Community reinforcement approach (CRA) supported with structured recreation therapy: Experiences of people living with HIV in a pilot substance use treatment program at a specialty hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Community reinforcement approach (CRA) is a behavioral intervention that has demonstrated favorable treatment outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders across studies. CRA focuses on abstinence; however, abstinence is not a desired goal among all people who use substances. Previous research has called for harm reduction-oriented treatment programs, especially within hospital settings. We examined the feasibility of a pilot CRA program, "Exploring My Substance Use" (EMSU), that integrates a harm-reduction perspective with structured recreation therapy at a specialty HIV hospital in Toronto, Canada. METHODS: The 12-week EMSU program was delivered alongside a feasibility study that ran for 24 weeks (including an additional 12 weeks after program completion). We recruited hospital in/outpatients with moderate to severe substance use disorder to participate in the program and study. The EMSU program combined weekly substance use groups with weekly recreation therapy sessions. We collected data at five timepoints throughout the study; this article focuses on qualitative data from the final (24-week) interviews, which examine participants' experiences of the program-an under-researched element in CRA literature. We conducted thematic analysis in NVivo12 and descriptive statistics in SPSSv28. RESULTS: Of the n = 12 participants enrolled in the EMSU program, six completed the 12-week intervention. All participants completed the 24-week study interview. The average age of participants was 41.5 years; eight identified as cis-male; most identified as white, experienced food insecurity, and were unstably housed. All participants valued the program, including opportunities to learn new skills and examine function(s) of their substance use, and would enroll if it were offered again. Participants discussed the benefits of leisure activities introduced through recreation therapy, which fostered social connections and provided inspiration/confidence to try new activities. Participants cited a lack of support for those experiencing health/personal challenges and overly strict program attendance rules. To improve the program, participants suggested more tactile activities and incorporating incentives. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the feasibility of a CRA-based program with an integrated harm reduction and a recreation therapy component within an outpatient setting. Future programs should consider building in more flexibility and increased supports for clients dealing with complexities as well as consider COVID-19 related contingencies.

The Value of Recreation Therapy in End-of-Life Care: Case Studies From an Inpatient VA Hospice Program.

Providing maximum comfort and pain control can be challenging for hospice teams when treating the end-of-life patient. With the medical complexities end stage disease presents, it can be additionally pertinent to treat the patient holistically. Who are they outside of their medical condition? What is important for them to address? Is there a nonpharmacological approach that can be of benefit? With the availability of a Recreation Therapist (RT), inpatient and home hospice teams can increase comprehensive treatment to target cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains of patient care. An RT often uses nontraditional therapeutic approaches and resources to increase the hospice patient's overall well-being, including comfort and pain control. The following case studies will highlight evidence-based modalities used by a Recreation Therapist to treat hospice patients in a Veterans Affairs facility.

An Uncontrolled Case Study of a Tabletop Role-playing Therapy Group With Difficult-to-engage Patients.

Mental health organizations are increasingly adapting tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) into psychotherapy groups. Existing literature on therapeutic modalities with similar methods and theories of change suggest TTRPGs holds great promise in creating positive change for certain mental health populations, particularly those that have not responded well to traditional psychotherapy formats. At this time, no published, peer-reviewed research has examined TTRPG therapy groups offered to adults. Here we describe the application of one 8-week TTRPG therapy group with seven adults at a forensic facility. In this case study, we also describe the data we gathered and our findings regarding the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of participating in this TTRPG. Our findings provide preliminary support of the feasibility and acceptability of this approach, and offer new directions on how to maximize benefits to group members. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Adjuvant Therapy for Attention in Children with ADHD Using Game-Type Digital Therapy.

Children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) require early intervention and sustained treatment. This study used a game-based digital treatment planning NeuroWorld DTx to analyze the impact on attention and cognitive function in children with ADHD. Thirty children diagnosed with ADHD were recruited and subjected to a four-week NeuroWorld DTx digital treatment. To assess the impact of the digital therapeutic therapy on children's attention, we used the comprehension attention test (CAT) and Korean ADHD Rating Scale (K-ARS). Clinical global impression (CGI) and the Korean-child behavior checklist (K-CBCL 6-18) were used to examine the degree of improvement in ADHD. After four weeks, significant differences in the sensitivity and response style indices were noted, as compared with the baseline in the CAT test; in the case of K-ARS and CGI, a moderate decrease in ADHD was confirmed. The study achieved better results for the "total behavior problems" belonging to the K-CBCL assessment. Game-based digital therapy intervention can be a treatment method that elicits interest and satisfaction in children with ADHD and can be used as an adjunct to drug therapy to improve the quality of life and strengthen attention in children with symptoms of ADHD.

