About this trial
This project will examine changes in depression and anxiety following a 10-week intervention promoting nature-based physical activity in mental health settings. We will recruit ten licensed therapists whose caseload includes adults with depression and anxiety. Following a training by our team, each participating therapist will recruit six clients, who will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control condition. Clients in the intervention condition will engage in walk-and-talk therapy outdoors during weekly sessions and discuss strategies for being active outdoors on their own. We will assess changes in depression, anxiety, and nature-based physical activity in both groups.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Current client of a participating therapist who has completed study training
Diagnosed depressive or anxiety disorder
Able to safely engage in moderate physical activity
Willing to complete all study requirements
Disqualifiers
Planning to discontinue therapy in less than 6 months
Active suicidal ideation
Does not pass exercise risk screener
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Walk-and-talk therapy
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
Kansas State University
Lead sponsor
REI Cooperative Action Fund
Collaborator