Commentary on

Abstract

“How could I apply this information?” This study describes qualitative feedback provided by children and parents regarding their experiences with equine-assisted therapies and activities (EATA). By describing the benefits, relationships, and barriers faced by the study participants, the authors present actionable issues that can be used by clinicians to maximize the potential therapeutic benefit during the EATA sessions. The study results highlight the important concept of self-efficacy as it relates to motor learning. Improved feelings of self-efficacy, personal beliefs about ability, and related expectations have been supported in many prior studies and are important to incorporate into rehabilitation.1 “What should I be mindful about in applying this information?” Expanding on these qualitative results with quantitative metrics of function would further clarify outcomes from EATA and possibly provide insight into mechanisms that support change following EATA. It is important to distinguish between equine-assisted activities that are therapeutic in nature, that is, provided by a licensed physical, occupational, or speech therapist, and those that are recreational in nature.2 Hippotherapy, provided by a licensed PT, OT, or SLP, should be billed as a therapeutic intervention and therefore address the cost barrier that has been identified. Should the patient not be expected to make functional gains but is interested in equine-assisted activities as a means to improve quality of life, and maintain present functional level of core strength, breathing, and postural control, a recreational program of therapeutic riding could be chosen; however, this may not be supported by insurance or other payers. The importance of improved self-efficacy, or ability to perform functional motor tasks, especially in a child with a disease that is progressive in nature, may be paramount to the individual's quality of life. Cassandra Sanders-Holly, PT, DPT, PCS Leaps & Bounds Pediatric Therapy Inc Norco, California Eric Wade, PhD Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering University of Tennessee, Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee