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Cleary M, West S, Thapa DK, Hungerford C, McLean L, Johnston-Devin C, Kornhaber R. A Scoping Review of Equine-Assisted Therapies on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Autistic Children and Adolescents: Exploring the Possibilities. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2024; 45:948-960. [PMID: 39042874 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2024.2364236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Animals are increasingly being utilized to assist with therapies for people with various health conditions. Horses are often used as a mechanism of engagement and development for autistic children and adolescents. Horses offer a unique opportunity for interaction as the child or adolescent can physically ride and interact with the animal, thus creating a therapy that involves contact that is different to other animals. Benefits derived from equine-assisted therapies can be physical, social, behavioral, emotional, sensory, and cognitive. However, a current and specific research gap exists in understanding the potential mental health impacts of horse riding on autistic children and adolescents, as perceived and experienced by their parents, carers, and horse-riding service providers. This scoping review examined research on parents' and service providers' perceptions of the benefits of horse-related therapies, with a particular focus on perceptions of positive mental health impacts. A comprehensive electronic search across PubMed, Scopus and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature identified 16 articles from 15 studies which met the inclusion criteria. Findings included non-mental health-related benefits (as perceived by parents and service providers), mental health-related benefits (as perceived by parents and service providers), benefits for those other than the child/adolescent, and limitations of equine-assisted therapies. With the increased use of equine therapy, and the mounting evidence of its positive impacts on mental health, it is timely to expand research on how to better harness interventions and maximize the mental health benefits for autistic children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Cleary
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, CQUniversity, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sancia West
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, CQUniversity, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Deependra Kaji Thapa
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, CQUniversity, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health - Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Catherine Hungerford
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, CQUniversity, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Loyola McLean
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Westmead Psychotherapy Program for Complex Traumatic Disorders, Parramatta, Australia
- Western Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Rachel Kornhaber
- School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, Australia
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Aewerdieck LM, Martin RA, Graham FP, Hay-Smith J. Exploring In-Session Engagement in Equine-Assisted Services for Children and Youth Experiencing Disability: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2024. [PMID: 38976484 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2024.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Aims: The purpose of this review was to identify and describe the evidence about children and youth engagement during equine-assisted services (EAS). Methods: Five databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and MEDLINE) were systematically searched. Included studies reported research about EAS conducted in children and youth and presented findings about in-session engagement or associated concepts such as motivation, involvement, and participation. Extracted data (study type, equine intervention, population, and the studies' key focus) were summarized descriptively, followed by inductive content analysis of the main mechanisms proposed to influence engagement. Results: In total, 30 studies were identified; however, only three centered on rider engagement as the primary focus of research. Other publications addressed in-session engagement within service descriptions or results and discussion sections. Three mechanisms that influence engagement within EAS were derived: (1) the unique EAS landscape, (2) the horse-child relationship and (3) the provider-child relationship. The literature primarily referred to horses as the most important factor influencing child and youth engagement in EAS sessions. Little attention was given to the influence of service providers', parents', or child preferences on engagement. Conclusions: The child/youth-parent-provider relational triad and specific strategies to improve rider engagement within EAS sessions warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena M Aewerdieck
- Department of Medicine, Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington South, New Zealand
| | - Rachelle A Martin
- Department of Medicine, Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington South, New Zealand
| | - Fiona P Graham
- Department of Medicine, Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington South, New Zealand
| | - Jean Hay-Smith
- Department of Medicine, Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington South, New Zealand
