RESEARCH

Horticultural Therapy has Beneficial Effects on Brain Functions in Cerebrovascular Diseases

Horticultural therapy enhances brain function in cerebrovascular disease patients, improving daily activities, sensory-motor skills, and cognitive processing.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Dementia/Traumatic & Acquired Brain Injuries

Setting or Context: Hospitals/Clinics

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Physical Health

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Nursing

Type of Activity: Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts

Evidence Type: Case Studies, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health

Access: Paid

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Summary

A study examined the effects of horticultural therapy (HT) on brain function in patients with cerebrovascular diseases through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), self-rating depression scales, and functional independence measures (FIM). Five patients participated in a month-long HT program alongside routine rehabilitation.

The results showed significant improvement in physical independence (ADLs) and activation in brain areas related to vision, color processing, and motor function. HT stimulated visual, sensory-motor, and association areas, which are not typically activated through standard physical therapy. While depression scores remained unchanged, the study suggests that HT can complement traditional rehabilitation by enhancing neural recovery and cognitive reorganization

Link

Mizuno-Matsumoto, Y., Kobashi, S., Hata, Y., Ishikawa, O., & Asano, F. (2008). Horticultural Therapy has Beneficial Effects on Brain Functions in Cerebrovascular Diseases. International Journal of Intelligent Computing in Medical Sciences and Image Processing, 2(3), 169–182.

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