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Fogel Y. Inside the Functional Individualized Therapy for Teenagers with Executive Deficits (FITTED): Insights from the Adolescents and Their Parents. Occup Ther Health Care 2024; 38:698-712. [PMID: 36571276 DOI: 10.1080/07380577.2022.2159100] [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: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This study explores Functional Individualized Therapy for Teenagers with Executive Deficits (FITTED) factors facilitating adolescents' improvement. At each of eight therapy sessions, 41 adolescents with executive function deficits and their parents wrote the primary concept they "took away." Experts categorized their answers by the FITTED model's main factors-goals, strengths, and strategies-adding child's difficulties for the parents' answers. Results describe answer frequencies by factor in each session. Across time, strengths and strategies dominated among adolescents, and strategies and difficulties among parents. Cognitive strategies are integral to the FITTED process for improving the daily functioning of adolescents with executive function deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Fogel
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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2
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Cheng X, Zhen K, Fan Y, Tang Q, Wu H. The effects of equine-assisted activities on execution function in children aged 7-8 years: A randomized controlled trial. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3148. [PMID: 37443400 PMCID: PMC10498089 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines the effects of equine-assisted activity (EAA) training on executive functioning (EF) (inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) in children aged 7-8 years. METHODS Twenty-Four healthy children aged 7-8 years with a 1:1 ratio of boys to girls were randomly divided into EAA group (EAAG) or control group (CG). The subjects in EAAG were trained for 12 weeks, and CG participated in normal daily activities. All subjects conducted the Flanker, 1-Back, and More-odd shifting tasks at rest and recorded the average reaction times (RTs) and accuracy data of each task. RESULTS After 12 weeks of EAA intervention, EAAG showed a highly significant increase (p < .01) in mean RTs and accuracy in the Flanker and More-odd shifting tasks and a highly significant increase (p < .01) in accuracy only in 1-Back. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that 12-week EAA training can be effective in improving EF and promoting cognitive performance in children aged 7-8 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiaoDong Cheng
- School of Kinesiology and HealthCapital University of Physical Education and SportsBeijingChina
| | - KeXin Zhen
- Department of Physical EducationBeijing Foreign Studies UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yongzhao Fan
- School of Kinesiology and HealthCapital University of Physical Education and SportsBeijingChina
| | - Qian Tang
- College of Public EducationHuainan Union UniversityHuainanChina
| | - Hao Wu
- School of Kinesiology and HealthCapital University of Physical Education and SportsBeijingChina
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Tepper D, Shnookal J, Howell T, Bennett P. Can Interacting with Animals Improve Executive Functions? A Systematic Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2080. [PMID: 37443878 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been growing interest in the potential benefits of using human-animal interactions to improve executive functions: cognitive processes that allow individuals to plan, solve problems, and self-regulate behaviour. To date, no comprehensive review has been conducted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate existing literature, adopting broad inclusion criteria. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 16 papers were identified from peer-reviewed literature. Additional papers were identified from grey literature, including 6 dissertations and 1 thesis. A review of these 23 studies found that human-animal interactions and executive functions are investigated in three main ways: (1) exploring the potential benefits of the human-pet relationship, (2) exploring the impact of an animal's presence during administration of executive function tests, and (3) evaluating the efficacy of animal-assisted services (e.g., animal-assisted therapy) on executive functions. Five of the included studies reported a significant improvement across all measured domains of executive functions, but effect sizes were underreported. Comparatively, 9 studies reported mixed findings, d = 0.32-0.55, while 8 studies reported no significant results. The overall rigour of the research was limited, with great heterogeneity between the study methodologies and outcome measures used. It is recommended that future studies utilise high-quality research methodologies through the use of randomisation, pre- and postmeasures, and appropriate control conditions, where possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Tepper
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3550, Australia
| | - Joanna Shnookal
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3550, Australia
| | - Tiffani Howell
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3550, Australia
| | - Pauleen Bennett
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3550, Australia
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Narvekar HN, Ghani S. Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Promotion of Social Competence: a Conceptual Framework. HUMAN ARENAS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42087-022-00313-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Li Y. Adolescent Psychological Assistance Treatment Strategy Integrating Home-School Coordination and Network Information. Occup Ther Int 2022; 2022:6393139. [PMID: 35912307 PMCID: PMC9303162 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6393139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
