The Impact of Therapeutic Gardens on Physiological and Psychological Conditions through Sitting and Walking Activities

Authors

  • Cantika Lidyawati Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana
  • Alferd Jansen Sutrisno Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana

Keywords:

effectiveness, therapeutic garden, mental health, physical condition, vegetation

Abstract

Therapeutic gardens are green open spaces that provide physiological and psychological benefits through human interaction with nature. This study aimed to analyze the effects of a therapeutic garden on users’ physiological and psychological conditions and to examine the influence of plant visual characteristics on user comfort. A mixed-methods approach with a pretest–posttest design was conducted involving 30 respondents. Physiological data were measured using heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO₂), while psychological data were collected through a Likert-scale questionnaire. Paired sample t-tests, Wilcoxon tests, and bivariate correlation analyses were employed to evaluate changes in respondents’ conditions and the relationship between plant visual characteristics and psychological responses. The results showed that the therapeutic garden improved comfort, calmness, relaxation, and mood while reducing stress levels. Physiologically, the average heart rate decreased by 10.73 bpm, whereas SpO₂ remained within the normal range. Plant color composition showed a stronger influence on psychological responses than plant form and vegetation height. These findings indicate that therapeutic gardens have the potential to promote physiological relaxation and psychological well-being and provide design recommendations through the addition of shade vegetation, aromatic plants, and enhanced vegetation stratification.

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Published

07.07.2026

How to Cite

Lidyawati, C., & Sutrisno, A. J. (2026). The Impact of Therapeutic Gardens on Physiological and Psychological Conditions through Sitting and Walking Activities. Arsir, 10(AIP), 251–273. Retrieved from https://ojs.um-palembang.ac.id/index.php/arsir/article/view/2067

Issue

Vol. 10 No. AIP (2026): Article in Press

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Cantika Lidyawati, Alferd Jansen Sutrisno

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