Nature walks with mindfulness were linked to greater reported growth after breast cancer
The walking program was associated with larger post-traumatic growth gains than standard physical activity; anxiety and depression differences were not statistically significant.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Both groups reported more post-traumatic growth, with larger gains in the nature-walk group. Stress also improved more with nature walks, while differences in anxiety and depression were not statistically significant. The findings concern questionnaire scores among breast cancer survivors; they do not show that walking changed cancer outcomes or establish lasting psychological benefits.
This brief uses only the abstract. Its quasi-experimental label and statement of random assignment leave the design unclear. Participant numbers and follow-up beyond the intervention are not reported.
What researchers found
Increase in post-traumatic growth score
Nature walks versus standard physical activity at 8 weeks, measured by PTGI; respective 95% CIs: 13.7–16.1 and 5.9–7.7.
What the program combined
The program combined guided walks in a park with mindfulness. Researchers used questionnaires to measure reported growth after trauma and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress over the intervention.
What changed beyond the total score
The larger growth score changes included personal strength, appreciation for life and relationships with others. These questionnaire results describe participants’ reported experiences and should be interpreted separately from the nonsignificant anxiety and depression comparisons.
The original publication
The effects of nature walk therapy on post-traumatic growth in breast cancer survivors: A comparative study.
Noushad S, Ahmed S, Saleem Y et al.
Eur J Oncol Nurs · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41092524
- Record checked
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