Occupational therapy and therapeutic horticulture for women with cancer and chronic pain: A pilot study

This pilot study used a mixed methods experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week therapeutic horticulture program for women with cancer living with chronic pain. Seven female participants completed the program, which involved weekly horticulture activities. The researchers collected quantitative data on pain perception, quality of life, and functional fitness using the Brief Pain Inventory short form, the 36-Item Short Form Survey, and the Functional Fitness Test. Qualitative data was gathered through interviews and focus group discussions to explore participants’ subjective experiences.

The results showed significant improvements in vitality (p = 0.018), lower body flexibility (p = 0.043), and agility and dynamic balance (p = 0.043) among participants. However, there were no significant changes in pain perception. The study suggests that therapeutic horticulture may be beneficial as an occupation-based intervention for individuals with cancer living with chronic pain, particularly in improving vitality and certain aspects of physical functioning.

Mori, Y., Kugel, J., Krpalek, D. et al. (2021). Occupational therapy and therapeutic horticulture for women with cancer and chronic pain: A pilot study. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 9(2)