Effectiveness of horticultural therapy on physical functioning and psychological health outcomes for older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To systematically determine the effectiveness of horticultural therapy (HT) on the physical functioning and psychological health of older people.

Background: With advancing age and increased chronic diseases, older adults are vulnerable to physical deterioration and psychological problems. There is evidence that horticultural therapy (HT) has positive effect among older adults. However, less attention has been devoted to systematically evaluating the physical functioning and psychological health effects of HT in older adults.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted based on the checklist for PRISMA.

Methods: The searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane, China Network Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang, and China Science and Technology Journal Database, from their inception until June 2021. Randomised controlled trials published in either English or Chinese were reviewed. The Review Manager 5.4 software was used for meta-analyses. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool by two independent researchers.

Results: Ten studies involving 884 participants were included. Compared with the control group, HT can significantly improve upper body flexibility and aerobic endurance in older adults with cancer. Besides, HT was found to be more effective for promoting emotional functioning and well-being, subjective social functioning, and quality of life among the elderly. The attendance rate for HT was 66%-100%, and no negative events were found.

Conclusion: Horticultural therapy has potentially positive effects on the physical functioning and psychological health of older adults. However, more rigorous randomised controlled trials with larger populations are required to confirm the findings.

Relevance to clinical practice: As a safe and promising nonpharmacological intervention, healthcare professionals may consider the HT intervention when caring for older adults with cancer, dementia and frailty.

Keywords: horticultural therapy; meta-analysis; older adults; physical functioning; psychological health; systematic review.