Gardening as a Meaningful Occupation in Initial Stroke Rehabilitation: An Occupational Therapist Perspective

Abstract

Background: : Initial rehabilitation after stroke is demanding for patients whose primary aim is to regain their functions. The literature indicates that gardening may provide medical rehabilitation opportunities and health resources. This study explored occupational therapists' own observations and descriptions on how participation in a gardening group may support inpatients' initial rehabilitation following acute stroke. Methods: : The authors analyzed notes written by occupational therapists during a 6 month-period that reflected their observations and descriptions after sessions with a gardening group. The therapists were trained in stroke rehabilitation and offered two sessions with gardening groups per week. The sessions were integrated into the occupational therapy program at a residential rehabilitation hospital. The study had a qualitative descriptive design, which included thematic analysis. Results: : Six themes were revealed: possibilities for skills training, engagement in the occupation, mastery of the activity, finding mental rest, connection to past experiences, and shared experiences and hope. Conclusions: : The occupational therapists found that gardening provided clinical opportunities for skills training and health resources. The results are discussed in relation to meaningful occupations through occupational characteristics, such as doing, being, becoming, and belonging. As a group-based, common occupation, gardening may provide a complementary approach in stroke rehabilitation.

Nature-based rehabilitation to reduce post-stroke fatigue is not effective: A randomized controlled trial

“…that the NBR programme was well accepted. Patients recovering from stroke enjoyed garden and horticultural activities as a part of their stroke rehabilitation offered at the hospital setting (28). Thus, NBR might be beneficial if implemented into regular rehabilitation settings where the patients would not need to travel far in order to participate in meaningful NBR activities (17,28).…”

Conditions and Situations of Occupation-Based Practice for Patients with Severe Acute Cerebrovascular Accident: A Qualitative Study

“…There was also a code in which OTs prioritized occupations in which the patient had experience. Patil et al [5] emphasized that occupational participation allows patients with acute CVA to consider life in general and remember past occupational identities and occupational preferences. This indicates that performing occupations is related to time.…”

“…The American Occupational Therapy Association [4] also recommends OBP for adults with CVA to improve ADL in the home setting (categorized as grade A treatment).OTs often treat patients with CVA in their acute phase. Patil et al [5] investigated the use of gardening as a meaningful occupation in the initial rehabilitation of people with CVA. Bungay et al [6] investigated the perceptions of patients with CVA regarding the impact of participating in a group dance session in an acute care hospital.…”

“…One Australian report [7] found that 58% of OTs assessed more than 75% of their clients with occupationbased assessments, and another Danish report [8] found that only 9% of OTs used a standardized occupationbased assessment. Therefore, although the studies by Patil [5] et al and Bungay [6] et al show the need for patients with acute CVA to perform occupations, in fact, the percentage of OBP given to them varies from survey to survey.…”

“…Since the patient still needed assistance in her daily life, I explained to her that she needed to be able to perform her own daily activities first, rather than trying to achieve early discharge, to which she agreed." (5) [Patients and families who are getting to ready to resume occupations] This category was structured by two subcategories that created ten codes and included: changes in the statements and behaviors of the patients and their families, improvement of the patient's mental and body function, ability, and risk reduction.…”