Equine-assisted Activities And Therapies Research Articles

Effects of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

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.

Effect of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract Objectives: To determine the effects of an equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) program on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Design: An evaluator-blinded, parallel, two-arm, randomized controlled clinical trial with 1:1 randomization. Settings/Location: A tertiary university hospital and a local arena. Subjects: Forty-six children with CP (24 boys and 22 girls) classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I, II, or III were included. Interventions: The EAAT program was conducted for 40 min twice a week for 16 weeks (32 lessons). Outcome measures: Clinical global impression scales, motor capacity, cardiopulmonary fitness, and habitual physical activity was measured on both groups before and after the 16-week period. Results: Changes in the Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale scores were not different between the groups after the intervention. Analysis of covariance revealed statistically significant differences in Gross Motor Function Measure 66 (GMFM 66) (p < 0.05) and Pediatric Balance Scale (p < 0.001) in motor capacity and resting heart rate (HRrest) (p < 0.001) in CRF, between the EAAT group and the control group. Subgroup analysis using multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the GMFM 66 changes had a statistically significant effect on the HRrest changes in the EAAT group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The present study showed decreased HRrest in children with CP after completing the 16-week EAAT program. This improvement was explained by the improvement of GMFM 66 in the EAAT group. Thus, EAAT may be among the endurance training programs that could be offered to children with CP to improve their CRF. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03870893.

Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Lived Experience

Abstract Date Presented 04/13/21 The purpose of this phenomenological study was to highlight the lived experience of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder who participated in equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAA/T) using semistructured interviews and thematic analysis. Research questions explored the client's perception of skills learned and whether clients recognized the generalization of skills. Implications for OT and conceptualizing the links between OT and EAA/T will be presented. Primary Author and Speaker: Emily Mahoney Additional Authors and Speakers: Elizabeth Torrez, Mekenzie Keenportz, Kelly Maki, Tara Rudkoski, and Katie Hawk

Effectiveness of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Improving Adaptive Behavior and Motor Function in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) have been suggested to improve adaptive behavior, and possibly motor function, in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study investigated the effects of EAAT on adaptive behavior and motor function in 15 children with ASD (13 males) aged 7–15 years as well as the impact of EAAT on the magnitude of stress in the parent–child system and the evolution in the child interaction with both the trained therapist and the therapeutic animal through the 20 weekly sessions of EAAT. EAAT were associated with greater adaptive behavior and coordination (all p ≤ 0.01) as well as a progressive improvement in the child’s abilities to respond to the increasing complexity of such form of positive behavioral support (all p < 0.001). However, EAAT did not prove to be effective in reducing parental distress. Collectively, preliminary evidence presented here may have important public health implications and gives reason to hope that EAAT could possibly be an effective option in ASD, warranting further investigation of its potential benefits in clinical trials among larger samples.

Effects of equine-assisted activities on attention and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy in a randomized trial: examining the comorbidity with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

BackgroundAttention problems and decreased quality of life are frequently accompanied in Cerebral Palsy (CP), which can negatively affect rehabilitation of physical disability. However, the majority of affected children remain untreated in the aspects of attention or psychosocial factors. Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) use horse as a therapeutic modality including grooming as well as mounted riding activities in which patients exercise and experience mounted stimulation. It is known to help improve attention in children with ADHD, so that it can be an exercise therapy that is expected to improvement of attention as well as rehabilitating effects in CP patients. EAA may be a promising strategy to address the unmet need for CP patients. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of EAA for children with CP, those with both CP and ADHD and confirm the comorbidity between CP and ADHD.MethodsForty-six children with cerebral palsy participated in this study. For the exercise group, they participated in a 40-min session twice a week for a 16-week period, while the control group engaged in daily life without any special treatments. Each children individually were assessed on attention and psychological wellbeing at baseline and post-treatment. Comorbidity were identified based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder 5th edition (DSM-5) and confirmed by Korean Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL).ResultsPerseveration rated using the Conner’s Performance Test (CPT) showed a significant decrease only in the exercise group (p < .024). However, no significant improvement in children’s quality of life was observed after EAA program compared with control group. Among the total participants, fifteen children (31.91%) were diagnosed with ADHD. When conducting an additional analysis with the subsample of CP patients diagnosed with ADHD, the d’, commission error and perseveration showed a significant decrease only in the exercise group. Children with CP and ADHD reported an improvement in quality of life both in exercise and control group, but only in the exercise group social functioning exhibited a significant difference.ConclusionThe positive effects of the EAA on attention and quality of life were confirmed. Children with CP in the exercise group were more capable to sustain their attention longer. Those with CP and ADHD showed an increase in attention and perceived to have better social skills after receiving 16 weeks of EAA compared to those in the control group. Considering high comorbidity of CP and ADHD, it seems that the EAA program could be the better alternative treatment for CP with attentional problem. The results of this study will contribute to growing evidence for the efficacy of EAA in children especially with CP and ADHD.Trial registrationThis trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03870893). Registered 26 July 2017.

