RESEARCH

Effects of a Combination of Three-Dimensional Virtual Reality and Hands-on Horticultural Therapy on Institutionalized Older Adults’ Physical and Mental Health: Quasi-Experimental Design

This quasi-experimental study examined the impact of a 9-week intervention combining 3D virtual reality and hands-on horticultural therapy on institutionalized older adults, finding that the experimental group experienced significant improvements in health status, meaning in life, and perceived mattering, along with reduced depression and loneliness.

Program Types: Therapeutic

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

Setting or Context: Hospitals/Clinics, Community Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Sense of Purpose, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Physical Health, Better Nutritional Awareness, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Horticultural Knowledge

Allied Profession Intersections: Education, Nursing

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, AI/Digital Tools in Therapeutic Horticulture

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Metrics for Physical Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Longitudinal Studies

Access: Free

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Summary

This study explored the effects of combining 3D virtual reality and hands-on horticultural therapy on the physical and mental health of institutionalized older adults in Taiwan. The quasi-experimental study involved 106 participants from two long-term care facilities, with 59 in the experimental group and 47 in the control group.

The experimental group received a 9-week intervention consisting of 18 one-hour sessions twice a week. The program included both 3D virtual reality activities and hands-on horticultural therapy, designed to promote health status, meaning in life, and perceived mattering while reducing depression and loneliness. Participants used 3D virtual reality equipment to practice gardening activities before engaging in hands-on horticultural therapy. Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and two months later. The results showed that the experimental group demonstrated significantly improved health status, meaning in life, and perceived mattering, as well as reduced depression and loneliness compared to the control group. These positive effects persisted for up to two months after the intervention.

Link

Lin, T.Y., Huang, C.M., Hsu, H.P. et al. (2020). Effects of a combination of three-dimensional virtual reality and hands-on horticultural therapy on institutionalized older adults’ physical and mental health: Quasi-experimental design. J Med Internet Res., 22(11), e19002

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