PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of green exercise combined with aerobic and resistance training on alexithymia, depression, and quality of life in elderly individuals. METHODS: This randomised controlled trial included 64 community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older, randomly assigned to an exercise group or a control group. Green exercises combined with aerobic and resistance exercises were applied to the exercise group once a week for 12 weeks. Alexithymia was evaluated with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), depression with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and quality of life with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Module for the Elderly (WHOQOL-OLD). RESULTS: At week 12, the exercise group showed significant improvements compared to the control group in total scores of quality of life (F = 85.895, p < 0.001, η CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that incorporating natural environments into structured physical activity may provide additional benefits for affect regulation and psychological well-being in older adults. Green exercise may serve as an accessible and effective intervention to improve mental health and support healthy aging. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05342142.
Mete et al. (2026) studied this question.