Keywords
occupational therapy, nature-based therapy, fine motor skills, nature-based play
Abstract
This study explored the benefits of nature-based pediatric occupational therapy (OT) and the influence of nature and nature-based play on fine motor development. It was hypothesized that nature and nature-based play would positively impact a child’s fine motor skills (FMS) and that nature-based OT would offer unique benefits to a child’s therapeutic experience. To examine these relationships, a survey was distributed to pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) across the United States. The survey was designed to gather insights into how OT supports fine motor development, how nature-based play/therapy enhances these skills, and the perceived benefits of incorporating nature into therapeutic practices. There was a profound influence of nature-based therapy (NBT) on various aspects of child development. Pediatric OTs noted NBT’s positive effects on a child’s FMS as well as their physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development. It was also found that there is a lack of clarity surrounding NBT within the OT field, which may contribute to misunderstandings about its purpose and application.
Recommended Citation
Rosenow, A. M., Timby, D. P., Wiersma-Mosley, J. D., & Terrell, A. (2025). Pediatric Occupational Therapists' Perception of How Nature-Based Play Affects Fine Motor Development. Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, 26(1). Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/discoverymag/vol26/iss1/12