Equine-assisted activities and therapies in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder characterized by problems of inattention and impulsive hyperactivity. Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAATs) have become an emerging non-pharmacological intervention option in patients with ADHD. To perform a systematic review of updated literature about EAAT in children with ADHD. A systematic review was performed until 28 November 2019, in four electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) intervention programme, with pre- and post-data, based on EAAT, (b) children with ADHD and (c) articles written in English. A total of 9 articles were found that meet the inclusion criteria. The evidence level was C for 7 studies and B for 2 studies. The level of conclusion was 3. There are few studies with high methodological quality, and there is a high heterogeneity in the variables included, what make that the level of evidence and conclusion are low. There is no account with enough studies of high methodological quality to determine whether EAAT is an effective intervention for the treatment in children with ADHD.

Rural Status of Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies and Cancer Survivors

Background: Although equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) are rapidly increasing, as are cancer survival rates, little is known about the engagement of cancer survivors in EAAT. One may conceptualize equine or horse related activities as occurring in rural areas; however, the rural status of EAAT centers are not fully reported.Purpose: To explore the rural status of EAAT centers, and whether EAAT is provided for cancer survivors and the more common service for post-traumatic stress disorder at those centers.Method: A quantitative descriptive analysis was conducted of publicly available data after an exempt status decision of an Institutional Review Board. Services using EAAT for those with terminal illnesses, post-traumatic stress disorder and cancer survivors were examined. Rural status was evaluated for all organizational members (N = 784) of Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). Roy adaptation model was used as a theoretical framework in this project.Findings: All types of the organizational members, cluster in urban areas more than rural areas. Significant relationship (p = 0.039) was found between rural status and type of membership, where more urban than rural centers were premier accredited center members. Most of the contacted and responding centers stated that they do provided EAAT for cancer survivors (n = 204); however, only (n = 26) centers have programs specifically designed for cancer survivors.Conclusion: There are not only less EAAT rural than urban centers, but rural centers also tend to have lower quality level membership based on PATH Intl. standards. Although EAAT is provided for cancer survivors, identifying effective ways to provide EAAT and standardization of programs for cancer survivors is recommended.&#x0D; DOI: http://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v20i2.601

18 Comparing stress indicators of horses used for therapy in riding activities and groundwork activities

Abstract Equine therapy is used to assist people suffering from various physical and mental disabilities. Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) include therapeutic riding and hippotherapy. Our objective was to determine the effects of EAAT on horse heart rate, respiration rate, temperature, and serum cortisol. Horses (n = 7) were assigned to activity type (groundwork or riding) in a Latin square design in which all horses performed both activities twice. Heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, and serum cortisol concentrations were determined at 15 minutes before, and 15, 45, and 75 minutes after activity was initiated. Pearson correlations revealed that cortisol was not correlated (r &amp;lt; 0.12; P &amp;gt; 0.22) with heart rate, respiration rate, or rectal temperature. Heart rate was correlated (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with respiration rate (r = 0.77) and body temperature (r = 0.2); and body temperature was correlated with respiration rate (r = 0.21; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Analysis of variance was performed with horse within date as the experimental unit, main effects of activity type, horse, date, experimental time, and interactions. Serum concentrations of cortisol (varied from 2.8 to 89.7 ng/mL) and body temperature (37.4 ± 0.06) were affected (P &amp;lt; 0.01) by an interaction between experimental time and horse. Heart rate (61 ± 2.1) and respiration rate (30 ± 1.4) were affected (P &amp;lt; 0.01) by interactions between experimental time and horse; and experimental time and activity type. Our results demonstrate that equine athletes serving in EAAT programs have altered physiological responses depending on the horse, type of activity, and length of time performing the task. Based on our results, cortisol concentrations are not the best indicator of a horse’s response to EAAT work, and we recommend that trainers monitor horses’ heart and respiration rates as an indicator of horse well-being while working with patients.

