Development of a forest healing program for individuals with musculoskeletal disease risk and verification of its preventive effects

Preventive treatment is crucial in averting the onset of musculoskeletal diseases, particularly among individuals in high-stress occupations. This study aimed to develop a forest healing program and a standardized survey index to gauge its efficacy in mitigating stress and preventing musculoskeletal disorders. Service-oriented workers who engage in repetitive tasks but are not traditional office workers at risk of musculoskeletal issues were recruited. The forest healing program was crafted through a review of existing initiatives and identification of factors alleviating muscle tension and stress. A comprehensive survey index encompassing stress, depression, anxiety, quality of life, and somatization was designed. Participants were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Somatization Scale (SOM), and the newly devised survey index before and after engaging in the developed forest healing program. Evaluation of 42 participants pre- and post-program revealed significant reductions in PSS (25.857 ± 8.120/17.905 ± 5.958; P < .001), SOM (27.905 ± 8.839/20.286 ± 8.019; P < .001), and standard survey index scores (33.857 ± 10.280/23.333 ± 8.703; P < .001). The developed forest healing program demonstrated substantial stress relief and muscle relaxation benefits, proving effective in preventing musculoskeletal diseases. Moreover, the standardized survey index emerged as a valuable tool for assessing stress related to such disorders, exhibiting correlations with PSS and SOM.