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Palomar-Ciria N, Bello HJ. Equine-Assisted Therapy in Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 128:104871. [PMID: 37355148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Alternative treatments for Post-traumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD) have attracted attention, especially Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) including psychotherapy and occupational therapy involving horses. In this work, we measured the effectiveness of EAS in PTSD through a meta-analysis. An intensive bibliography search focusing in EAS and PTSD was conducted following the PRISMA recommendations. The search was not restricted by date. For the quantitative analyses, 5 works were selected. They were chosen based on the instrument utilized for the assessment of PTSD symptoms: the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). A random effects model was carried out, showing significant results in the reduction of PTSD symptoms. In the qualitative synthesis, 10 studies were included which showed interesting results in the improvement of PTSD symptoms and other variables. In conclusion, EAS are beneficial for post-traumatic symptoms in the short term follow-up period. However, EAS require further research and major standardization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Palomar-Ciria
- Psychiatry Service, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Soria, Soria, Spain.
| | - Hugo J Bello
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Valladolid (Campus Duques de Soria), Soria, Spain
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2
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Chen S, Zhang Y, Zhao M, Du X, Wang Y, Liu X. Effects of Therapeutic Horseback-Riding Program on Social and Communication Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14449. [PMID: 36361327 PMCID: PMC9655675 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Animal-assisted therapy has become a fast-growing and effective approach for remediating core impairments of children with ASD; however, recent systematic review studies on the effects of AAT in children with ASD have some limitations, including referral to a variety of animal-assisted interventions rather than to horseback-riding therapy alone and the absence of any meta-analysis in systematic reviews. A complete systematic review of the studies that describe the use of THR as an intervention is needed to specifically target the core impairments of children with ASD. The purpose of this study was to employ the systematic review method to synthesize research findings regarding the effects of THR programs on the social interaction and communication skills of children with ASD. We conducted a structured search in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched for potentially relevant studies in five databases (Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus) from inception until February 2022. In addition, we manually searched the bibliographies of the included studies to find articles that might otherwise have been missed. We considered articles eligible or ineligible if they satisfied specific inclusion or exclusion criteria. Our results showed that the THR program is an effective direct and alternative therapeutic program that can considerably improve the social behaviors and communication skills of children with ASD and can effectively impact autistic impairments in areas such as social awareness, social cognition, social motivation, and social communication. These findings are in line with those of previous studies; however, we did not find statistical evidence of any effect of THR on the autistic behaviors of irritability, stereotypy, and inappropriate speech. In conclusion, the findings produced by this meta-analysis study provide evidence that THR programs can considerably improve the social behaviors and communication skills of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihui Chen
- Department of Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, Texarkana, TX 75503, USA
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- Physical Education Unit, School of Humanities and Social Science, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Mengxian Zhao
- School of Physical Education, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xiru Du
- College of Sport Arts, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Yongtai Wang
- College of Health Sciences and Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- Chinese Traditional Regimen Exercise Intervention Research Center, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
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3
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Equine-Assisted Services: an overview of current scientific contributions on efficacy and outcomes on humans and horses. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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4
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Badin L, Alibran E, Pothier K, Bailly N. Effects of equine-assisted interventions on older adults’ health: A systematic review. Int J Nurs Sci 2022; 9:542-552. [PMID: 36285074 PMCID: PMC9587396 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Silva MAB, Lupianhes AFG, Lage JB, Sande LAP, Rosa RC, Lombardi LA, Espindula AP. Electromyographic analysis of muscle activation of the trunk and lower limbs during human gait and hippotherapy using different ride mount materials. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2021; 27:507-511. [PMID: 34391279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Activation of the trunk and lower limb muscles, namely the multifidus, rectus abdominis, rectus femoris, and tibialis anterior, was analyzed using surface electromyographyin 40 young, healthy, and sedentary individuals. METHODS Data were collected from sneaker-clad subjects with independent gait and during hippotherapy using saddles and blankets, with the feet in and out of the stirrups. RESULTS Surface electromyography results demonstrated a statistically significantly greater activation of the rectus femoris comparison to tibialis anterior muscle during hippotherapy. No statistically significant differences were observed when comparing variables related to the mount materials used in hippotherapy and human gait. CONCLUSION In this study, similarities were observed between activation of the trunk and lower limb muscles during hippotherapy and human gait. In addition, the mount materials and practices used in hippotherapy did not influence muscle activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Janaine Brandão Lage
