J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2021 Dec;30(4):352-368. 10.12934/jkpmhn.2021.30.4.352.

Effects of Horticultural Therapy on Korean Elderly with Dementia: A Meta-analysis

• Kang KJ
• Kang MJ

• KMID: 2523901
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2021.30.4.352

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this meta-analysis was to identify the effects of horticultural therapy on Korean elderly with dementia.
Methods
We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, and eight domestic databases, until February 2021. Data extraction and the risk of bias assessment were independently conducted by two authors. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis.
Results
Of the 478 studies retrieved from the databases, 21 studies were included in the final analysis. A total of 93 outcome variables were analyzed in 21 literatures. The overall effect size of the horticultural treatment program was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.74~1.09, p<.001), which was statistically significant. Compared to the control group, horticultural therapy improved cognitive functions (SMD=0.71, 95% CI: 0.42~0.99, I²=79.9%), psychosocial functions (SMD=1.01, 95% CI: -0.70~1.31, I²=67.8%), and physical functions (SMD=1.05, 95% CI: 0.77~1.33, I²=72%) in Korean elderly with dementia.
Conclusion
This meta-analysis found that horticultural therapy improved the cognitive, psychosocial, and physical functions of dementia patients compared to subjects in the control group.

Keyword

Meta-analysis; Horticultural therapy; Dementia; Elderly; 메타분석, 원예치료, 치매, 노인