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Short-term cardiovascular and mental health responses to Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing): a systematic review and meta-analysis

PRISMA-registered meta-analysis (11 studies) reporting short-term reductions in heart rate and POMS mood subscales after shinrin-yoku; authors rate overall GRADE certainty as very low and position forest bathing as complementary wellness, not standalone disease treatment.

Pooled signals

  • Heart rate: mean difference −4.00 bpm (95% CI −6.90 to −1.09)
  • Tension-anxiety (POMS): MD −0.79 (95% CI −1.13 to −0.46)
  • Depression-dejection: MD −0.68 (95% CI −1.03 to −0.34)

Evidence quality

GRADE very low for several outcomes (bias risk, inconsistency I² up to ~87%, imprecision). Authors explicitly warn against treating shinrin-yoku as a solo preventive/therapeutic tool for circulatory or mental disorders.

OSF preregistration

Systematic review registered on OSF (see PubMed "Systematic review registration" link).

Outcomes

  • Heart Rate
    -4
    bpm (Beats Per Minute)
  • Depression & Anxiety Composite Score
    POMS tension-anxiety MD −0.79 (95% CI −1.13 to −0.46); depression-dejection MD −0.68 (95% CI −1.03 to −0.34)
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