RESEARCH

Virtual Therapeutic Garden: A Promising Method Supporting the Treatment of Depressive Symptoms in Late-Life: A Randomized Pilot Study

Based on the results, the VR group showed a statistically significant decrease in their GDS-30 score (p < 0.001), reducing by approximately 36% from baseline, while the control group's score did not change significantly (p = 0.61). The time by group interaction was also statistically significant for GDS (p < 0.001), Stress Level (p < 0.001), and HADS-Anxiety (p < 0.001).

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Older Adults/Seniors, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma

Setting or Context: Rehabilitation Centers

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Sensory Stimulation, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Physical Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Counselling

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Indoor Plant Care, Forest/Natural Area Immersion, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Randomized Controlled Trials, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness, Longitudinal Studies

Access: Free

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Summary

This study investigates the potential of a novel Virtual Therapeutic Garden (VTG), based on the principles of Ericksonian psychotherapy and incorporating total immersion via a head-mounted display, as a supportive therapy for depressive symptoms in elderly women. It addresses the high prevalence and persistent nature of late-life depression, particularly in nursing home residents, and the limitations of existing multimodal therapeutic programs for some individuals. The research is framed within the growing interest in using modern technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), for treating mental health disorders, aiming to fill a gap in scientific reports concerning immersive VR therapy for depression in older patients. The VTG utilizes symbolic and metaphorical communication, interaction with virtual elements like mandalas, and sensory stimulation (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic) to promote psychological resources, motivation, and emotional gratification.

The research was conducted as a randomized pilot study, specifically a parallel-group Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), involving 23 elderly women (11 in the VR group, 12 in the control group) who had not achieved satisfactory improvement from a previous standard multimodal therapeutic program. Participants in the VR group received the standard program plus the VTG intervention, which consisted of eight 20-minute sessions delivered twice a week for four weeks using the VRTierOne device. The study measured outcomes at three time points: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and a two-week follow-up. The primary outcome measure was the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30), with the Perception of Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as secondary measures. Important considerations include the pilot nature of the study, leading to a modest sample size, and the fact that participants had persistent symptoms despite prior therapy.

Link

Szczepańska-Gieracha, J., Cieślik, B., Serweta, A., & Klajs, K. (2021). Virtual therapeutic garden: a promising method supporting the treatment of depressive symptoms in late-life: a randomized pilot study. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(9), 1942

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