19 Comparing stress indicators of horses used for therapy in riding activities and groundwork activities

Abstract Equine therapy is used to assist people suffering from various physical and mental disabilities. Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) include therapeutic riding and hippotherapy. Our objective was to determine the effects of EAAT on horse heart rate, respiration rate, temperature, and serum cortisol. Horses (n = 7) were assigned to activity type (groundwork or riding) in a Latin square design in which all horses performed both activities twice. Heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, and serum cortisol concentrations were determined at 15 minutes before, and 15, 45, and 75 minutes after activity was initiated. Pearson correlations revealed that cortisol was not correlated (r &amp;lt; 0.12; P &amp;gt; 0.22) with heart rate, respiration rate, or rectal temperature. Heart rate was correlated (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with respiration rate (r = 0.77) and body temperature (r = 0.2); and body temperature was correlated with respiration rate (r = 0.21; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Analysis of variance was performed with horse within date as the experimental unit, main effects of activity type, horse, date, experimental time, and interactions. Serum concentrations of cortisol (varied from 2.8 to 89.7 ng/mL) and body temperature (37.4 ± 0.06) were affected (P &amp;lt; 0.01) by an interaction between experimental time and horse. Heart rate (61 ± 2.1) and respiration rate (30 ± 1.4) were affected (P &amp;lt; 0.01) by interactions between experimental time and horse; and experimental time and activity type. Our results demonstrate that equine athletes serving in EAAT programs have altered physiological responses depending on the horse, type of activity, and length of time performing the task. Based on our results, cortisol concentrations are not the best indicator of a horse’s response to EAAT work, and we recommend that trainers monitor horses’ heart and respiration rates as an indicator of horse well-being while working with patients.

The Lived Experiences of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) on Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Abstract Date Presented 04/05/19 This presentation will review findings from a phenomenological study conducted by graduate MOT students to explore the lived experiences of veterans with PTSD participating in equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT). Veterans found that this nontraditional treatment provided safety, healing, and meaning to their lives, along with establishing new routines and skills, without the stigma associated with mainstream treatment. Study limitations and future research recommendations will be discussed. Primary Author and Speaker: Elise Bloch Additional Authors and Speakers: Zoey Kramer Contributing Authors: Ashni Franklin, Gianina Padua

Equine-Assisted Interventions for Psychosocial Functioning in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Literature Review

Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT), in its various forms, is an innovative approach emerging in the treatment of symptoms and difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This literature review presents an overview of the current research on psychosocial outcomes of EAAT for children and adolescents with ASD. Sixteen studies published in peer-reviewed journals between 2007 and 2017 were selected for inclusion. The research reports outcomes which include improvements in multiple areas of functioning relating to core features of ASD, such as greater social interaction and decreased problematic behaviors. Yet, there is much variability in the presentation of EAAT across the studies, with the majority concerned with therapeutic riding. EAAT may be relevant and powerful for client populations where there has been limited success with traditional clinic- or room-based forms of treatment.

Effects of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies on the Affective Network of Adolescents with Internet Gaming Disorder.

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been suggested to be a mental health disorder. Attachment and emotional status in IGD patients are important for understanding the etiology and progression of IGD because both parameters are considered to be associated with the affective network. Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) have been reported to improve emotional status and attachment in subjects. We hypothesized that EAAT would improve attachment in IGD adolescents with insecure attachment issues and increase functional connectivity (FC) within the affective network. Subjects completed a demographic questionnaire, the Korean Experiences in Close Relationships Scale Revised version (K-ECRS), the Child Depression Inventory, Young's Internet Addiction Scale, the Korean Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging at baseline at the end of EAAT. Fifteen IGD adolescents with insecure attachment issues and 15 healthy comparison adolescents with secure attachment agreed to participate in this study. After 7 days of EAAT, K-ECRS avoidance and anxiety scores improved in all adolescents. K-ECRS avoidance scores of the IGD group showed marked improvement compared with those of the healthy group. In all participants, FC from the left amygdala to the left parahippocampal gyrus, left medial frontal gyrus, and left inferior frontal gyrus, as well as from the right amygdala to the left caudate, right claustrum, and left inferior frontal gyrus increased. In IGD adolescents, FC from the left amygdala to the left frontal orbital gyrus, as well as from the right amygdala to the right corpus callosum also increased. These findings suggested that EAAT improves attachment, which could lead to a decrease in the severity of IGD symptoms in IGD patients with insecure attachment issues. In addition, EAAT increases FC within the affective network, which was associated with attachment not only in healthy adolescents but also in adolescents with IGD.

The Effects of Equine Assisted Therapy on Plasma Cortisol and Oxytocin Concentrations and Heart Rate Variability in Horses and Measures of Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans

With the increase in the number of horses being used in Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) programs and with the increasing concern for animal welfare, it is important to understand the impact of such interventions on the stress level and quality of life for the horses involved. The purpose of the present pilot study was to test the hypothesis that participation in EAAT would acutely alter physiological markers of stress and well-being, including plasma cortisol, plasma oxytocin, and heart rate variability (HRV), in horses and that symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would be reduced after five sessions of EAAT in veterans who had previously been diagnosed with PTSD. Nine healthy geldings, of various breeds, ages 10–23 years, conditioned and experienced as therapeutic riding horses, were selected to participate in the study. Of these, seven were selected at random to wear electrocardiogram units, and all nine were used for blood sampling to measure plasma cortisol and oxytocin. Each horse was randomly assigned to partner with a veteran for five EAAT sessions, 1 hour in duration. A standing control was conducted on a later date on which horses did not participate in EAAT. Measurement after 5 days of EAAT was conducted immediately after the end of the last session on day 5 using the Brief Symptom Inventory and the PCL-5 (a 20 item self-report measure of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5 for symptoms of PTSD). Two way repeated measure analysis of variance showed no significant day by time interactions for plasma cortisol (P = .821) or oxytocin (P = .861). There was a significant day by time interaction (P = .006) for heart rate (HR); where on day 1, HR (bpm) was significantly lower during the interaction with the veterans. There were no significant differences in HRV variables. Posttherapy measures in PTSD symptoms in veterans were significantly reduced except for interpersonal sensitivity (P = .08) and phobic anxiety (P = .17). There was an effect of EAAT on HR which was significantly reduced on day 2 during the actual EAAT session. Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies had no effect on respiration rate and systolic or diastolic blood pressure in veterans involved in five sessions of EAAT, lasting 60 minutes in duration over the course of 5 days. Stress levels, as demonstrated by plasma cortisol concentrations and HRV, did not change in horses involved in EAAT sessions with veterans who had been previously diagnosed with PTSD. Furthermore, the horses used in this study did not demonstrate increased levels of well-being as demonstrated by the lack of change in plasma oxytocin concentrations after EAAT sessions. Symptoms of PTSD did change significantly in the veterans who participated in this study.

The Importance of Comparative Psychology in Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies

Practitioners of Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) use it to help individuals suffering from a wide range of physical and psychological disorders as an alternative practice in physical and psychotherapy. Although there is plenty of research to support the benefits of these therapies, there is little research in equine behavior in this context, specifically how equine behaviors can best be utilized to improve the health of the human component. Although much of EAAT uses horses in physical therapy, newer practices in EAAT focus on assisting individuals in building and improving interpersonal skills through practicing those skills with horses. To fully understand and develop this area of EAAT, researchers need to look at the behavioral patterns of horses, how they learn and adapt to changes in human emotions and behaviors, and how these behaviors correspond to bonding with regards to friendships and relationships within the context of equine-human interactions. To do this, scientists need to rely upon the principles of learning theory and behavioral sciences associated with comparative psychology. The scientific methods used in comparative psychology are critical for researching these areas of EAAT.

An assessment of the educational needs of equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) centers

An assessment of the educational needs of equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) centers

Equine-assisted activities and therapies: enhancing the social worker’s armamentarium

Introduction: Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) have gained prominence as a viable therapeutic approach for a range of mental health and developmental problems, yet is not widely known and not conventionally provided within the social work educational curriculum. Thus, the purpose of this study is to provide a review of various certification bodies available to social workers in order to bring EAATs into their therapeutic work. Methods: A multi-stage process, including consultation with experts in the field and an online search was undertaken to locate certification programs for mental health professionals. Results: Seven certification organizations were identified; programs varied with respect to mental health pre-requisites, type of certification, training components, and cost. Discussion: There has been substantial growth in EAAT for children with mental health and developmental problems, and there are a range of certification types to select from. Factors to consider when choosing which type of certification to pursue, and barriers to certification are discussed.

