The "Forest" Art Therapy Trail project. Design and methodology for a Russian study on the effects of combination forest and art therapy on human health
A. V. Kontsevaya,
M. I. Kashutina,
A. A. Antsiferova,
D. K. Mukaneeva,
V. A. Kutsenko,
E. S. Ivanova,
N. A. Pustelenin,
O. M. Drapkina https://doi.org/10.15829/1728-8800-2026-4710
EDN: DXAREE
Abstract
This article presents the design and methodology of the first Russian research project "Forest" Art Therapy Trail, dedicated to studying the effects of combination forest and art therapy. The pilot study was conducted from July to September 2025 on the grounds of the Gorki Leninskiye reserve museum.
Aim. To evaluate the impact of combination forest and art therapy on a person's mental status and mood, as well as on a number of objective health parameters.
Material and methods. Volunteers over 18 years of age who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. The study protocol included assessing mental state using the standardized Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire (short version) and assessing objective health indicators (blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation) before and after completing a 2-kilometer route. The route integrates natural landscapes with art objects created by contemporary artists in the land art style. To facilitate data collection, a specialized digital platform was developed to record indicators over time. The study included various participation formats, such as independent walks with questionnaire completion and an extended protocol with a medical examination on weekends.
Conclusion. The obtained research results will form the basis for developing guidelines for the application of this approach as a tool for population-based prevention of noncommunicable diseases and the modification of risk factors such as physical inactivity and chronic stress in urban populations.
About the Authors
A. V. Kontsevaya
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Petroverigsky Lane, 10, bld. 3, Moscow, 101990
M. I. Kashutina
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Petroverigsky Lane, 10, bld. 3, Moscow, 101990
A. A. Antsiferova
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Petroverigsky Lane, 10, bld. 3, Moscow, 101990
D. K. Mukaneeva
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Petroverigsky Lane, 10, bld. 3, Moscow, 101990
V. A. Kutsenko
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Petroverigsky Lane, 10, bld. 3, Moscow, 101990
E. S. Ivanova
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Petroverigsky Lane, 10, bld. 3, Moscow, 101990
N. A. Pustelenin
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Petroverigsky Lane, 10, bld. 3, Moscow, 101990
O. M. Drapkina
National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Petroverigsky Lane, 10, bld. 3, Moscow, 101990
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What is already known about the subject?
- Mental health is closely linked to physical health, and chronic stress increases the risk of noncommunicable diseases.
- Exposure to green spaces (forests, parks) has a positive effect on mental and physical health, including a reduced risk of depression, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular disease.
- Forest therapy (shinrin-yoku, forest bathing) is an evidence-based practice of immersion in a natural environment that helps reduce stress, normalize blood pressure and heart rate, and strengthen the immune system.
- Land art (art in a natural environment) can enhance the health-promoting potential of the environment.
- Forest therapy is being introduced as a practice in Russia, but there is a lack of evidence based on Russia's climatic and population characteristics.
What might this study add?
- For the first time in Russia, a comprehensive research project has been developed and implemented to assess the impact of forest therapy combined with land art on the mental state and objective health parameters of people.
- The pilot project results will lay the foundation for the development and scaling of forest therapy in Russia.
Review
For citations:
Kontsevaya A.V., Kashutina M.I., Antsiferova A.A., Mukaneeva D.K., Kutsenko V.A., Ivanova E.S., Pustelenin N.A., Drapkina O.M. The "Forest" Art Therapy Trail project. Design and methodology for a Russian study on the effects of combination forest and art therapy on human health. Cardiovascular Therapy and Prevention. 2026;25(5):4710. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.15829/1728-8800-2026-4710. EDN: DXAREE
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