Who Benefits from Barefooting? The Key Role of Baseline Wellbeing in Psychophysical Restoration

Nature-based activities have been linked to psychophysical restoration, but the role of individual baseline conditions in predicting recovery remains unclear. This study examined whether baseline stress levels and mental wellbeing influence psychophysical recovery after an immersive barefooting experience, and whether sociodemographic factors (sex and education) and access to green spaces moderate these effects. A convenience sample of 249 adults (58% female, mean age 45 years) voluntarily participated in a structured barefooting trail in two Italian parks and, after the activity, completed post-experience self-report questionnaires using validated scales (Perceived Stress Scale, Restorative Outcome Scale, and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that higher baseline mental wellbeing significantly predicted greater psychophysical recovery, while short-term perceived stress did not. None of the tested interactions with sex, education level, or access to green space were significant. These results suggest that mental wellbeing, rather than recent stress, may be a key factor in maximizing restorative experiences in immersive nature-based activities, and that this effect appears consistent across sociodemographic and environmental contexts. While preliminary, these findings highlight the potential of barefoot walking and similar multisensory activities as low-cost strategies to maintain and enhance psychological wellbeing.