Using technology-assisted gardening therapy to improve mental health in older adults
Effectiveness of Information Technology-Assisted Horticultural Therapy Program on Heart Rate Variability, Stress, Depression and Happiness Among Older Adults Resident in Long-Term Care Facilities
This study is testing whether a gardening therapy program using technology can help older adults in care facilities feel less stressed and happier.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 76 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Trial ID | NCT06797804 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of a technology-assisted horticultural therapy program on stress, depression, and happiness among older adults living in long-term care facilities. It aims to explore how this innovative approach can modulate heart rate variability and enhance overall well-being. The study will utilize both subjective surveys and objective heart rate measurements to assess the impact of the therapy. A cluster randomized controlled trial design will be employed, with a minimum of 76 participants to ensure robust results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly individuals aged 65 and above, residing in long-term care facilities for at least three months, who can communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments, terminal illnesses, or those who have recently engaged in gardening activities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mental health outcomes for older adults in long-term care settings.
How similar studies have performed: While horticultural therapy has shown promise in various settings, the integration with information technology in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Agree to participate in this study 2. Elderly persons aged 65 and above living in long-term care facilities 3. Live in long-term care facilities for at least three months 4. No gender restrictions 5. Be aware, able to communicate in Mandarin and Taiwanese, and be able to express opinions 6. The upper limbs can move freely and there is no disease that causes tremors in the hands (such as Parkinson's disease, hepatic encephalopathy, etc.) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Has participated in gardening-related activities within one month of receiving the case 2. Those diagnosed with terminal illness or whose health condition is rapidly deteriorating 3. Those suffering from Parkinson's disease, serious heart disease, dementia, mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.) 4. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) with cognitive impairment (MMSE scores below 16 points for individuals with no formal education, below 21 points for those with elementary education, and below 24 points for those with junior high school education or higher.) 5. Those who are unable to participate in the event due to severe speech, vision or hearing impairment
Where this trial is running
Taipei
- National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences — Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jung Chia Hsieh, PhD
- Email: chiajung@ntunhs.edu.tw
- Phone: +886(2)2822-7101
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.