psychological indicators related to vegetation density (a core component of trail spatial structure) in real forest trails. Thirty-two volunteers (<i>N</i> = 32) participated in the experiment, during which their physiological indicators were continuously monitored using electroencephalogram (EEG) devices and smart bracelets as they walked along real forest trails, included neuro-emotional states, EEG indices (beta/alpha (β/α), theta (θ), and gamma (γ)), heart rate (HR), and walking speed (WS). Additionally, a perception questionnaire was employed to evaluate differences in participants’ psychological perceptions and variations in their psychological states. The results reveal that vegetation density is one of the key factors influencing the health benefits of forest experiences. Walking on forest trails with higher vegetation density (≥ 36.51%) effectively fosters positive neuro-emotional states, essentially boosting participants’ sense of interest and enhancing feelings of calm. Higher vegetation density (≥ 36.51%) promotes beneficial EEG changes, indicating reduced stress and improved attention. Moreover, moderately high vegetation density on forest trails generates beneficial physiological outcomes, which in turn improve psychological assessments related to perception. These findings provide valuable empirical support and robust evidence for validating the positive health effects of forest therapy, while also offering practical insights for the scientific planning of forest trails.</p>

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Effect of forest trail vegetation density on health benefits: an empirical study based on mobile measurements

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月13日

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  • Chengcheng Zeng,
  • Ke Wang,
  • Wei Lin,
  • Qibing Chen

摘要

Existing research has confirmed the association between forest walking and enhanced health and well-being; however, the underlying mechanism by which forest trails exert health effects remains incompletely understood-particularly regarding how the spatial structure of trails induces variations in health index responses. This study empirically examines dynamic changes of multiple physiological and psychological indicators related to vegetation density (a core component of trail spatial structure) in real forest trails. Thirty-two volunteers (N = 32) participated in the experiment, during which their physiological indicators were continuously monitored using electroencephalogram (EEG) devices and smart bracelets as they walked along real forest trails, included neuro-emotional states, EEG indices (beta/alpha (β/α), theta (θ), and gamma (γ)), heart rate (HR), and walking speed (WS). Additionally, a perception questionnaire was employed to evaluate differences in participants’ psychological perceptions and variations in their psychological states. The results reveal that vegetation density is one of the key factors influencing the health benefits of forest experiences. Walking on forest trails with higher vegetation density (≥ 36.51%) effectively fosters positive neuro-emotional states, essentially boosting participants’ sense of interest and enhancing feelings of calm. Higher vegetation density (≥ 36.51%) promotes beneficial EEG changes, indicating reduced stress and improved attention. Moreover, moderately high vegetation density on forest trails generates beneficial physiological outcomes, which in turn improve psychological assessments related to perception. These findings provide valuable empirical support and robust evidence for validating the positive health effects of forest therapy, while also offering practical insights for the scientific planning of forest trails.