@Article{info:doi/10.2196/19002,
author="Lin, Tsung-Yi
and Huang, Chiu-Mieh
and Hsu, Hsiao-Pei
and Liao, Jung-Yu
and Cheng, Vivian Ya-Wen
and Wang, Shih-Wen
and Guo, Jong-Long",
title="Effects of a Combination of Three-Dimensional Virtual Reality and Hands-on Horticultural Therapy on Institutionalized Older Adults' Physical and Mental Health: Quasi-Experimental Design",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2020",
month="Nov",
day="2",
volume="22",
number="11",
pages="e19002",
keywords="horticultural therapy; 3D VR; older adults; long-term care facility; mental health",
abstract="Background: Institutionalized older adults have limited ability to engage in horticultural activities that can improve their physical and mental health. Objective: This study explored the effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality and horticultural therapy on institutionalized older adults' physical and mental health. Methods: The study used a quasi-experimental design. A total of 106 older adults from 2 long-term care facilities were recruited and assigned to the experimental (n=59) or control (n=47) group. The experimental participants received a 9-week intervention. Both groups completed 3 assessments: at baseline, after the intervention, and 2 months later. The outcome variables included health status, meaning in life, perceived mattering, loneliness, and depression. Results: The experimental group demonstrated significantly improved health status (P<.001), meaning in life (P<.001), and perceived mattering (P<.001) as well as significantly reduced depression (P<.001) and loneliness (P<.001) compared to the control group immediately after the intervention; these effects persisted for up to 2 months. Conclusions: This study verified the beneficial effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality and hands-on horticultural therapy on older adults' health. These results could support the future successful implementation of similar programs for institutionalized older adults on a larger scale. ",
issn="1438-8871",
doi="10.2196/19002",
url="https://www.jmir.org/2020/11/e19002",
url="https://doi.org/10.2196/19002",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33135666"
}