- In this study, 14 adults with learning disabilities engaged in a twice-weekly horticultural therapy (HT) program for 6 weeks. They showed measurable improvements in hand and upper limb function, in the moderation of impulses and in the ability to understand other people. Also, according to blood testing, there was an improvement in elements signifying brain nerve growth. [Son H-J. and others, (2022) Horticultural therapy for improving the work performance and interpersonal relationships of persons with intellectual disabilities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21):13874 ]
- This study also focused on people with learning disabilities, examining the effects of a horticultural therapy (HT) programme for 28 people with 8 x 120-minute sessions, caring for succulents. The programme was effective in improving hand function, emotional behaviour strategies, and social skills. [Joy Y.S., Lee A-Y., Park S-A. (2020) A horticultural therapy program focused on succulent cultivation for the vocational rehabilitation training of individuals with intellectual disabilities Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 17(4) 1303 https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041303]
- 20 veterans were referred to a horticultural therapy (HT) programme in the New York Botanical Garden. They were vulnerable, ‘at risk’, isolated and ‘experiencing ongoing environmental stressors’ with an interest in making significant lifestyle changes and improving their coping strategies. 13 of the 20 engaged in up to 4 sessions over a 4-week period. 20 engaged in at least 2 sessions. Each session lasted 3.5 hours and was delivered by a registered HT. Assessment was for outcomes across 4 domains: stress, mood, pain, social isolation. ‘Significant immediate improvements across all domains were observed following the first HT session’. ‘There were also reductions in mood symptoms and … decline in suicidal ideation.’ The initial HT session appeared to have a sustained effect, observed over the subsequent 2-4 weeks across all symptom domains. [Meore A. and others, (2021). Pilot evaluation of horticultural therapy in improving overall wellness in veterans with history of suicidality. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 59, 102728 doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102728 ]