Planting improves stress for mentally challenged people

By Shelby D Burns, Sun, December 18, 2011

Gardening is a relaxing pastime. It also has well known health benefits. Horticulture activities of all kinds improve confidence and social skills, cultivate a positive attitude and rejuvenate the mind and body. It has been used for physical and psychological rehabilitation as well. But until now, no one had considered its effect on stress levels especially for mentally challenged people.

In the first study of its kind, 30 mentally handicapped persons were evaluated by heart rate variation and cortisol levels. For one experiment the group participated in four horticulture activities: pressing flowers, plating flowers, arranging flowers and crafting topiary. In all activities, heart rate showed significant improvement.

They conducted the experiment a second time focusing on cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone. Compared with baseline measurements, the pressed flower group showed a significant decrease in cortisol during the week of testing as well as the topiary group and the plating group. Oddly, stress levels increased for participants who worked in the flower arranging group. “We inferred that activities such as cutting stems with shears and arranging the cut stems in the exact location are difficult jobs for mentally challenged people,” said Min-Jung Lee from the Department of Horticultural Therapy at the Catholic University of Daegu.

Of all the activities, the topiary group had the best results in improving heart rate and also in reducing cortisol levels. Overall the research supported previous findings that touching an mixing soil affects the activity of the autonomic nervous system and relieves stress.

Source: HortTechnology, MedicalNewsToday

Call Now to Speak with an OCD Treatment Specialist (877) 331-9311

OCD Self Test

Do you or a loved one feel like you might have a problem with OCD?
Take the Self Test now to get more information.

Sponsored Links

The information provided on brainphysics.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of brainphysics.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Click here to read our complete Terms of Use.