- Health Sciences, Concentration Area Human Pathology - Federal University do Triângulo Mineiro, UFTM, Physical Therapistat Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais de Uberaba, APAE, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Luciane Aparecida Pascucci Sande
- Functional and Molecular Biology, Adjunct Teacher of Physiotherapy - Federal University do Triângulo Mineiro, UFTM, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo César Rosa
- Biomecanic Sciences, Senior Lecturer of the Discipline of Human Anatomy - Federal University do Triângulo Mineiro, UFTM, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Augusto Lombardi
- Morphology Senior Lecturer of the Discipline of Human Anatomy - Federal University do Triângulo Mineiro, UFTM, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Ana Paula Espindula
- Health Sciences, Concentration Area Human Pathology e Researcher and Lecturer at Federal University do Triângulo Mineiro - UFTM, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Dziubek A, Brola W, Wilski M, Potemkowski A. Personality of patients with multiple sclerosis and the use of hippotherapy. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 48:102722. [PMID: 33385825 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hippotherapy is an acknowledged form of rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis (MS) in Poland, but is still rarely used. The aim of the study was to assess the differences in the intensity of the personality traits of patients with MS who use and who do not use hippotherapy. METHODS The examination covered 92 patients with MS, aged 15-81 years old (85.9% women), average age 41.78 (± 15.02) years old, both using hippotherapy and not using this method of rehabilitation. The NEO-FFI Personality Inventory has been used for the study of personality traits. Socio-demographic and clinical data, as well as information regarding the use of hippotherapy, has been collected with the assistance of a self-designed survey. RESULTS For all of the patients, the trait expressed with the greatest intensity was conscientiousness (31 ± 7.51), and the least-expressed trait was neuroticism (24±10.42). 46% of the patients used hippotherapy and, compared to the non-users, they had a significantly greater level of agreeableness (34 v. 29, P<.001) and conscientiousness (33 v. 29, P=.009). Hippotherapy was most often used by the elderly patients (age average 49 ± 13.7, years old), while the average age of the non-users was 36 ± 13.6, years old (P<.001). Gender, education, place of residence, and economic status did not affect the choice of hippotherapy as a rehabilitation method. CONCLUSIONS The patients who use hippotherapy had a significantly higher level of agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience. The most important trait influencing the decision to try hippotherapy was agreeableness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Dziubek
- Lubuski Institute of Psychotherapy and Creativity Dialog, Gorzow Wielkopolski, Poland
| | - Waldemar Brola
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland.
| | - Maciej Wilski
- Department of Adapted Physical Activity, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Andrzej Potemkowski
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychoprophylaxis, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
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Stern C, Chur‐hansen A. An umbrella review of the evidence for equine‐assisted interventions. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ajpy.12246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Stern
- The Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia,
| | - Anna Chur‐hansen
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia,
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de Mello EC, Regalo SCH, Diniz LH, Lage JB, Ribeiro MF, Bevilacqua Junior DE, Rosa RC, Ferreira AA, Ferraz MLF, Teixeira VDPA, Espindula AP. Electromyographic analysis of stomatognathic muscles in elderly after hippotherapy. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238036. [PMID: 32853244 PMCID: PMC7451555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aging process affects the entire human body, including the stomatognathic system, and can trigger not only occlusal but also postural imbalances involving other muscular chains. Hippotherapy has been used to promote cervical, postural, and balance control in individuals with diverse impairments. The present study used electromyography to evaluate the masseter and temporal muscles in an elderly population pre- and post-hippotherapy. Participants included 17 individuals, mean age 66,5±7 years. Electromyographic recording of the bilateral masseter and temporal muscles was performed during the postural resting condition and activities that involved the active participation of these muscles in different conditions. The practitioner performed no other type of activity or exercise during the intervention because the objective is to evaluate the effect of the three-dimensional movement provided by the horse. Raw electromyographic data were tabulated using commercially available software (IBM® SPSS® Statistics 234.0) and subjected to statistical analysis, in which p ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Post-hippotherapy, there was lower electromyographic activity for the masseter and temporalis muscles in all the static mandibular tasks, with significant effect for time for the right temporal muscle (p = 0.038), the left temporal muscle (p = 0.028) and in the all dynamic mandibular tasks for the left temporal muscle (p = 0.025) and the left masseter muscle (p = 0.027). Hippotherapy promotes a reduction in the myoelectric activity of the masticatory muscles of elderly individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edneia Corrêa de Mello
