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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

This study aims to address existing research gaps by investigating the effects of technology-assisted horticultural therapy on stress, depression, and happiness among older adults residing in long-term care facilities. By examining the modulation of the autonomic nervous system, the findings will provide a foundation for developing comprehensive health promotion programs that integrate traditional therapeutic practices with modern technology to enhance the well-being of the aging population.

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06797804

PhaseNA

Enrollment76

SponsorNational Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences

Age65 Years

SexALL

I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

Heart Rate Variability, Stress, Depression, Happiness

About this study

Interventions

Other: Information Technology-Assisted Horticultural Therapy Program — The intervention involves technology-assisted horticultural therapy sessions conducted once a week, lasting 120 minutes per session, over a total period of 8 weeks

Primary outcomes

Heart Rate Variability, HRV (Baseline, pre-intervention (T0))
Perceived Stress Scale, PSS (Baseline, pre-intervention (T0))
Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS-15 (Baseline, pre-intervention (T0))
The 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index, WHO-5 (Baseline, pre-intervention (T0))
The efficacy of horticultural therapy evaluation form; EHTE (Baseline, pre-intervention (T0))
Heart Rate Variability, HRV (4 weeks after intervention (T1))
Perceived Stress Scale, PSS (4 weeks after intervention (T1))
Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS-15 (4 weeks after intervention (T1))

Eligibility information

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

Study locations

National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.