Pulmonary rehabilitation in subterranean chambers combined with neuro-orthopedic activity-dependent plasticity therapy influences patients' quality of life - A preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate if Neuro-orthopedic Activity-dependent Plasticity (N.A.P.) therapy combined with standard subterranean pulmonary rehabilitation (SPR) conducted in the salt mine influences the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and chest mobility in patients with asthma or chronic upper respiratory tracts diseases. METHODS: 54 patients enrolled for the study completed a 3-week SPR. The 15D questionnaire, chest mobility and back scratch flexibility tests were conducted before and after SPR. In the study group (N = 23,16 women, 7 men) the N.A.P. therapy was added to SPR, while the control group (N = 31, 21 women and 10 men) completed the SPR program. RESULTS: After the SPR statistically significant improvements were observed on the 15D dimensions of breathing and vitality dimensions, in the chest mobility and back flexibility in both groups. With the baseline gender distribution, age, generic 15D score, chest mobility and back scratch adjusted, the change in the 15D score was 0.068 greater in the study group than in the control group. This difference is clinically important and statistically significant (p = 0.022). There was no statistically significant difference in the chest mobility and back scratch flexibility between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Adding N.A.P. therapy techniques to the SPR program in the underground part of the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine Health Resort results in a statistically significant and clinically important improvement in the subjects' HRQoL.

Playing With a Purpose: The Impact of Therapeutic Recreation During Hospitalization.

Background: Youth undergoing cancer treatment and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) spend significant time in the hospital, which is disruptive to their physical, social, and emotional development. Therapeutic recreation (TR) can help individuals with an illness maintain or improve their health, quality of life, and physical functioning. TR is an understudied intervention, particularly with youth in the hospital setting. Methods: Forty-nine children (median age = 12 years, interquartile range [IQR] 11-15 years) hospitalized for cancer treatment or HSCT were assigned to participate in either the historical control or TR intervention. Participants wore a Fitbit charge HR for three days to measure movement. At the end of the study participation, they completed self-report measures of mood, social connectedness, and health-related quality of life. Results: Compared with historical controls, the TR intervention group had improved positive affect and decreased mood disturbance (p = 0.03); had better sleep quality (p = 0.003); and was more satisfied with the leisure activities offered in the hospital (p = 0.01). There were no differences in the number of steps taken per day, somatic distress, cooperation with cares, or interaction with medical personnel or caregivers. Both groups reported poor availability and support of peer companions. Discussion: TR is one avenue to increase leisure activities and positively impact mood. More thought needs to be given to how TR programs can be leveraged to increase physical activity and social connectedness.

Los efectos de tejer en grupo sobre el bienestar psicológico. Una visión desde la salud pública / The effects of group knitting on the psychological well-being. A vision from public health

Objetivos:explorar la contribución al bienestar psicológico de tejer en grupo frente a tejer individualmente y profundizar en las causas que llevan a las personas a tejer en grupo.Método: Se trata de un estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo. Un comité experto diseñó un cuestionario ad hoc para este estudio.Resultados:El cuestionario lo respondieron 644 personas tejedoras. Los resultados mostraron que la mayoría de las variables de bienestar psicológico fueron significativamente mayores en las personas que, además de tejer solas, tejían en grupo, en comparación con las que solo tejían de manera individual. Las principales causas de tejer en grupo fueron la oportunidad de obtener ideas del grupo y de enseñar y aprender de las demás personas. Conclusiones: Respaldando los beneficios de la prescripción social, tejer en grupo parece ser una fuente adicional de bienestar psicológico. (AU)

Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the contribution to psychological well-being of knitting in a group versus doing it alone. Likewise looking into the different reasons why people knit in a group.Method: It is a retrospective descriptive observational study. A questionnaire ad hoc was designed by a group of experts.Results: the questionnaire was answered by 644 knitters. The results showed that most of the psychological well-being variables were significantly higher in people who were knitting alone as well as they knitted in a group, compared to those who only knitted alone. The opportunity to share ideas as to teach and learn from others were been the main causes for group knitting.Conclusions: Supporting the benefits of social prescribing, group knitting seems to be additional sources of psychological well-being. (AU)

Proyecto de huertos terapéuticos para personas usuarias con esquizofrenia en el poniente almeriense / Project of therapeutic gardens for users with schizophrenia in poniente Almeria