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Xiao N, Bagayi V, Yang D, Huang X, Zhong L, Kiselev S, Bolkov MA, Tuzankina IA, Chereshnev VA. Effectiveness of animal-assisted activities and therapies for autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1403527. [PMID: 38895710 PMCID: PMC11184216 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1403527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Given the rising interest in complementary therapeutic strategies for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of animal-assisted activities and therapies (AAAT) on various ASD symptoms. Methods A meticulous search of databases, including Scopus and PubMed, was conducted to gather relevant research on AAAT for ASD. This process led to the selection of 45 studies encompassing 1,212 participants. The chosen studies were then subjected to a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of AAAT in alleviating core ASD symptoms. Results The meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in several core ASD symptoms due to AAAT. Notably, there were improvements in social communication (MD = -4.96, 95% CI [-7.49, -2.44]), irritability (MD = -2.38, 95% CI [-4.06, -0.71]), hyperactivity (MD = -4.03, 95% CI [-6.17, -1.89]), and different word usage skills (MD = 20.48, 95% CI [7.41, 33.55]). However, social awareness (MD = -1.63, 95% CI [-4.07, 0.81]), social cognition (MD = -3.60, 95% CI [-9.36, 2.17]), social mannerisms (MD = -0.73, 95% CI [-2.55, 1.09]), social motivation (MD = -1.21, 95% CI [-2.56, 0.13]), lethargy (MD = -1.12, 95% CI [-3.92, 1.68]), and stereotypical behaviors (MD = -0.23, 95% CI [-1.27, 0.80]) did not significantly improve. Conclusion The study demonstrates the potential of AAAT in improving certain core symptoms of ASD, such as social communication, irritability, hyperactivity, and word usage skills. However, the effectiveness of AAAT in other ASD symptom domains remains uncertain. The research is limited by the absence of long-term follow-up data and a high risk of bias in existing studies. Therefore, while the findings indicate the promise of AAAT in specific areas, caution is advised in generalizing its efficacy across all ASD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningkun Xiao
- Department of Immunochemistry, Institution of Chemical Engineering, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia
- Laboratory for Brain and Neurocognitive Development, Department of Psychology, Institution of Humanities, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Vaishnavi Bagayi
- Laboratory for Brain and Neurocognitive Development, Department of Psychology, Institution of Humanities, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Dandan Yang
- Guang’an District Women and Children’s Hospital, Guangan, China
| | - Xinlin Huang
- Laboratory for Brain and Neurocognitive Development, Department of Psychology, Institution of Humanities, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Lei Zhong
- Doctoral Department, Russian Sports University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Kiselev
- Laboratory for Brain and Neurocognitive Development, Department of Psychology, Institution of Humanities, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Mikhail A. Bolkov
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Irina A. Tuzankina
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Valery A. Chereshnev
- Department of Immunochemistry, Institution of Chemical Engineering, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russia
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia
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McQuaid L, Thomson K, Bannigan K. Exploring the contribution of case study research to the evidence base for occupational therapy: a scoping review. Syst Rev 2023; 12:132. [PMID: 37525266 PMCID: PMC10388505 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02292-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Case study research is generating interest to evaluate complex interventions. However, it is not clear how this is being utilized by occupational therapists or how feasible it is to contribute to the evidence base. This scoping review explores case study research within occupational therapy in terms of how it is defined, the methodological characteristics adopted, such as data collection and analysis, and the range of practice contexts in which it is applied. We consider the viability of case study research for contributing to our evidence base. METHODS Opinion, text and empirical studies within an occupational therapy practice context were included. A three-step extensive search following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was conducted in June 2020 and updated in July 2021 across ten databases, websites, peer-reviewed and grey literature from 2016 onwards. Study selection was completed by two independent reviewers. A data extraction table was developed and piloted and data charted to align with research questions. Data extraction was completed by one reviewer and a 10% sample cross checked by another. RESULTS Eighty-eight studies were included in the review consisting of (n = 84) empirical case study and (n = 4) non-empirical papers. Case study research has been conducted globally, with a range of populations across different settings. The majority were conducted in a community setting (n = 48/84; 57%) with populations experiencing neurodevelopmental disorder (n = 32/84; 38%), stroke (n = 14/84;17%) and non-diagnosis specific (n = 13/84; 15%). Methodologies adopted quantitative (n = 42/84; 50%), mixed methods (n = 22/84; 26%) and qualitative designs (n = 20/84; 24%). However, identifying the methodology and 'case' was a challenge due to methodological inconsistencies. CONCLUSIONS Case study research is useful when large-scale inquiry is not appropriate; for cases of complexity, early intervention efficacy, theory testing or when small participant numbers are available. It appears a viable methodology to contribute to the evidence base for occupation and health as it has been used to evaluate interventions across a breadth of occupational therapy practice contexts. Viability could be enhanced through consistent conduct and reporting to allow pooling of case data. A conceptual model and description of case study research in occupational therapy is proposed to support this. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION Open Science Framework 10.17605/OSF.IO/PCFJ6.
