Physical Health
Category: Children, cognitive health, mental health, physical health, therapeutic design
Title: Nature as a healer for autistic children (2019)
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2018.10.014
Summary: This paper focuses on investigating the potential health and well-being advantages of engaging children with autism in nature. Guidelines for a sensory garden are provided, along with exploration of cognitive, mental and physical benefits of connecting with nature. Practical design elements are examined, along with a sight plan to demonstrate these principles in practice.
Category: Older Adults, physical health, mental health
Title: Reduced stress and improved physical functional ability in elderly with mental health problems following a horticultural therapy program (2018)
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.03.011
Summary: This study investigates the effects of 10 horticultural therapy sessions on 14 older adults’ physical and mental health. Results found improved fitness and lower stress compared to the control group. The study design provides examples of self-reported fitness questionnaires.
Category: Physical Health
Title: Health Benefits of Urban Allotment Gardening: Improved Physical and Psychological Well-Being and Social Integration (2017)
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14010071
Summary: 332 people were surveyed on their health and recreational gardening habits. Allotment gardeners reported better physical and mental health compared to non-gardeners. Notably, on average allotment gardeners reported visiting their site over 15 times a month for over an hour duration, but higher visitation or time spent did not result in greater health benefits.
Category: Physical Health, rehabilitation, qualitative,
Title: The Value of a Therapeutic Gardening Intervention for Post-Stroke Patients Engagement During Rehabilitation: An Exploratory Qualitative Study (2016)
Summary: Little research has examined the benefits of therapeutic gardening on stroke rehabilitation. This study analysed interviews and participant diaries to determine the effectiveness of 10 bi-weekly therapeutic horticulture sessions in conjunction with their normal rehabilitation programme. Participants reported a positive experience of nature in which they felt able to explore self-expression and spirituality. In relation to their recovery participants felt it boosted their feelings of control and acted as a bridge between hospital and returning to the real world.
Category: Therapeutic Design; Physical Health; Rehabilitation
Title: Inhalation of Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oil Alleviates Pain and Related Anxiety and Stress in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Moderate to Severe Pain (2023)
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17010001
Summary: A recent study involving 57 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) explored the effects of inhaling geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens, GEO) on pain and psychological well-being. Of the participants, 28% reported mild pain, while 72% experienced moderate to severe pain. Patients were randomised to either a GEO inhalation group or a control group, allowing for between-group comparisons. The results showed significant reductions in pain, anxiety, and stress scores in the GEO group compared to the control group, particularly among those with moderate to severe pain. These findings suggest that GEO inhalation could complement traditional pain management strategies and highlight the therapeutic potential of plant-based sensory activities in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Category: Older Adults; Rehabilitation; Physical Health
Title: Vegetable Gardening and Health Outcomes in Older Cancer Survivors A Randomized Clinical Trial (2024)
Link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2820223
Summary: This randomised clinical trial involving 381 older cancer survivors in Alabama assessed the effects of a vegetable gardening intervention on health outcomes. Although the intervention did not significantly improve measures of diet, physical activity, and physical function, it led to increased vegetable and fruit consumption and significant enhancements in physical performance and perceived health among participants. These findings suggest potential health benefits of vegetable gardening for cancer survivors, indicating the need for further research in more extensive and pandemic-free settings.
Category: Older Adults; Physical Health; Mental Health
Title: Effects of horticultural therapy on health in the elderly: A review and meta-analysis (2023)
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10389-023-01938-w
Summary: A review and meta-analysis examining the effects of horticultural therapy (HT) on the health of the elderly. This comprehensive study included various HT activities conducted both indoors and outdoors, comparing them with traditional activities or therapies. The findings revealed significant improvements in both physical and mental health among older adults who participated in HT. Benefits included enhanced physical function, reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, and overall improved quality of life. The analysis demonstrates HT’s versatility and effectiveness as a complementary treatment for the elderly, highlighting its potential to enhance well-being and mental health regardless of the participants’ gender, physical condition, or psychiatric status.