RESEARCH

Effects of Agro-healing Program on Hand Function, Grip Strength, and Activities of Daily Living Skills of People with Developmental Disabilities

South Korean researchers studied how agro-healing programs affected 32 adults with developmental disabilities. Results showed the agro-healing group had improved hand function and daily living skills, suggesting agro-healing’s potential as a rehabilitation method.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Neurodevelopmental Differences

Setting or Context: Rehabilitation Centers

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Physical Health, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Greater Job Readiness & Vocational Skills, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy, Social Work

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Quantitative Research

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

Access: Free

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Summary

This study investigated the effects of an agro-healing program on hand function, grip strength, and activities of daily living skills of people with developmental disabilities. Thirty-two participants were selected and divided into an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=17). The experimental group participated in a weekly agro-healing program involving activities such as sowing, raising seedlings, planning a garden, planting, growing, managing a garden, cuttings, and harvesting for 120 minutes per session. The control group received general rehabilitation therapy. Hand function was assessed using the Jebsen-Taylor hand function test (JTHFT), grip strength was measured using a JAMAR hydraulic hand dynamometer, and activities of daily living were evaluated using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) before and after the intervention.

The results indicated that the agro-healing program significantly improved the ability of both hands in the experimental group, particularly in picking up small common objects. Improvement in activities of daily living skills was also statistically significant in the experimental group. The study concluded that agro-healing programs positively affect hand function, grip strength, and activities of daily living skills among patients, suggesting its potential as a clinical rehabilitation therapy.

Link

Yoo, E., Ahn, S., Jeong, S. et al. (2023). Effects of Agro-healing program on hand function, grip strength, and activities of daily living skills of people with developmental disabilities. Journal of People, Plants, and Environment, 26(2), 157-167.

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