With the continuous satisfaction of material life, teenagers' physical health has been generally improved, and all aspects of competition have posed a challenge to teenagers' mental health. Therefore, both at the family level and at the school level, teenagers' mental health education has been paid more and more attention. The school cooperative education model came into being, which has had an important impact on the mental health education of teenagers. Family education is the first level of education for teenagers. Parents' role model, family education concept, and education model all play a key role in the development of children's mental health. Based on this, this paper will focus on optimizing the home-school cooperation strategy, further clarify the main responsibilities of the school, teachers, and parents in the home-school cooperation education in the strategy, establish and improve the home-school cooperation mechanism based on this, and focus on the cultivation of parents' mental health education and teachers' mental health guidance professional skills in this process. Based on the current situation of network home-school mental health coordination and mental health education, this study takes teenagers as the research object, aiming at the common psychological problems in learning, social adaptation, and interpersonal communication, and tries to study the problems of promoting teenagers' mental health from the perspective of integrity and development. The developed home-school collaboration method is to verify that the network home-school collaboration method is more effective than the traditional home-school collaboration method in promoting the mental health development of primary school students, so as to provide a reference for the theory and practice of home-school collaboration under the network environment to carry out mental health education. According to the corresponding network information intelligent algorithm, this paper constantly adjusts the coordination strategy between family and school and guides teenagers to internalize the corresponding excellent behaviour into their own habits. In the experimental part, the psychological assistance treatment scheme proposed in this paper is verified and analysed. The experimental results show that the psychological assistance treatment program for adolescents proposed in this paper has obvious effects. School education has a special mental health counseling center and special psychological teachers, which can carry out mental health education more scientifically. The unity and cooperation between family education and school education can combine the educational power of parents and schools to fully develop the mental health of teenagers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Li
- Mental Health Education and Counseling Center, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118 Guangdong, China
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6
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Korfmacher AK, Hirsch O, Chavanon ML, Albrecht B, Christiansen H. Self-management training vs. neurofeedback interventions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Results of a randomized controlled treatment study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:969351. [PMID: 36061275 PMCID: PMC9433654 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.969351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neurofeedback (NF) and self-management training (SMT) may be viable treatment options for patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) if they alleviate core symptoms, enhance the patients' self-concept and improve their quality of life (QoL). Aim of the current study is evaluating both interventions accordingly and to test whether specific improvements in core symptoms lead to more general improvements in self-concept and QoL. METHODS In a psychotherapeutic outpatient clinic in Germany, a total of N = 139 children with ADHD were screened for eligibility, of which 111 fulfilled inclusion criteria and participated in the study in accordance with the CONSORT 2010 statement. These were randomly assigned to NF vs. SMT interventions. Changes from pre- to post-intervention in core ADHD symptoms relying on parent and teacher reports (CONNERS 3) and objective tests (Qb-Test) as well as self-concept (interview with the children) and QoL assessments (using the KINDL-R self-report) were compared between patients receiving NF or SMT. RESULTS Significant improvements in ADHD symptoms were achieved similarly in both treatment groups, whilst QoL and self-concept improved after SMT only. CONCLUSION This treatment study provides further evidence that SMT and NF may reduce core symptoms, but SMT may also improve patients' self-concept and QoL and may thus in its current form be the favorable treatment option in naturalistic settings. However, several limitations of the current study implicate that further research is required before definitive conclusions and recommendations for clinical practice can be given. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION [www.clinicaltrials.gov], identifier [NCT01879644].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Korfmacher
- Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Hirsch
- Department of Psychology, FOM University of Applied Sciences, Siegen, Germany
| | - Mira-Lynn Chavanon
- Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Björn Albrecht
- Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Christiansen
- Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Impact of Equine-Assisted Interventions on Heart Rate Variability in Two Participants with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Pilot Study. CHILDREN 2021; 8:children8111073. [PMID: 34828786 PMCID: PMC8617898 DOI: 10.3390/children8111073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
People with disabilities due to genetic origin often present high levels of stress: non-pharmacological interventions such as Equine-Assisted Interventions (EAI) may be a useful strategy. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate stress levels in two participants with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome diagnosis, immediately after carrying out the EAI. A single case experimental design methodology was chosen due to the small sample size. Two participants with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, a rare disease, with different comorbidities were included. The present study considered the EAI as the independent variable while the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) represented the dependent one, as HRV is considered an indicator of stress level. Measurements were performed before and after carrying out the interventions. The results showed an HRV increase in one of the participants and an increase in the arousal level evidenced by a decrease in his HRV. After having carried out the program, EAI seems to cause an impact on the activation level of the participants depending on the typology and nature of the intervention. However, these results should be treated with caution due to the small sample size. This study is a pilot to test the feasibility of the proposed interventions on the variable under study.