Introducción: el objetivo principal es diseñar un programa de huertos terapéuticos para personas usuarias y usuarias con esquizofrenia del Poniente Almeriense. Métodos: durante las 12 semanas que dura la intervención, el terapeuta ocupacional trabajará junto a los participantes en actividades de jardinería y cultivo de plantas. Se realizarán 24 sesiones, realizando 2 sesiones semanales de 2 horas de duración cada una. Discusión: el resultado esperado es reducir los síntomas positivos y negativos de la esquizofrenia, favoreciendo un mejor desempeño ocupacional y bienestar físico, mental y social. (AU)

Introduction: The main objective is to design a program of therapeutic gardens for users with schizophrenia in Poniente Almeria. Methods: During the 12 weeks that the intervention lasts, the Occupational Therapist will work together with the participants in gardening and plant cultivation activities. There will be 24 sessions, with 2 weekly sessions of 2 hours each. Discussion: The expected result is to reduce the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, favoring better occupational performance and physical, mental and social well-being. (AU)

Community-Based Recreational Therapy for Veterans with Behavioral Health Disorders: Impacts on Quality of Life, Participation, and Happiness.

Identifying evidenced-based interventions that improve health outcomes for Veterans with behavioral health disorders is a national priority. Thus, this study examined the outcomes of a community-based recreational therapy (RT) program focused on health promotion for Veterans with behavioral health disorders. Fifty-five Veterans with disabilities completed pretest and posttest questionnaires that assessed Quality of Life (QOL), Participation, and Happiness. Significant improvements were found in Overall QOL, Environmental QOL, Psychological QOL, QOL Rated, Satisfaction with Health, Participation, and Happiness. Younger age and female gender were significantly associated with improved Overall QOL. Factors significantly associated with improved Environmental QOL included younger age and non-Caucasian race. Older age was significantly associated with improved Participation. Female gender was positively associated with improved Happiness, while being divorced/separated was negatively associated with Happiness. These results have important implications for the use and expansion of community-based RT health promotion programs for Veterans with behavioral health disorders.

The Effect of a Recreational Therapy Program on the Pain Anxiety and Quality of Life of Patients With Burn Injuries: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Pain anxiety and dysfunction are among the most prevalent complications of burns, impacting the quality of life (QOL) of patients with burn injuries. As a nonpharmaceutical approach, recreational therapy can be effective in reducing the complications of burns. This study aimed to examine the effect of a recreational therapy program on the pain anxiety and QOL of patients with burn injuries. This controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted on 58 patients admitted to the burn center of Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. These patients were randomly allocated to the intervention and control group. The intervention group received a recreational therapy program three sessions a week, for 2 weeks. The control group performed routine daily activities. As the main variable of the study, the Burn Specific Pain Anxiety Scale and Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief were completed for both groups before and 2 weeks after the intervention. After controlling confounders, the pain anxiety score in the intervention group was significantly lower than in the control group (P = .002). The total QOL score was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group (P = .001). In addition, the intervention significantly increased the scores of QOL in the physical (P < .001), emotional (P = .009), and social (P < .001) dimensions. As it reduces pain anxiety and promotes the QOL of patients with burn injuries, this recreational therapy program is recommended for promoting the mental health and QOL of these patients.

Therapeutic Riding or Mindfulness: Comparative Effectiveness of Two Recreational Therapy Interventions for Adolescents with Autism.

Therapeutic riding (THR) and HeartMath (HM) mindfulness-based interventions have promise for reducing stress in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. In three 10-week periods, this study compared THR, HM, and control on salivary cortisol, self-reported stress, parent-reported social responsiveness, and heart-rate variability. This crossover design included 27 participants (12-21 years) randomly assigned to order of intervention. Findings suggest that HM and THR manualized protocols are equally beneficial in decreasing cortisol levels immediately following a session, but HM sessions had more impact on heart-rate variability. There was no significant effect on follow-up cortisol levels within a week after either intervention, but THR had more impact on decreasing some self-reported stressors.

Relação da dança com o cuidado em saúde: nexos com o estilo de vida e a saúde integral / Relationship of dance with health care: links with lifestyle and integral health

Objetiva-se analisar os significados atribuídos à dança pelas mães de crianças acometidas pelo câncer na relação com o estilo de vida e o cuidado em saúde. Estudo explicativo, qualitativo, realizado com mães de crianças com câncer, no momento da internação hospitalar para realização de quimioterapia, na pediatria do Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva, Rio de Janeiro. Os dados foram coletados através de formulário de identificação e caracterização do estilo de vida, além de entrevista semiestruturada em profundidade, no período de fevereiro de 2019 até março de 2020. Optou-se pelo Interacionismo Simbólico, como base referencial, juntamente com a Grounded Theory, para a produção e análise dos dados. O estudo justifica-se por ser original e inédito, também, pela transmutação que a dança realizou nas mães de crianças com câncer, refletindo novas possibilidades para cuidar de si e para cuidar do outro. Emergiram dos dados os componentes correspondentes ao modelo paradigmático, a saber: "Percebendo situações diárias desafiantes à sobrevivência: entre o real e o ideal"; "Ressignificando a percepção do agravo estereotipado através de um espaço lúdico de criação"; "Repercutindo, por meio da experiência no espaço da dança, novas possibilidades para cuidar de si e para cuidar do outro". Como categoria central, o estudo revelou: "Transmutando a energia da mãe da criança com agravo oncológico através do simbólico da dança". O estudo aponta, assim, constructos explicativos que versam sobre o fenômeno dos significados atribuídos à dança pelas mães de criança com câncer com nexo ao estilo de vida e a saúde integral, haja vista as condições intervenientes, as estratégias de ação/interação e as consequências/resultados, que implicam no cuidado em enfermagem/ saúde.

The objective is to analyze the meanings attributed by mothers of children affected by cancer to dance, in relation to lifestyle and health care. explanatory, qualitative study, carried out with mothers of children with cancer, at the time of hospitalization for chemotherapy, in the pediatrics department of the José Alencar Gomes da Silva National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro.The data were collected through a lifestyle identification and characterization form and in-depth semi-structured interviews, from February 2019 to March 2020. Symbolic Interactionism was chosen as the reference base and Grounded Theory for the production and analysis of Dice. The study is justified for being original and unpublished and for the transmutation that dance performed in the mothers of children with cancer, reflecting new possibilities for taking care of themselves and for taking care of others.The components corresponding to the paradigmatic model emerged from the data, namely: Perceiving daily situations challenging survival: Between the real and the ideal, Re- signifying the perception of stereotyped grievance through a playful space of creation, Echoing through the experience in the dance space, new possibilities to take care of yourself and to take care of others. As a central category, the study highlighted: Transmuting the energy of the child's mother with cancer through the symbolic of dance.The study thus points out explanatory constructs that deal with the phenomenon of meanings attributed to dance by mothers of children with cancer related to lifestyle and comprehensive health, given the intervening conditions, action/interaction strategies, and consequences/ results, which imply for nursing/health care.

El objetivo es analizar los significados que las madres de niños afectados por cáncer atribuyen a la danza, en relación al estilo de vida y la atención a la salud. Estudio explicativo, cualitativo, realizado con madres de niños con cáncer, en el momento de la hospitalización por quimioterapia, en el departamento de pediatría del Instituto Nacional del Cáncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva, Río de Janeiro. Los datos fueron recogidos a través de un formulario de identificación y caracterización de estilos de vida y entrevistas semiestructuradas en profundidad, desde febrero de 2019 hasta marzo de 2020. Se eligió el Interaccionismo Simbólico como base de referencia y la Teoría Fundamentada para la producción y análisis de datos. El estudio se justifica por ser original e inédito y por la transmutación que la danza realiza en las madres de niños con cáncer, reflejando nuevas posibilidades de cuidarse a sí mismas y de cuidar a los demás. Los componentes correspondientes al modelo paradigmático emergieron de los datos, a saber: Percepción de situaciones cotidianas que desafían la supervivencia: Entre el real y el ideal, Re- significando la percepción del agravio estereotipado a través de un espacio lúdico de creación, Haciendo eco a través de la experiencia en el espacio de la danza, nuevas posibilidades para cuidarse y cuidar a los demás. Como categoría central, el estudio destacó: Transmutar la energía de la madre del niño con cáncer a través del simbólico de la danza. Así, el estudio señala constructos explicativos que abordan el fenómeno de los significados atribuidos a la danza por las madres de niños con cáncer relacionados con el estilo de vida y la salud integral, dadas las condiciones que intervienen, las estrategias de acción / interacción y las consecuencias / resultados que implican cuidados de enfermería/salud.

Recreational Physical Activity and Outcomes After Breast Cancer in Women at High Familial Risk.

Background: Recreational physical activity (RPA) is associated with improved survival after breast cancer (BC) in average-risk women, but evidence is limited for women who are at increased familial risk because of a BC family history or BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variants (BRCA1/2 PVs). Methods: We estimated associations of RPA (self-reported average hours per week within 3 years of BC diagnosis) with all-cause mortality and second BC events (recurrence or new primary) after first invasive BC in women in the Prospective Family Study Cohort (n = 4610, diagnosed 1993-2011, aged 22-79 years at diagnosis). We fitted Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for age at diagnosis, demographics, and lifestyle factors. We tested for multiplicative interactions (Wald test statistic for cross-product terms) and additive interactions (relative excess risk due to interaction) by age at diagnosis, body mass index, estrogen receptor status, stage at diagnosis, BRCA1/2 PVs, and familial risk score estimated from multigenerational pedigree data. Statistical tests were 2-sided. Results: We observed 1212 deaths and 473 second BC events over a median follow-up from study enrollment of 11.0 and 10.5 years, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, RPA (any vs none) was associated with lower all-cause mortality of 16.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.4% to 27.9%) overall, 11.8% (95% CI = -3.6% to 24.9%) in women without BRCA1/2 PVs, and 47.5% (95% CI = 17.4% to 66.6%) in women with BRCA1/2 PVs (RPA*BRCA1/2 multiplicative interaction P = .005; relative excess risk due to interaction = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.01 to 1.74). RPA was not associated with risk of second BC events. Conclusion: Findings support that RPA is associated with lower all-cause mortality in women with BC, particularly in women with BRCA1/2 PVs.

Play and Learn for Surgeons: A Serious Game to Educate Medical Residents in Uterine Artery Ligation Surgery.

Objective: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality. Surgical interventions, such as uterine artery ligation and utero-ovarian arteries ligation (UAL and UOAL), are considered as effective methods to control PPH. Owing to PPH's severe outcomes, various educational tools have been developed to train surgical residents. A potential educational medium for this purpose could be serious digital games. In this pilot study, we assessed the usability and effectiveness of a serious game to promote the surgical skills of UAL/UOAL among obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) residents. Methods: We designed and developed the Play and Learn for Surgeons (PLS) game to train OB/GYN residents. We assessed and compared the usability challenges of PLS before and after revising the game. To assess the effectiveness of PLS, residents were allocated randomly in control and intervention groups. Surgical skills of the residents were assessed pre- and post-test using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills checklist. Setting: This pilot study took place at the OB/GYN wards of Omolbanin Hospital (Mashhad University of Medical Sciences) and Imam Ali Hospital (Zahedan University of Medical Sciences) in Iran. Participants: Thirteen subject matter experts (nine OB/GYN experts and four senior clinical assistants) participated in the user interface design and usability assessment of PLS. Total of 46 OB/GYN residents participated in the educational effectiveness analysis of PLS. All participants were female with mean ages of 40.6, 29.9 and 28.0 years for OB/GYN experts, assistants, and residents, accordingly. Results: All participants completed the study. PLS significantly improved the skills of residents for UAL (P-value = 0.018) and UOAL (P-value <0.001) procedures. Conclusion: Serious games can be an effective and affordable approach in training OB/GYN residents for UAL and UOAL procedures. Approval number: (# IR.MUMS.fm.REC.1396.345) Trial registration number: (# IRCT2017092436366N1).

Effectiveness and mechanisms of enriched environment in post-stroke cognitive impairment.

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is one of the most common complications of stroke, it is also an important reason for the poor prognosis in stroke patients with motor and speech dysfunction. Enriched Environment (EE), a novel and easy-to-implement rehabilitation treatment strategy, is thought to be a potential intervention for PSCI recently. In this paper, we review the therapeutic effects and related mechanisms of EE in PSCI from the level of animal research and clinical application. Besides, we further discuss the application prospects and limitations of EE in PSCI patients.

Recreational Therapy to Promote Mobility in Long-Term Care: A Scoping Review.

The objective of this study was to explore and synthesize evidence on the effectiveness and implementation of recreational therapy programs to enhance mobility outcomes (e.g., balance, functional performance, fall incidence) for older adults in long-term care. The authors conducted a scoping review of 66 studies following the PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers evaluated each article, and a third reviewer resolved discrepancies. Randomized controlled studies provided strong to moderate evidence that tai chi programs, walking, dancing, and ball games improve flexibility, functional mobility, and balance. Studies assessing program implementation highlighted that program delivery was facilitated by clear instruction, encouragement, attendance documentation, and minimal equipment. This review elucidated the benefit of recreational therapy programs on mobility. It also identified the need for customized programs based on individuals' interests and their physical and mental abilities. These findings and recommendations will assist practitioners in designing effective and feasible recreational therapy programs for long-term care.

