Taipei, Taiwan-Research has confirmed that there are physical and mental benefits associated with performing horticultural activities, such as being in contact with soil and viewing plants. In addition, due to the rapidly increasing volume of affective neuroscience research, it is now possible to understand emotional processing in the brain through neuroimaging.
Natural, green environments can reduce stress, while urban environments show the opposite effect in humans. Due to the positive outcomes of horticultural activities, nursing homes and community gardens offer these activities to middle-aged and elderly residents, office workers, and the general public to reduce stress and boost positive emotions.
There are gardening activities that might be appropriate for all ages, but, given that previous studies have not explored the immediate neurological effects of different horticultural activities, a knowledge gap exists. Therefore, this study was designed to generate information about the connection between brain activity and horticultural activities and to examine the link between the impact of horticultural experiences and psychological responses. Researchers explored the relationship between immediate functional connections and emotional activation after different horticultural activities, namely site preparation and sowing, fertilizing and weeding, and harvesting. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and the Profile of Mood States were used to determine physiological and psychological measurements.
Lead author Chun-Yen Chang is Professor and Head of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Taiwan University in Taipei. Professor Chang is the first landscape scholar to measure the impacts of landscapes on human brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging. He is one of the world’s foremost experts in landscapes and human health.
The full article can be found on the HortScience electronic journal website at:
Established in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science is recognized around the world as one of the most respected and influential professional societies for horticultural scientists. ASHS is committed to promoting and encouraging national and international interest in scientific research and education in all branches of horticulture.
Comprised of thousands of members worldwide, ASHS represents a broad cross-section of the horticultural community – scientists, educators, students, landscape and turf managers, government, extension agents and industry professionals. ASHS members focus on practices and problems in horticulture: breeding, propagation, production and management, harvesting, handling and storage, processing, marketing and use of horticultural plants and products. To learn more, visit ashs.org.