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Aviv TLM, Katz YJ, Berant E. The Contribution of Therapeutic Horseback Riding to the Improvement of Executive Functions and Self-Esteem Among Children With ADHD. J Atten Disord 2021; 25:1743-1753. [PMID: 32508191 DOI: 10.1177/1087054720925898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is associated with difficulties in executive functions (EFs), (assessed by questionnaires) and self-esteem. Objective: To examine the contribution of therapeutic horseback riding to the EFs' improvement and self-esteem. Method: In total, 123 Israeli children diagnosed with ADHD participated in the study. The study group participated in 20 weeks of therapeutic horseback riding sessions in addition to receiving medication, whereas the control group received only medication. The children and their mothers filled out questionnaires before treatment, at the end of treatment, and 12 weeks after the treatment ended. To examine changes in the children's EFs and self-esteem, a series of latent growth models (LGMs) were conducted. Results: Therapeutic horseback riding contributed to the improvement of EFs and self-esteem. Improved self-esteem predicted subsequent improvement in EFs. Conclusion: Therapeutic horseback riding is an effective therapeutic method to improve EFs and self-esteem among children with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ety Berant
- Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Israel
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Norwood MF, Lakhani A, Maujean A, Downes M, Fullagar S, Barber BL, Kendall E. The Horse as a Therapist: Effects of an Equine Program Without "Therapy" on the Attention and Behavior of Youth Disengaged from Traditional School. J Altern Complement Med 2021; 27:678-687. [PMID: 33945293 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2020.0500] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Equine-assisted therapy may promote positive behavior change in young people "at risk." However, it is not always clear what therapeutic content is involved and if a trained therapist is included. The therapeutic effects of the key part of the "therapy," the horse, are not understood. Objectives: To investigate the impact of an equine program without a therapist on attention and behavioral outcomes of young people "at risk." Design: A within subjects pre-post design. A small sample also completed a control period. Setting/location: A small riding center in a rural area of outer Brisbane, Australia. Subjects: Twelve- to 17-year olds (N = 50; 20 girls; mean age 13.88), attending nontraditional flexischool. Intervention: A 5-week program of 2-h long sessions of equine activities that did not include a trained therapist or specific therapeutic content. Outcome measures: Teacher-report measures of externalizing and internalizing behavior were reported before and after the program through the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: A paired samples t test resulted in the statistically significant reduction of the BRIEF Global Executive Score between pre and post participation in the equine program (mean difference = -5.89), t(36) = -3.377, p = 0.002 and the SDQ Hyperactivity score (mean difference = -0.727), t(43) = -2.244, p = 0.030. Equine activities may reverse a trajectory of worsening problems. This may especially affect symptoms related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Conclusion: Equine programs may offer an alternative method to reduce poor behavior and improve attention in young people. Benefits in attention may occur even without specific therapeutic content or therapist involvement. It is proposed that some of these benefits come directly from the horse and the interactions with the horse; others are contextual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Francis Norwood
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Institute Queensland, School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Australia
| | - Ali Lakhani
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Institute Queensland, School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Australia
- The School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Annick Maujean
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
| | - Martin Downes
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
| | - Simone Fullagar
- Department of Tourism, Sport & Hotel Management, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
| | - Bonnie L Barber
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith Health, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Kendall
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Institute Queensland, School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Australia
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Helmer A, Wechsler T, Gilboa Y. Equine-Assisted Services for Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review. J Altern Complement Med 2021; 27:477-488. [PMID: 33835856 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2020.0482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This systematic review evaluated equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAATs), formerly referred to as equine-assisted services (EAS), in children and youth (ages 6-18 years) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Methods: Electronic database searches were conducted of studies from inception through December 2020. Results: A total of 12 articles were included: 8 noncontrolled prospective studies and 4 randomized-controlled trials (RCTs). Furthermore, seven of moderate methodological quality studies and five of moderate high methodological quality studies were included. Evidence was found for the effectiveness of various forms of EAS, including equine-assisted physical therapy (EAPT) and therapeutic riding (TR). Improvements in body functions and structures (n = 10) were found in the domains of mental and neuromusculoskeletal functions, as well as functions of the cardiovascular system using EAPT (n = 6). Limited evidence was found regarding the positive effect on activity and participation (n = 4) following TR interventions. Quality of life (QoL) was improved in both TR and EAPT (n = 4). Conclusion: There seems to be preliminary evidence that EAS may be beneficial in promoting the physiological functions of body systems for children with ADHD. The influence on participation and QoL still requires further evidence. More generally, further controlled studies, including bigger sample sizes, are needed to understand the specific effects of different EAS on the core symptoms and consequence of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Helmer
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tamar Wechsler
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yafit Gilboa
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Maresca G, Portaro S, Naro A, Crisafulli R, Raffa A, Scarcella I, Aliberti B, Gemelli G, Calabrò RS. Hippotherapy in neurodevelopmental disorders: a narrative review focusing on cognitive and behavioral outcomes. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2020; 11:553-560. [PMID: 33949903 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2020.1852084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Hippotherapy (HT) is a rehabilitative tool inducing psychological and motor improvements using human-horse interaction. HT provides sensory stimulation to the rider through the rhythmic and repetitive movements of the horse, facilitating communication between patients and healthcare professionals, favoring the establishment of a therapeutic alliance. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effects of HT treatment on cognitive-behavioral processes in neurodevelopmental disorders. We screened studies published between 2002 and 2020 on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Sciences databases. The search combined the following terms: "hippotherapy"; "horseback riding"; "equine-assisted therapy"; "developmental disorder"; "autism spectrum disorder"; "dyspraxia"; "infantile cerebral palsy"; and "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder". This review shows that HT can be a valuable tool for the treatment of developmental disorders. The psychological, cognitive and relational areas could benefit from the animal-child interaction to promote child autonomy, self-esteem, self-efficacy and openness to others. Physical, motor and psychosocial benefits were found in adolescents with anxiety and/or depression disorders, in autism spectrum disorders, dyspraxia, as well as in infantile cerebral palsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. HT could be considered an alternative therapeutic tool thanks to the relationship between patient-horse-instructor and to the sensory-motor and cognitive stimulation that enforce learning processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonino Naro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Raffa
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
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