Healing connections: nature and physical therapy as mental health allies

Abstract

The article explores the combined therapeutic effects of exposure to nature and physical therapy on the mental health of adults in Quevedo, Ecuador. The objective is to evaluate how interaction with natural environments, added to a structured physical exercise routine, impacts on the reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as influences the overall improvement of physical and emotional well-being of these adults. An experimental design was carried out that included 300 participants, divided into two groups that performed physical exercise: one exposed to nature and the other that performed it indoors. Psychological and physiological indicators were measured during 12 weeks using validated tools and monitoring devices. The results showed that the experimental group, which combined physical therapy and nature, presented a significant reduction in anxiety and depression levels, as well as improvements in measures of stress and cardiovascular well-being compared to the control group. These findings suggest that nature can act as a powerful adjunct to non-pharmacological interventions for mental health, opening up new possibilities for research and application of accessible therapies.