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Published on: January 20, 2019
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Nature-Based Therapeutic Intervention for Individuals with Post-Concussion Symptoms
Sus Sola Corazon1, Lisbeth Jul Olsen2, Natasha Kæreby3
1Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 27, 2024
Summary
Nature-based therapy significantly reduced post-concussion symptoms like mental fatigue. This 10-session intervention improved mental wellbeing and quality of life, with benefits sustained at follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Environmental Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Prolonged post-concussion symptoms significantly impact individuals' quality of life.
- Current therapeutic options for persistent post-concussion symptoms require further investigation.
- Nature-based interventions show promise for mental and physical health but need specific evaluation for concussion recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a 10-session nature-based therapeutic intervention for individuals experiencing prolonged post-concussion symptoms.
- To assess the impact of the intervention on mental fatigue, mental wellbeing, and quality of life.
- To evaluate the sustainability of treatment effects at a 10-week follow-up.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 30 participants with post-concussion symptoms, featuring a passive control period followed by a 10-session intervention.
- The intervention integrated physical and vestibular exercises, sensory training, relaxation, and psychoeducation within a forest therapy garden setting.
- Primary outcome: Mental Fatigue Scale (MFS); Secondary outcomes: Warwick-Edinburg Mental Wellbeing Scale and Quality of Life after Brain Injury scale.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in mental fatigue (MFS) was observed post-intervention, with a medium effect size.
- Significant improvements were noted in mental wellbeing and quality of life from baseline to the end of the intervention.
- All observed benefits were maintained at the 10-week follow-up assessment; no significant changes were noted during the control period.
Conclusions:
- The nature-based therapeutic intervention is a feasible and effective treatment for reducing prolonged post-concussion symptoms.
- The study highlights the potential of integrating natural environments into rehabilitation for concussion recovery.
- Further research with larger, representative populations is recommended to validate these findings and explore the specific role of the natural environment.
