TY - JOUR

T1 - Nature-based rehabilitation—experiences from patients with acquired brain injury

T2 - an explorative qualitative study

AU - Vibholm, Anne Pernille

AU - Pallesen, Hanne

AU - Christensen, Jeanette Reffstrup

AU - Varning Poulsen, Dorthe

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - Purpose: Nature has been found to improve and promote health and prevent disease. Nature-based rehabilitation (NBR) delivered as part of neurorehabilitation is a developing approach. Yet to date the research is sparse. Following an acquired brain injury (ABI), people often experience impairments that cause limitations in activity and participation in daily life, which can impact the quality of life long-term. NBR delivered in neurorehabilitation has previously been explored from the perspective of occupational therapists and physiotherapists, however, to date patients’ experiences are yet to be explored. This study aims to explore patients’ experiences and perspectives of NBR delivered as part of standard neurorehabilitation. Methods: This qualitative study had a constructivist and phenomenological design. Semi-structured focus group interviews were carried out across three healthcare settings in Denmark with 17 participants. Data was analysed using content analysis. Results: The analysis generated three categories: 1. Outdoor versus indoor environment, 2. The natural environment as a co-therapist, and 3. Interrelatedness. Conclusion: The study provides insight into participants’ experiences of NBR. They reported that interacting with the natural environment as part of neurorehabilitation enhanced activity. Moreover, being in nature increased their self-efficacy, sense of autonomy, community spirit, cooperation, and joy, and led to a feeling of peace.

AB - Purpose: Nature has been found to improve and promote health and prevent disease. Nature-based rehabilitation (NBR) delivered as part of neurorehabilitation is a developing approach. Yet to date the research is sparse. Following an acquired brain injury (ABI), people often experience impairments that cause limitations in activity and participation in daily life, which can impact the quality of life long-term. NBR delivered in neurorehabilitation has previously been explored from the perspective of occupational therapists and physiotherapists, however, to date patients’ experiences are yet to be explored. This study aims to explore patients’ experiences and perspectives of NBR delivered as part of standard neurorehabilitation. Methods: This qualitative study had a constructivist and phenomenological design. Semi-structured focus group interviews were carried out across three healthcare settings in Denmark with 17 participants. Data was analysed using content analysis. Results: The analysis generated three categories: 1. Outdoor versus indoor environment, 2. The natural environment as a co-therapist, and 3. Interrelatedness. Conclusion: The study provides insight into participants’ experiences of NBR. They reported that interacting with the natural environment as part of neurorehabilitation enhanced activity. Moreover, being in nature increased their self-efficacy, sense of autonomy, community spirit, cooperation, and joy, and led to a feeling of peace.

KW - cooperation

KW - Natural environment

KW - outdoor activities

KW - participation

KW - play

KW - quality of life

KW - self-efficacy

U2 - 10.1080/09638288.2023.2274874

DO - 10.1080/09638288.2023.2274874

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 37950396

AN - SCOPUS:85176755840

JO - Disability and Rehabilitation

JF - Disability and Rehabilitation

SN - 0963-8288

ER -