Journal of Medical Internet Research (Nov 2020)

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

  • Lin, Tsung-Yi,
  • Huang, Chiu-Mieh,
  • Hsu, Hsiao-Pei,
  • Liao, Jung-Yu,
  • Cheng, Vivian Ya-Wen,
  • Wang, Shih-Wen,
  • Guo, Jong-Long

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2196/19002
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 22, no. 11
p. e19002

Abstract

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BackgroundInstitutionalized older adults have limited ability to engage in horticultural activities that can improve their physical and mental health. ObjectiveThis study explored the effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality and horticultural therapy on institutionalized older adults’ physical and mental health. MethodsThe 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. ResultsThe 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. ConclusionsThis 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.