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- General Pathology Discipline, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Simone Cecílio Hallak Regalo
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luanna Honorato Diniz
- General Pathology Discipline, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Janaine Brandão Lage
- General Pathology Discipline, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariane Fernandes Ribeiro
- General Pathology Discipline, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo César Rosa
- Human Anatomy Discipline, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alex Abadio Ferreira
- Association of Parents and Friends of the Exceptional, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mara Lúcia Fonseca Ferraz
- General Pathology Discipline, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Paula Espindula
- General Pathology Discipline, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Human Anatomy Discipline, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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The Use of Equine-Assisted Programs for Nontraditional Undergraduate Clinical Pediatric Experiences. TEACHING AND LEARNING IN NURSING 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.teln.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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White‐Lewis S. Equine-assisted therapies using horses as healers: A concept analysis. Nurs Open 2020; 7:58-67. [PMID: 31871691 PMCID: PMC6917924 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims A concept analysis was conducted to clarify the attributes, antecedents and meaning of equine-assisted therapy and present an operational definition. Design Concept analysis. Methods Walker and Avant's concept analysis method was used to analyse equine-assisted therapy, using horses as healers by defining and enumerating the attributes, antecedents, consequences and empirical referents. Example cases are presented. Results Defining attributes include the following: a human participant with an equine physically present to assist the human participant, a treatment or intervention as a result of the interactions between an equine and a human participant, a purposeful and regulated interaction and a positive health outcome goal from the interaction. Antecedents include a live horse with a human physically able to interact with the horse, a facilitator and accessibility to an equine-assisted therapy (EAT) programme. Consequences include improved balance, well-being, quality of life, trust, spasticity, self-efficacy, self-esteem, nurse presence, pleasure and a sense of accomplishment.
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Scopa C, Contalbrigo L, Greco A, Lanatà A, Scilingo EP, Baragli P. Emotional Transfer in Human-Horse Interaction: New Perspectives on Equine Assisted Interventions. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E1030. [PMID: 31779120 PMCID: PMC6941042 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine assisted interventions (EAIs) include all therapeutic interventions aimed at improving human wellbeing through the involvement of horses. Due to the prominent emotional involvement traditionally characterizing their relation with humans, horses developed sophisticated communicative skills, which fostered their ability to respond to human emotional states. In this review, we hypothesize that the proximate causation of successful interventions could be human-animal mutual coordination, through which the subjects bodily and, most importantly, emotionally come into contact. We propose that detecting emotions of other individuals and developing the capacity to fine-tune one's own emotional states accordingly (emotional transfer mechanism), could represent the key engine triggering the positive effects of EAIs. We provide a comprehensive analysis of horses' socio-emotional competences according to recent literature and we propose a multidisciplinary approach to investigate this inter-specific match. By considering human and horse as a unique coupling system during the interaction, it would be possible to objectively measure the degree of coordination through the analysis of physiological variables of both human and animal. Merging the state of art on human-horse relationship with the application of novel methodologies, could help to improve standardized protocols for animal assisted interventions, with particular regard to the emotional states of subjects involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Scopa
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro (Padua), Italy;
| | - Laura Contalbrigo
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro (Padua), Italy;
| | - Alberto Greco
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (A.G.); (A.L.); (E.P.S.)
- Feel-Ing s.r.l., 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Lanatà
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (A.G.); (A.L.); (E.P.S.)
- Feel-Ing s.r.l., 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enzo Pasquale Scilingo
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (A.G.); (A.L.); (E.P.S.)
