Occupational Therapy and Horticulture for Cancer Survivors With Chronic Pain

Loma Linda University (LLU)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Chronic Pain; Cancer Survivor

Treatments: Behavioral: Horticultural activity

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03951922

5180419

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study is to explore the impact of a therapeutic horticulture program as an occupation-based intervention to address chronic pain symptoms for cancer survivors. The main objectives are to assess participants' perceptions of pain, physical and psychosocial wellness, stress management, and quality of life at pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up. Quantitative and qualitative data will be synthesized and analyzed to explore this phenomenon.

Enrollment: 9 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 64 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• 18 - 64 years of age
• History of cancer diagnosis
• Chronic pain longer than 3 months
• Have interest in therapeutic horticulture and exercise
• Able to participate in a moderate physical activity in sitting and/or standing for at least one hour twice a week
• Able to provide own transportation to the horticulture site or the supervised exercise program
• Able to comprehend, speak and write in English

Exclusion criteria

• Uncontrolled seizure disorder
• Pregnancy

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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9 participants in 1 patient group

Therapeutic Horticulture Group

Experimental group

Description:

The therapeutic horticulture group will participate in a 6-week horticulture program meeting twice a week for an hour led by an occupational therapist incorporating plant-based activities and education on pain management techniques at a community farm.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Horticultural activity