Cardiovascular Therapy and Prevention (Russian Federation) · Published 2026-06-13 · DOI 10.15829/1728-8800-2026-4710
A. V. Kontsevaya, M. I. Kashutina, A. A. Antsiferova, D. K. Mukaneeva, V. A. Kutsenko, E. S. Ivanova, N. A. Pustelenin, O. M. Drapkina
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.
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Kontsevaya, A., Kashutina, M., Antsiferova, A., et al. (2026). 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 (Russian Federation). https://doi.org/10.15829/1728-8800-2026-4710