- Feel-Ing s.r.l., 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Baragli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Bioengineering and Robotic Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
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An equine-assisted therapy intervention to improve pain, range of motion, and quality of life in adults and older adults with arthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Appl Nurs Res 2019; 49:5-12. [PMID: 31495419 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH AIM To compare equine-assisted therapy to exercise education on pain, range of motion, and quality of life in adults and older adults with arthritis. BACKGROUND Quality of life for adults and older adults is negatively impacted by arthritis pain, stiffness, and decreased function. Equine-assisted therapy provides unique movements to the rider's joints and muscles improving pain, range of motion, and quality of life and has improved outcomes in balance, gait, strength, functional mobility, and spasticity for older adults, stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis patients. No research has investigated the effects on adults and older adults with arthritis. METHODS Twenty adults and older adults with arthritis recruited from rheumatology clinics participated in a randomized controlled trial for six weeks. Participants and research assistants were blinded to assignment. Standardized valid and reliable instruments were used to measure pain, range of motion, and quality of life targeting back, knees, shoulders, and hips. RESULTS Mean age was 63.85 (SD 6.885, 53-75) years. Pain significantly improved in shoulders (p = 0.007), hips (p = 0.027), and back (p = 0.006), not knees (p = 0.061). Range of motion improved for back (p = 0.02), hips (p = 0.04), shoulders (p = 0.005) and not knees. Quality of life improved for upper limb (p = 0.002), lower limb (p = 0.021), and affect (p = 0.030), not social interaction and symptoms. CONCLUSION This randomized controlled trial provides evidence that equine-assisted therapy decreases pain, and improves range of motion, and quality of life for adults and older adults with arthritis. Further fully powered research with cost/benefit outcomes would be beneficial.
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A Study Exploring the Implementation of an Equine Assisted Intervention for Young People with Mental Health and Behavioural Issues. J 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/j2020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents the findings from a study of an equine assisted intervention (EAI), which is currently referred over 150 predominantly young people with mental health and behavioural problems each year. The young people are referred to this intervention when other services such as Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are not effective. Performing an exploratory study of implementation may be indicated when, there are few previously published studies or existing data using a specific intervention technique. This study showed some positive changes for participants across eight dimensions including; assertiveness, engagement with learning, calmness, planning, taking responsibility, empathy, communication and focus and perseverance. The equine intervention literature has shown mixed results across a variety of study designs and target groups, in terms of the gold standard of evidence, randomised controlled studies however the evidence currently is very limited. This study used a non-randomised sample, no control group and an unstandardised measurement filled out by those who refer young people to the intervention (social workers and teachers). The outcomes however from this exploratory study would suggest that a randomised control trial may be warranted and achievable.
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Hemingway A, Carter S, Callaway A, Kavanagh E, Ellis S. An Exploration of the Mechanism of Action of an Equine-Assisted Intervention. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E303. [PMID: 31159199 PMCID: PMC6616398 DOI: 10.3390/ani9060303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Though long alluded to, there is now an accumulation of evidence of the vital contribution that emotion makes to learning. Within this broad advance in understanding is a growing body of research emphasising the embodied nature of this emotion-based learning. The study presented here is a pilot study using a mixed-method approach (combining both physiological and experiential methodologies) to give a picture of the "emotional landscape" of people's learning through the intervention under study. This has allowed researchers to examine mediating pathways that may underlie any effects of an equine-assisted intervention. This study specifically focuses on examining the role of emotion. The intervention under study was used with young people with chronic mental health and behavioural problems for whom talk-based interventions were not working. Nine healthy participants aged 18-24 undertook the equine intervention, with an initial group having emotion-related psycho-physiological changes (skin conductance responses) measured while viewing their experience on video, and a further two participants experiencing a development of the methodology as their physiological responses were captured in real time during the intervention. The sessions were analysed by a group of five cross-disciplinary researchers to determine when significant learning episodes occurred, and the findings were that this learning was associated with powerful skin conductance responses. The qualitative element of the research entailed the participants watching themselves on video undertaking the equine intervention. They were asked to stop the video and share any changes in emotion at any point while watching. All participants experienced a positive temporal change in mood as the intervention progressed. All results supported the findings that emotional arousal occurred in relation to the participants asking the horse to perform a task. This paper will offer two novel contributions: (1) description of a new methodology for investigating the mechanism of action occurring in this type of intervention and (2) findings from the exploration of the intervention via psycho-physiological and experiential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Hemingway
- Department of Medical Sciences & Public Health, Bournemouth University, Poole BH12 5BB, UK.
| | - Sid Carter
- Department of Social Sciences & Social Work, Bournemouth University, Poole BH12 5BB, UK.
| | - Andrew Callaway
- Department of Sports & Physical Activity, Bournemouth University, Poole BH12 5BB, UK.
| | - Emma Kavanagh
- Department of Sports & Physical Activity, Bournemouth University, Poole BH12 5BB, UK.
| | - Shelley Ellis
- Department of Sports & Physical Activity, Bournemouth University, Poole BH12 5BB, UK.
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