Nationwide Research on the Rewilding of Kindergarten Yards
Launched by NATURAL RESOURCES INSTITUTE FINLAND · Apr 25, 2024
Trial Information
Current as of June 26, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is exploring how transforming kindergarten yards into more natural, wild spaces—known as "rewilding"—can benefit children's health. The researchers want to see if these greener environments can improve the bacteria living on and inside children, reduce allergies and asthma, lower the risk of infections, and even enhance cognitive skills (which are the mental abilities we use to learn and solve problems). They will also check if these changes affect stress levels and certain immune system markers in the blood.
Children aged 1 to 5 who attend kindergarten and have not taken antibiotics in the past year are eligible to participate. Families involved in the study can expect to answer questionnaires and provide samples of skin, saliva, and blood for further analysis. The trial aims to recruit a total of 320 participants, with about 120 undergoing more detailed testing. This research could provide valuable insights into how nature impacts children's health and development.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Attendance in kindergarten
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Use of antibiotics in the year before sampling
About Natural Resources Institute Finland
The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is a leading research organization dedicated to advancing sustainable management and utilization of natural resources. With a strong focus on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, Luke integrates interdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex environmental challenges and promote bioeconomy initiatives. Committed to innovation and scientific excellence, Luke collaborates with various stakeholders, including academia, industry, and government, to develop evidence-based solutions that support ecological sustainability and enhance socio-economic resilience. Through its robust clinical trial programs, Luke aims to contribute valuable insights and advancements in the field of natural resource management, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Tampere, , Finland
Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Aki Sinkkonen
Principal Investigator
Natural Resources Institute Finland
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported