Caroline Attwell
Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland
Title: Benefits of outdoor interdisciplinary neurosensory approach in patients with disorders of consciousness: Preliminary results
Biography
Biography: Caroline Attwell
Abstract
Introduction: The use of natural environments to promote health and prevent illness is widely recognized. However, in the case of individuals experiencing disorders of consciousness (DOC), little is understood about the use of contact with nature in treatment and rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of outdoor therapy in relation to the awareness and wakefulness levels of this population.
Patients & Methods: This study is a non-randomized cross-over pilot trial. It is set within the Acute Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit (University Hospital, Lausanne). Twenty adults diagnosed with DOC were included in the study. They participated in an indoor-outdoor neurosensory interdisciplinary therapy program. As the primary outcome awareness and wakefulness were measured by an adapted behavioral grid. Functioning and disability were recorded as secondary outcomes.
Results: The difference in scores between indoor and outdoor therapy was computed. Preliminary results show a solid positive trend in favor of the outdoor therapy. We can clearly detect the improvement of several points such as, visual fixation, exploration, intentional movements and communication. It is noteworthy that these clinical items are involved in in the determination of DOC diagnosis.
Conclusion: Outdoor therapy may provide a beneficial complementary treatment option for DOC. The promising preliminary results of the study show the need to develop further interdisciplinary research in this field.