RESEARCH

Harnessing Nature for Occupational Therapy: Interventions and Health Promotion

The study found that over 85% of park staff and occupational therapists improved their knowledge and confidence in adapting nature-based interventions after completing the course preview or training session​. Additionally, 93% of surveyed occupational therapists reported using gardening or outdoor activities in practice because they were meaningful to clients, confirming the value of integrating nature into therapy settings​.
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Summary

This project explored how nature can be used in occupational therapy to improve health and well-being across different age groups and conditions. While nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve attention, support mental health, and boost physical fitness, many occupational therapists don’t include outdoor environments in their treatments. To change this, the researcher created a new continuing education course that teaches therapists how to use natural settings in their work. The course combines learning with reflection and planning, encouraging therapists to rethink how they design therapy and promote health.

The course was tested through educational sessions and surveys, showing that therapists became more confident in adapting outdoor activities for clients with different abilities. Participants appreciated learning how to support clients using gardens, parks, and sensory-rich green spaces, especially for people with ADHD, autism, depression, and dementia. The study calls for more outdoor-based therapy options and urges therapists to advocate for nature access, especially for underserved groups. Nature, the author argues, should be seen as a powerful tool in healing and prevention—not just a nice backdrop.

Link

Kaplanis, G.F. (2019). Harnessing nature for occupational therapy: Interventions and health promotions. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University College of Health Care Sciences

 

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