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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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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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Kemeny B, Burk S, Hutchins D, Gramlich C. Therapeutic Riding or Mindfulness: Comparative Effectiveness of Two Recreational Therapy Interventions for Adolescents with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:2438-2462. [PMID: 34131850 PMCID: PMC8204925 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05136-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic riding (THR) and HeartMath (HM) mindfulness-based interventions have promise for reducing stress in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. In three 10-week periods, this study compared THR, HM, and control on salivary cortisol, self-reported stress, parent-reported social responsiveness, and heart-rate variability. This crossover design included 27 participants (12-21 years) randomly assigned to order of intervention. Findings suggest that HM and THR manualized protocols are equally beneficial in decreasing cortisol levels immediately following a session, but HM sessions had more impact on heart-rate variability. There was no significant effect on follow-up cortisol levels within a week after either intervention, but THR had more impact on decreasing some self-reported stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsy Kemeny
- Department of Recreational Therapy, Slippery Rock University, 106 Patterson Hall, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 USA
| | - Steffanie Burk
- Department of Equine Science, Otterbein University, Westerville, USA
| | - Deborah Hutchins
- Department of Recreational Therapy, Slippery Rock University, 106 Patterson Hall, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 USA
| | - Courtney Gramlich
- Storm Harbor Equestrian Center, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, USA
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Tárraga-Mínguez R, Lacruz-Pérez I, Peiró-Estela R, Sanz-Cervera P. Terapias y actividades asistidas con animales para niños con TEA: un estudio de revisión. UNIVERSITAS PSYCHOLOGICA 2021. [DOI: 10.11144/javeriana.upsy20.taaa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Este trabajo incluye una revisión de la literatura publicada entre 2010 y 2019 que aborda la efectividad de las Terapias y Actividades Asistidas con Animales como intervención con niños y adolescentes con Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA). Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, ProQuest, ERIC y Google Scholar, empleando los términos [(animal assisted therapy OR animal assisted intervention OR dog-assisted therapy OR equine-assisted therapy OR dolphin-assisted therapy) AND (autism OR ASD)]. Se identificaron 245 estudios, de los cuales se seleccionaron 40 con base en diferentes criterios de inclusión, tales como que las intervenciones descritas tengan un enfoque psicoeducativo y sean evaluadas mediante instrumentos rigurosos. En cada uno de ellos se revisaron las variables analizadas, los instrumentos de evaluación utilizados, las características de cada intervención y los resultados obtenidos. Los resultados sugieren que los animales más utilizados son el caballo y el perro, y que este tipo de intervención tiene efectos positivos para niños con TEA en áreas como la interacción y la comunicación social, el comportamiento y el desarrollo motor, entre otros. Se concluye que es una intervención beneficiosa para niños y adolescentes con autismo, aunque siempre como complemento de otro tipo de tratamientos.
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Fine AH, Beck AM, Ng Z. The State of Animal-Assisted Interventions: Addressing the Contemporary Issues that will Shape the Future. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3997. [PMID: 31635430 PMCID: PMC6843928 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16203997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
As the worldwide popularity of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) increases, the fieldis quickly approaching a paradigm shift, adjusting its image to incorporate more evidence-basedresearch and aligning its purpose for advancing a new future. Contemporary critical issues thatconfront the field today include, but are not limited, to research, animal welfare, practice guidelines,and public policy. This article will provide an overview of the history of AAI and the majormilestones that the field has undergone. The current state of AAI research will be scrutinized, andthe areas that warrant further study will be recommended. Special attention will be given to thecurrent state of animal welfare in AAI, the research that has been done in the area, and practiceguidelines that safeguard animal wellbeing. This article will then discuss how evidence-basedresearch and animal welfare guidelines inform the development of comprehensive professionalstandards and influence changes in public policy regarding AAI. The authors' perceptions for thefield's future trajectory will be presented, which will include solutions to move the field in thedirection that best advances the human-animal bond in research, practice, and public perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey H Fine
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona- Department of Education 3801 W Temple Ave, Pomona, CA 91768, USA.
| | - Alan M Beck
- Center for Human-Animal Bond, College Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Zenithson Ng
- University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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