DESIGNING THERAPEUTIC GARDENS FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH REHABILITATION

Abstract

 This research examines the effectiveness of garden incorporated physiotherapy in enhancing the physical and mental health in individuals with mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety.  In 6 weeks period, 40 individuals were randomly assigned into either garden-based physiotherapy group or traditional indoor physiotherapy group. This has been conducted with a mixed experiment design.  Depression and anxiety were measured with a Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Flexibility, Grip strength, and balance were also measured with the aid of functional mobility tests.  The treatment group (therapeutic garden) showed a great reduction in the levels of depression (mean BDI-II score decreased 28.2 to 11.4), anxiety (mean STAI score decreased 51.8 to 27.5), and stress. Their control also improved on sit-and-reach flexibility (+5.6 cm), grip strength (+5.2 kg), balance time (+6.8 seconds).  Oral feedback of qualitative interviews revealed that respondents experienced intense emotional and sensory responses to nature including being more motivated, relaxed and not so tired.  Improvements in mental health relating well with gains in physical performance was favorable (r = 0.76).  Such outcomes demonstrate the significance of the environmental design in the planning of the therapies. They suggest that nature-based rehabilitation environments can enhance clinical outcomes because they benefit the body and the mind.  According to the research, the therapeutic gardens would be an effective method of enhancing physiotherapy in mental health rehabilitation with statistical support.