Using technology-assisted gardening therapy to improve mental health in older adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.