Occupational Therapy and Horticulture for Cancer Survivors With Chronic Pain
- Conditions
- Cancer SurvivorChronic Pain
- Interventions
- Behavioral: Horticultural activity
- Registration Number
- NCT03951922
- Lead Sponsor
- Loma Linda University
- Brief Summary
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.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 9
- 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
- Uncontrolled seizure disorder
- Pregnancy
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- SINGLE_GROUP
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Therapeutic Horticulture Group Horticultural activity 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.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Salivary Cortisol Test Change between baseline and three months Participant stress level will be determined by salivary cortisol levels. Participant's salivary cortisol level will be measured at awakening, 30 minutes following awakening and bedtime. Typically, there is Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR), which is a steep rise in cortisol output during the first 30 minutes following awakening, followed by a steady decline across the morning, afternoon, and evening hours, with the daily nadir typically occurring around midnight. Flattened diurnal cortisol slope relates to increased emotional and psychosocial stress and related to worse health outcomes.
The typical Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) is defined as an increase of at least 2.5 nmol/l from the cortisol level taken at awakening. Although there are no agreed norms for the absolute concentrations of free cortisol in saliva it typically ranges between 4.7-18.5 nmol/l for post-awakening, between 8.6-21.9 nmol/l for 30 minutes post-awakening, and 0.3-15.2 nmol/l for bedtime.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Lower body flexibility Change between baseline and three months Chair Sit and Reach testing measures lower body flexibility, specifically your hamstring flexibility. Average scores for this testing are +2 inches for women and + 0.5 inches for men.
Upper body flexibility Change between baseline and three months Back Scratch testing measures the flexibility of the upper body. Average scores for this testing are -0.5 inches for women and -3.5 inches for men.
Lower body strength Change between baseline and three months Chair Stand testing measures the strength of the lower body. Average scores for this testing are 15 reps for women and 16 reps for men.
Endurance Change between baseline and three months 2 Minutes Step testing measures the endurance or physical stamina. Average scores for this testing are 91 times for women and 101 times for men.
Upper body strength Change between baseline and three months Arm Curl testing measures the strength of the upper body. Average scores for this testing are 16 reps for women and 19 reps for men.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Loma Linda University
🇺🇸Loma Linda, California, United States