Nature-based Therapy Program for Parkinson's Disease (PARC)

The chronic and neurodegenerative disease of Parkinson's (PD) is often characterized by movement and balance disorders, which are accompanied by an increased risk of falls. Falls are one of the most common problems that can lead to subsequent injuries (e.g., femoral head fracture) and associated mortality rates. Falls are frequent, debilitating, and have deleterious effects on self-confidence and the quality of life of individuals with PD. Additionally, according to Parkinson Canada, a high proportion of individuals living with this disease suffer from depression and/or anxiety. Therefore, it is essential to implement intervention programs aimed at improving the physical and functional capacity as well as the well-being of this population to prevent falls and promote sustainable health. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated the benefits of contact with nature on the physical and mental health of individuals. Specific and positive effects on psychological symptoms (e.g., depression) as well as cognition (memory) in adults have also been shown according to this recent evidence. This stimulates our research team to test the effects of a physical intervention in nature on the physical and mental health of individuals suffering from PD. One of the perspectives of this new intervention in nature is also to evaluate its impact on fall risks in this population. The ultimate goal of this project is to contribute to the sustainable health of the population. The overall objective of this project, based on a pilot study, is to assess the effects of an 8-week nature-based intervention program on the physical and mental health of individuals with PD. Various physical measures (mobility, strength, and balance) and mental measures (level of depression, stress) will be studied in this project to better understand the effects of this type of intervention.