RESEARCH

Nature-Based Pediatric Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review

This scoping review examined nature-based interventions (NBIs) in pediatric occupational therapy (OT), finding activities like outdoor play and gardening being adapted by OTs. It revealed a need for a better understanding of OT’s unique contributions to the field.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Children/Youth, Physical Disabilities, Neurodevelopmental Differences

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings, Community Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Physical Health, Increased Social Engagement & Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Occupational Therapy

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Outdoor Gardening, Forest/Natural Area Immersion

Evidence Type: Case Studies, Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Paid

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Summary

This scoping review examines nature-based interventions (NBIs) used in pediatric occupational therapy (OT). The review analyzed 12 articles, including quasi-experimental studies and gray literature, to identify the scope of these interventions. Activities encompassed outdoor play, gardening, farm-based interventions, and utilizing natural settings like beaches and hiking trails, with occupational therapists adapting traditional OT principles to these environments.

The review found a lack of rigor in the included articles and no clear conceptualization of nature-based pediatric OT, but these interventions generally aimed to foster healthy child development, improve motor skills, promote sensory integration, and create inclusive environments. The results highlighted a gap in the literature regarding a clear definition of nature-based OT practices and the unique contributions of OT within this field, despite practitioner interest in the topic.