Physiological and Psychological Effects of Watching Videos of Different Durations Showing Urban Bamboo Forests with Varied Structures

Yuqian Wang, Mingyan Jiang, Yinshu Huang, Zhiyi Sheng, Xiao Huang, Wei Lin, Qibing Chen, Xi Li, Zhenghua Luo and Bingyang Lv
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Yuqian Wang: College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Mingyan Jiang: College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Yinshu Huang: College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Zhiyi Sheng: College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Xiao Huang: College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Wei Lin: College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Qibing Chen: College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Xi Li: College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Zhenghua Luo: College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Bingyang Lv: College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-18

Abstract: This study illustrated the physiological and psychological effects of watching videos of different durations showing bamboo forests with varied structures. Physiological indicators, including EEG (electroencephalogram), blood pressure, skin conductance, and pulse, were monitored in 180 Chinese university students (mean age: 20.72 ± 2.56 years) while they were watching bamboo videos. Before and after watching the videos, their psychological indicators, including positive and negative moods, were measured using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire. After watching the bamboo videos of different durations, all of the physiological indicators responded to the stimulation after only 1 min. The indicators showed different trends at 1, 3 and 5 min. EEG decreased and then was maintained at a stable level after 1 min, and the high β, low β, and α waves had no significant differences between 1, 3 and 5 min. Blood pressure dropped to a stable state after 3 min, and the decline was significantly different greater after 3 min than after 1 min. Skin conductance increased for 1 to 5 min, and it did not stabilize after a long time (5 min). Pulse decreased after 1 min but increased after 5 min. After watching the videos with bamboo of varying structures, the physiological and psychological indicators showed significantly different changes. Skin conductance significantly increased (mean value: 6.78%), and the amount of sweat was more effectively reduced, thereby reducing tension, when the students viewed videos of sympodial bamboo forests compared with monopodial bamboo forests. Bamboo forests with a higher canopy density (0.83–0.85) could significantly decrease α waves (mean value: 1.50 Hz), relaxing the human body. High β and low β waves showed greater decreases, with tension reduced more effectively, when bamboo forests with a low tilt ratio (< 1.5%) were viewed. Bamboo forests with neat undergrowth could have more beneficial physiological and psychological effects on the human body.

Keywords: natural therapy; bamboo forests; stimulation duration; forests structures; physiological and psychological responses; stress restoration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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