163 College curricula valued by equine-assisted activity and therapy centers

s / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 35 (2015) 446e458 453 163 College curricula valued by equine-assisted activity and therapy centers S.V. Burk*, and C.E. Gramlich 2 Otterbein University, Westerville, OH, USA; 2 Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA, USA With recent growth in the equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) field, an increasing number of colleges and universities are considering the addition of EAAT curriculum. However, there is a paucity of information available on knowledge and skills valued by those making hiring decisions at EAAT centers. The objective of this study was to determine which topics Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International centers value within higher education curricula. A survey was emailed to 801 centers within the United States. Staff members involved in center hiring procedures were encouraged to complete the survey. Surveys were obtained from 133 centers, for a response rate of 16.6%, although complete data for analyses were available from 109 centers. Respondents were asked to rate 37 topics or skills based on importance for inclusion in bachelor’s level EAAT curriculum. Topics were rated on a 4-point scale from unimportant (0 points), neutral (1 point), important (2 points), to very important (3 points). Chi-squared tests of independence or Fisher’s exact tests (SAS v. 9.3) were conducted to compare topic ratings from accredited and non-accredited PATH International centers. The most highly rated items (median 1⁄4 3) included equine behavior, safety, selection, training, conformation, anatomy, physiology, health, stable management, grooming/tacking, and basic English and western riding skills. Other topics that were rated equally high (median 1⁄4 3) included adaptive tack/equipment, lesson planning, teaching methods, disabilities, human anatomy and physiology, PATH International standards, therapeutic riding methods, equine-assisted psychotherapy methods, leadership, and internship experience. Centers rated businessrelated topics lower (median 1⁄4 2). These included accounting, non-profit management, general business management, marketing, and grant writing. The lowest rated item (median 1⁄4 1) was intermediate hunt seat skill. Accredited centers were more likely to rate knowledge of PATH International standards (P 1⁄4 0.010), human anatomy and physiology (P 1⁄4 0.015), liability and insurance (P 1⁄4 0.039), and non-profit management (P 1⁄4 0.017) as “very important” when compared with non-accredited centers. An open-ended question about the biggest challenges faced by centers when hiring new employees indicated that 51% of respondents experienced financial difficulties or had trouble attracting high quality employees due to low wages. Although centers appear to place the most emphasis on equine, disability, and teaching knowledge, a focus on business-related topics may help address financial issues at centers.

The life-changing power of the horse: Equine-assisted activities and therapies in the U.S.

Throughout the centuries, the horse and human relationship has evolved from one of sustenance to one of partnership. Historically, the idea of horses being partnered with humans in a therapeutic capacity is evident from writings of the ancient Greeks to documentation by European physicians and therapists from the 1500s through the 1800s. The impetus for the development of modern day equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) is credited to a Danish dressage rider named Lis Hartel, who...

Perceptions of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies by Parents and Children With Spinal Muscular Atrophy

To identify the physical and psychosocial effects of equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAATs) on children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) from the perspective of the children and their parents. The families of all eligible children with SMA, who reported participation in EAAT, from a Western metropolitan academic center were contacted and invited to participate. This study implemented qualitative, semistructured interviews of children with SMA and their parents. Three themes emerged from the qualitative content analysis: physical/psychosocial benefits; relationship development with the horses, instructors, and children; and barriers to continued EAAT engagement. The data suggest that the overall EAAT experience was a source of enjoyment, self-confidence, and normalcy for the children with SMA. The results of this study provide preliminary support for the use of EAAT among children with SMA.

Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies: A Case Study of an Older Adult

ABSTRACTFalls are the leading cause of injuries and deaths in adults over the age of 65. The purpose of this case study is to explore the use of Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) to improve the mechanisms of balance, postural sway, fear of falling (FOF), and participation in older adults (OA). The participant (a 76-year-old woman), completed 10 Adaptive riding (AR) sessions over a six-week period, led by a Level II therapist (COTA/L and PATH certified riding instructor). Changes in function were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Activity Card Sort (ACS), and Video Motion Capture (VMC) system. Results indicated improved static standing balance, postural stability, and greater dynamic head and trunk control. Additionally, the participant expressed decreased FOF, decreased back pain, the ability to recover self after a fall, and an increase in activity participation as indicated in the ACS.