Outdoor recreational activity experiences improve psychological wellbeing of military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: Positive findings from a pilot study and a randomised controlled trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The authors confirm that all ongoing and related trials for this intervention are registered. The studies reported in this manuscript are registered as clinical trials at ISRCTN: Pilot ID- ISRCTN15325073 RCT ID- ISRCTN59395217.

Terapia a través de la aventura para jóvenes con síndrome de Asperger / Therapy through adventure for young people with Asperger's syndrome / Teràpia a través de l'aventura per a joves amb síndrome d'Asperger

Aventúrate es el primer programa que utiliza la Terapia a través de la Aventura (TA) con jóvenes con Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA) en España. Un total de 15 jóvenes participaron en un programa de siete días que combina terapia grupal e individual, así como actividades varias al aire libre. El objetivo de este estudio es comprobar la efectividad de esta intervención. Los resultados muestran un tamaño del efecto que oscila entre pequeño y moderado, con mejoras más relevan­tes en la autoestima, el apego entre iguales y la reparación emocional

Aventurate is the first programme in Spain to use therapy through adventure with young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Spain. A total of 15 young people participated in a 7-day programme combining group and individual therapy as well as various outdoor activities. The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of this intervention. The results show that the effect's range is from small to moderate, and that it has more relevant improvements in self-esteem, peer bond and emotional repair

Aventúrate és el primer programa que utilitza la Teràpia a través de l'Aventura (TA) amb joves amb trastorn de l'espectre autista (TEA) a Espanya. Un total de 15 joves van participar en un programa de set dies que combina teràpia grupal I individual, així com activitats diverses a l'aire lliure. L'objectiu d'aquest estudi és comprovar l'efectivitat d'aquesta intervenció. Els resultats mostren un impacte de l'efecte que oscil·la entre petit I moderat, amb millores més rellevants en l'autoestima, l'aferrament entre iguals I la reparació emocional

The Social Utility and Health Benefits for Older Adults of Amenity Buildings in China's Urban Parks: A Nanjing Case Study.

As China's population rapidly ages, research and discussion on how to better optimize public spaces for the elderly's health and benefit continue to deepen. This study uses observational surveys and questionnaires to investigate the elderly visitors of Nanjing's urban parks and explore the impact the parks' amenity buildings (structures built to provide visitors with conveniences, e.g., shelters and pavilions) has on their health and associated socialization tendencies. Data were collected from ten amenity buildings in ten separate parks to compose a total dataset of 728 activity statistics and 270 valid questionnaires. The study's results indicate that amenity buildings significantly increase opportunities for older adults to socialize and thereby can increase this demographic's associated health benefits. The social activities formed around amenity buildings are found to improve social interactions and connectedness among older adults more compared to other age groups. Elderly participation in social activities is also found to positively correlate with environmental characteristics. High-quality landscapes ensure healthy development of social activities within amenity buildings and promote the occurrence and continuation of social interactions. In order of highest to lowest impact on elderly activities, the following factors were identified and scored: amenity building scale, lighting, comprehensive surrounding environment, surrounding amenities, water features, and vegetation. This research also reveals that among existing amenity buildings, there is insufficient support for certain activities and therefore, parks need to be improved to address this deficiency. Overall, this study indicates that under China's current aging trends, amenity buildings have become an especially important infrastructure within urban public space, and their design trend is to incorporate the dual characteristics of "recreation + society".

A Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Therapeutic Recreation Programs for the Elderly.

This study gathered previous research on the effects of therapeutic recreation programs for the elderly conducted in Korea in order to investigate the average effect size as well as the factors that influence the effect sizes. This study connoted findings of individual studies related to therapeutic recreation programs for the elderly from 2000 to 2018. A total of 15 papers were selected for meta-analysis. To analyze the data, a comprehensive meta-analysis 2.0 software program was used. Firstly, the overall mean effect size of the therapeutic recreation programs for the elderly was 0.644, and it was medium size. Secondly, for each dependent variable, the mean effect size on social emotional domain was 0.739, the mean effect size on physical domain was 0.548, and the mean effect size on cognitive domain was 0.485. Thirdly, major factors that influence the effect of therapeutic recreation programs for the elderly appeared to be the program period and hours per session. The results of this study prove that therapeutic recreation programs for the elderly can be an effective way to bring along a positive change, and show that the program period and hours per session are crucial factors in the design of therapeutic recreation programs for the elderly.