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

Launched by NATIONAL TAIPEI UNIVERSITY OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES · Jan 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a special gardening program that uses technology can help improve the mental and emotional well-being of older adults living in long-term care facilities. The researchers want to see if this program can reduce stress and depression, and increase happiness among participants by looking at how their bodies respond to stress. By understanding these effects, they hope to create better health programs that combine traditional activities like gardening with modern technology to support older adults' health.

To participate in this study, individuals must be 65 years or older, have lived in a long-term care facility for at least three months, and be able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese. Participants should also be able to move their arms freely and not have any conditions that cause shaking hands. Those who have recently engaged in gardening activities, have serious illnesses, or significant cognitive impairments may not be eligible. If chosen for the trial, participants can expect to take part in technology-assisted gardening activities designed to promote their well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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