TrialX
Image

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

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

Recruiting
65 years and older
All
Phase N/A

The mental health needs of older adults are a growing concern, and as technology advances, integrating health information with technology can improve healthcare quality and dissemination efficiency. Integrating health information with technology holds promise for enhancing healthcare quality and dissemination efficiency in practical applications, thereby equipping more individuals with accurate health maintenance knowledge. Particularly notable is the increasing trend in internet usage among modern seniors, which contributes to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Horticultural therapy has been widely acknowledged for its positive impact on human well-being in various settings. However, its integration with information technology remains relatively unexplored. Additionally, studies on its effectiveness in relieving stress have demonstrated inconsistent effects on heart rate variability. Therefore, this study aims to examine how technology-assisted horticultural therapy influences stress, depression, and happiness among older adult residents in long-term care facilities, with a specific focus on regulating the autonomic nervous system. The study will employ both subjective questionnaire surveys and objective measurements of heart rate. This study proposes a cluster randomized controlled trial. Using G-Power 3.1, a minimum sample size of 76 participants is calculated, accounting for an estimated 20% attrition rate. To ensure equitable distribution between intervention and control groups, each group will consist of at least 38 participants. The intervention involves technology-assisted horticultural therapy sessions conducted once a week, lasting 120 minutes per session, over a total period of 8 weeks. The research will employ several tools: (1) a basic demographic questionnaire, (2) the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), (3) the 'Taiwan Scientific' Noninvasive Blood Pressure Meter (TS 0411), (4) the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), (5) the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and (6) the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Data collection will span pre-, mid-, and post-intervention periods over 8 weeks for both experimental and control groups. The Efficacy of Horticultural Therapy Evaluation Form (EHTE) will also be used to conduct pre-test and post-test evaluations on the experimental group. Data will be analyzed using SPSS 27.0. Descriptive statistics will be applied to the demographic questionnaire data, while generalized estimating equations (GEE) will analyze pre-, mid-, and post-test questionnaire responses and objective measurements. Empirical evidence from this study will elucidate the impact of technology-assisted horticultural therapy on heart rate variability, stress, depression, and happiness among older adult residents in long-term care facilities. These findings will serve as a basis for developing health pro-motion programs aimed at enhancing the physical and mental well-being of aging populations.

Study details
    Heart Rate Variability
    Stress
    Depression
    Happiness

NCT06797804

National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences

5 February 2025

Step 1 Get in touch with the nearest study center
Message sent successfully.
We have submitted the information you provided to the research team at the location you chose. For your records, we have sent a copy of the message to your email address.
If you would like to be informed of other studies that may be of interest to you, you may sign up for Patient Notification Service.
Sign up

Send a message

Enter your contact details to connect with study team


Email

View email

Phone

Phone country flag

View phone
Investigator Avatar

Primary Contact

First name*
Last name*
Email*
Phone number*
Other language

FAQs

Learn more about clinical trials

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a study designed to test specific interventions or treatments' effectiveness and safety, paving the way for new, innovative healthcare solutions.

Why should I take part in a clinical trial?

Participating in a clinical trial provides early access to potentially effective treatments and directly contributes to the healthcare advancements that benefit us all.

How long does a clinical trial take place?

The duration of clinical trials varies. Some trials last weeks, some years, depending on the phase and intention of the trial.

Do I get compensated for taking part in clinical trials?

Compensation varies per trial. Some offer payment or reimbursement for time and travel, while others may not.

How safe are clinical trials?

Clinical trials follow strict ethical guidelines and protocols to safeguard participants' health. They are closely monitored and safety reviewed regularly.
Add a private note
  • abc Select a piece of text.
  • Add notes visible only to you.
  • Send it to people through a passcode protected link.