RESEARCH

Effectiveness of Horticultural Therapy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

This systematic review explores randomized controlled trials on horticultural therapy for patients suffering from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and stroke-induced hemiplegia.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Setting or Context: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care Homes, Hospitals/Clinics, Rehabilitation Centers, Community Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Physical Health, Increased Social Engagement & Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews, Randomized Controlled Trials, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness

Access: Paid

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Summary

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of horticultural therapy (HT). Researchers searched databases for studies from 1990 to August 20, 2013. Studies were included if the trial included at least one treatment group where HT was applied. The review focused on cure and rehabilitation effects following the International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10). Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by multiple review authors. Out of the initial search results, only four studies met all inclusion criteria. These studies, published in English and Korean, targeted dementia, severe mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression), frail elderly in nursing homes, and hemiplegic patients after stroke. The included studies showed significant effectiveness in one or more outcomes for mental health and behaviour. The review concluded that HT may be an effective treatment for mental and behavioural disorders such as dementia, schizophrenia, depression, and terminal care for cancer

Link

Kamioka, Hiroharu & Tsutani, Kiichiro & Yamada, Minoru & Park, Hyuntae & Okuizumi, Hiroyasu & Honda, Takuya & Okada, Shimpei & Park, Sang-Jun & Kitayuguchi, Jun & Abe, Takafumi & Handa, Shuichi & Mutoh, Yoshiteru. (2014). Effectiveness of horticultural therapy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 22. 10.1016/j.ctim.2014.08.009.

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