NatureUplift

The NatureUplift study is a two-arm pilot randomized trial designed to evaluate the effects of a nature-based curriculum with a hiking component on moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity, mental health outcomes, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure among African American parent-child dyads. This study is being conducted with 12 parent-child dyads. The study involves 12 parent-child pairs and includes two groups:

• NatureUplift+Active Group (active intervention): Participants engage in a 12-week curriculum of nature-based, light-intensity activities (e.g., outdoor yoga, forest bathing) and additionally participate in weekly hiking sessions at a moderate to vigorous intensity.
• NatureUplift Group (delayed intervention): Participants undergo the same nature-based curriculum over 12 weeks without the added hiking component. After this period, they will transition to a shortened, 4-week version of the NatureUplift+Active program, resulting in a total 16-week intervention.

Both intervention groups are led by culturally-representative facilitators. Key outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4 weeks (process outcome), 12 weeks (primary endpoint), and 16 weeks (maintenance outcomes), including objectively measured physical activity and blood pressure, as well as self-reported mental health outcomes using validated surveys. The study’s findings are expected to have significant public health implications, with potential for broader application within community-based settings, such as the TRPD system and across Minnesota. These results are expected to inform future research, community-centered reports, and policy recommendations aimed at reducing physical activity disparities and advancing cardiovascular health equity.