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Nature-based rehabilitation (NBR) is increasingly used within neurorehabilitation. The theoretical base is rooted in traditional neurorehabilitation professions, especially physiotherapy and occupational therapy, and relate to nature-based approaches. Objective: The objective was to explore the therapists' experiences of and rationale for applying NBR in neurorehabilitation when providing NBR to patients with acquired brain injury (ABI). Patients with ABI often experience severe consequences impacting their rehabilitation, activity, participation and quality of life. Qualitative focus group interviews with therapists were conducted at two Danish rehabilitation hospitals, Hammel Neurorehabilitation and Research Center (HNRC) (Hospital 1) and Vejlefjord Rehabilitation (VFR) (Hospital 2). These are highly specialized neurorehabilitation hospitals for patients in the acute-subacute and subacute-chronic phases. HNRC has several sensory gardens and VFR has a park and an inlet nearby. Content analysis was employed to analyze the interviews. An occupational perspective of health was a frame to analyze and conceptualize the results. The analysis produced two main categories: What does nature offer – approach and rationale; Therapeutic rationale for conducting NBR. The therapists applied known theories and methods; they perceived the natural environment as an extended room for training and activity, as a means for targeted rehabilitation and beneficial to the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke has been described as a rupture of current life, causing changes in the patient's identity. This has important consequences for the patient's life after stroke. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of science on the subject and also a lack of consistency in how to confront this in rehabilitation. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore how interaction between patient and physiotherapist is conducted and how an approach inspired by phenomenology might support and develop identity. Design and Methods: A qualitative study based on empirical data consisting of 146 short videos of physiotherapist and patient interactions as well as observations and interviews of physiotherapists and patients. Twelve patients were included, and data was constructed throughout their rehabilitation process (on average 2.5 years). Data was analyzed using an analytical model for multimodal interaction. Result: Four themes emerged: 1) feedback as a bodily knowledge; 2) control of the process; 3) adjustment; and 4) the bodily approach. The results revealed the importance of approaching the patient body as both an object and a subject in order to interact with the patient's bodily knowledge. Conclusion: A phenomenological approach to the patient can support the patient's embodied knowledge, and can thereby support and develop the patient's identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]