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Nieforth LO, Schwichtenberg AJ, O’Haire ME. Animal-Assisted Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of the Literature from 2016 to 2020. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2023; 10:255-280. [PMID: 37313251 PMCID: PMC10259834 DOI: 10.1007/s40489-021-00291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In the last five years, the literature on animal-assisted intervention (AAI) for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has doubled in size from 42 studies prior to 2015 to 85 studies (cumulative total assessed in 2020). Horses remain the most commonly researched animal for AAI, followed by dogs. The most commonly researched outcome was social interaction, across 21 studies. Though the quantity of studies has increased, issues with methodological rigor remain. Results highlight the need for a continued focus on methodological rigor as well as refining the structure of animal-assisted interventions, addressing the welfare needs of the animals involved, and continuing to establish an evidence base of both significant and nonsignificant findings for AAI for individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne O. Nieforth
- Center for the Human Animal Bond, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - A. J. Schwichtenberg
- Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Xiao N, Shinwari K, Kiselev S, Huang X, Li B, Qi J. Effects of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2630. [PMID: 36767996 PMCID: PMC9915993 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become a critical public health issue that affects more than 78 million people. In many recent studies, the authors have demonstrated that equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAATs) can substantially improve the social and behavioral skills of children with ASD. However, the qualities of the studies differ, and some authors reached opposite conclusions. In this review, we systematically and objectively examined the effectiveness of EAATs for people with ASD, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods. We searched five databases (PubMed, Scopus, ERIC, ProQuest, and MEDLINE) and added relevant references, and we identified 25 articles for data extraction and analysis. According to our results, EAAT programs can substantially improve the social and behavioral functioning and language abilities of children with ASD. However, among the subdomains, the results were inconsistent. According to the meta-analyses, there were considerable improvements in the social cognition, communication, irritability, and hyperactivity domains, but not in the domains of social awareness, mannerisms, motivation, lethargy, stereotypy, or inappropriate speech. Moreover, there was a lack of sufficient comparative data to conclude that EAAT programs lead to substantial improvements in motor and sensory functioning. In addition, among the included studies, we noted the indicator of whether EAAT programs decreased parental stress and improved family functioning, and although there were four articles in which the researchers considered this aspect, we were unable to draw any conclusions because of the insufficient data and conflicting descriptive evidence. However, we need to consider the improvement in parental mental health as a factor in the effectiveness of this complementary intervention. We hope that in future studies, researchers will focus on family functioning and conduct more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with blinded assessments using different scales and measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningkun Xiao
- Department of Psychology, Institution of Humanities, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620075, Russia
| | - Khyber Shinwari
- Department of Immunochemistry, Institution of Chemical Engineering, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620075, Russia
| | - Sergey Kiselev
- Department of Psychology, Institution of Humanities, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620075, Russia
| | - Xinlin Huang
- Department of Psychology, Institution of Humanities, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620075, Russia
| | - Baoheng Li
- Engineering School of Information Technologies, Telecommunications and Control System, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620002, Russia
| | - Jingjing Qi
- Engineering School of Information Technologies, Telecommunications and Control System, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620002, Russia
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Preliminary Efficacy of Occupational Therapy in an Equine Environment for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:4114-4128. [PMID: 34557985 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05278-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify appropriate outcome measures and assess preliminary efficacy of occupational therapy in an equine environment (OTee HORSPLAY) for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twenty-four youth with ASD aged 6-13 were randomized to 10 weeks of OTee HORSPLAY or to a waitlist control condition, occupational therapy in a garden. Youth demonstrated significantly improved goal attainment and social motivation, and decreased irritability after OTee HORSPLAY. When compared to the subset of participants who completed the waitlist control condition, the OTee HORSPLAY group still demonstrated significant improvements in goal attainment. This study provides preliminary evidence that horses can be integrated into occupational therapy for youth with ASD to improve social and behavioral goals.
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