Study on the effect of short-term climatotherapy in Japan

Twenty-nine urban residents participated in a half-day climatotherapy program in a temperate mountainous region and a lowland area in the northwest of the main island of Japan. The aim of this prospective pilot study of the University of Fukui with a one-time intervention was to investigate the objective and subjective physical and psychological effects of the short program.

During the terrain treatment on an ascending mountain trail , blood pressure dropped significantly and returned to normal after fresh air rest therapy, while no significant changes were observed on the flat lowland trail during the course of the program. Heart rate rose and fell significantly in both areas, with the changes being more pronounced on the mountain trail.

The Japanese short version of the "Profile of Mood States" (POMS) was used before and after the half-day program. The age-adjusted T-scores of the negative subscales "tension-anxiety", "depression", "anger-hostility", "fatigue" and "confusion" were significantly lower after the climatotherapy at both locations. In contrast, there was no significant change in the "vitality" score.

This short climatotherapy program was designed for people who do not have enough time for a longer stay at a resort town. The results show that the half-day climatotherapy program helps to improve mood. In addition, repeated treatment of the program, especially endurance training on ascending paths, can be expected to normalize blood pressure and reduce heart rate both in everyday life and during physical activity. Health benefits can therefore be derived from this climatotherapy program.