The purpose of this research was to objectively assess the effectiveness of the horticultural activity from the physiological and psychological reactions. The subjects were 14 female students of A University Faculty of Medicine. The subjects performed both horticultural activity and bedrest. The physiological reactions such as salivary amylase, pulse and blood pressure were measured.
The psychological reactions were acquired by the Profile of Mood State（s hereafter referred to as “POMS”）, and free description of the horticultural activity was obtained.
Significant changes in the salivary amylase, pulse and blood pressure were not observed. As for POMS, “tension-anxiety,” “depression-dejection,” “anger-hostility,” “fatigue” and “confusion” significantly decreased after intervention compared to after a stressful situation. In contrast, “vigor” significantly increased compared to both bedrest and after a stressful situation,calculation trial of addition of numbers. In the subjective reaction obtained through the free description positive remarks, such as “while gardening, I felt relaxed” and “I’d like to participate again”, were acquired. From the above results, mental relaxation effect is expected and the horticultural activity can be considered as to be valid for improvement of the volition.