Physiological and Behavioral Benefits for People and Horses during Guided Interactions at an Assisted Living Residence.

Ann Baldwin,Barbara Rector,Ann Alden

doi:10.3390/bs11100129

Ann Baldwin, Barbara Rector + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/bs11100129

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Abstract

Assisted living is a fast-growing living option for seniors who require residence-based activities for maintaining mental and physical health. Guided equine interactions may benefit seniors, so an on-site equine program was started at Hacienda at the River senior living community. For research purposes, twenty-four residents and associates, aged fifty-five or over, consented to physiological measurements before, during and after four guided sessions of stroking one of three horses for 10 min over 4–6 weeks. Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured simultaneously in humans and horses during interactions. We hypothesized that human heart rate (HR) and HRV would increase during stroking and HRV power would shift toward the very low frequency (VLF) range common in horses, indicative of healthy function. During stroking, human HR increased (p < 0.05) but HRV (SDRR) and %VLF of HRV power did not change. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), an exploratory measure, significantly increased after stroking, consistent with arousal. Two horses showed no significant changes in HR or HRV, but one relaxed. Sixteen horse–human pairs demonstrated synchronized HRV peak frequencies during sessions, suggestive of social connection. Participants used more positive than negative words describing their experience during exit interviews (p < 0.05). These data show that horses animate seniors without causing emotional stress and provide opportunities for social bonding.

Highlights

Assisted living is one of the fastest-growing sectors of living options for seniors in the USA
The results demonstrated that the participants became animated during equine-assisted learning (EAL) and did not experience emotional stress
Systolic blood pressure of human participants was not affected by their hand grooming of the horses (Figure 1a)

Summary

Introduction

Assisted living is one of the fastest-growing sectors of living options for seniors in the USA. In order to maintain physical, mental and emotional health, it is essential that seniors have access to a variety of residence-based stimulating activities [1]. All interactions with the horses begin with the whole group short form AIA Safety Agreement which may be pledged by participants together reading from the sign: “My name is XXX and I agree to be responsible to me, contributing to the safety of the group”. Groundworktherapy.com.au/i-amcards, accessed on March 2016) showing the head of a horse displaying a particular attitude and briefly state what they think the horse is “saying” to them. This activity acts as an icebreaker for social interactions. The other facilitator acts as a safety sentinel who constantly observes the whole environment, alert for changes that may impact the safety of the humans and horses and calls a “time out” if necessary

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