Therapeutic Horse Research Articles

A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF NON-INVASIVE SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT IN CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS

Pediatric and adolescent scoliosis is one of the most common and prevailing orthopedic pathologies leading to spinal deformation. Cases of scoliosis where curving of the spine is <45% treated mostly surgically. However, when the spine is straightened with an implant, there are risks and complications. Hence, interest to conservative treatment methods has increased significantly. This article discusses advantages and disadvantages of non-invasive methods for treating scoliosis. The disadvantage is the duration of treatment: treating scoliosis using conservative methods such as physical therapy and wearing bondages can take a long time to achieve results. Also, there is a need for regular control: conservative treatment of scoliosis requires regular control by doctors and specialists to assess progress and change treatment plan if necessary. The most promising methods of conservative treatment, including correction of the muscular system, have been identified – adaptation physical exercises and gymnastics due to physical impact on kyphotic and scoliotic deformity. This includes breathing and physical exercises, therapeutic horse riding and wearing rigid torsion brace.

Exploring entrepreneurial intentions within equine sector from Romania: an environmental economics approach

Purpose This study aims to investigate the correlations between latent variables embedded into three clusters (equine agritourism, therapeutic horse riding and equine sports) and entrepreneurial intentions of people interested to invest in equestrian sector. Design/methodology/approach The authors propose a conceptual framework focused on three latent variables that influence the interest of horse enthusiasts to embrace an entrepreneurial career. Statistical analyses via Pearson’s chi-square tests, analysis of variance (statistical formula used to compare variances across the means (or average) of different groups) and regression analysis have been performed to validate our assumptions. Findings Findings reveal a high level of interest of from horse enthusiasts to opt for an entrepreneurial career, as funding opportunities in this sector are growing due to European union and national funding available for this endeavour. Originality/value Very limited research studies have been explored the entrepreneurial intentions in equine industry. This study proves that sports and therapeutic activities influence to the greatest extent, the entrepreneurial intention in the equestrian sector.

Does Hippotherapy Improve the Functions in Children with Cerebral Palsy? Systematic Review Based on the International Classification of Functioning.

Objective: To perform a systematic review of the literature regarding scientific reality of hippotherapy in children with cerebral palsy graded according to France HAS (Haute Autorité de Santé) recommendations and applied to the International Classification of Functioning. Methods: The research in MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases was performed using the keywords: "Equestrian therapy," "Riding for the disabled," "Hippotherapy," "Equine-movement therapy," and "Therapeutic horse (back) riding." The methodological quality of the articles was assessed using four levels of proof and three guideline grades (A: strong; B: moderate; C: poor). Results: Seven prospective, randomized controlled studies and one systematic review confirm the level of proof of hippotherapy in children with cerebral palsy with grade B. Hippotherapy in children with cerebral palsy contributes to improve motor function, symmetry of muscle contraction, spasticity, posture, and walking. Fifty prospective no randomized studies confirm the level with grade C for balance, motor coordination, lumbopelvic mobility, walking speed, functional development, and social behavior. Conclusions: Hippotherapy in children with cerebral palsy can be recommended. Regarding the literature data, the level of proof of hippotherapy in children with cerebral palsy is moderate (grade B).

The use of hippotherapy in shaping the body posture and balance in children with Down syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most common genetic developmental disorders that is caused by a trisomy of the 21st chromosome pair. The incidence of Down syndrome in the general population is estimated at 1/732 infants. This percentage increases significantly with the increasing age of women in labour. Down syndrome manifests itself in a variety of signs and symptoms. The signs mainly refer to abnormalities in the structure of the central nervous system, internal organs, eye and skeletal system defects. Both aspects of development, i.e., physical and mental, are delayed. One of the methods that supports the treatment of patients with DS is hippotherapy. It takes various forms, including: therapy in the form of contact with a horse, psycho-pedagogical horse riding and therapeutic horse riding. The purpose of the article was to present the influence of hippotherapy on the shaping of body posture and coordination skills with particular emphasis on body balance.

The role of hormones during Equine-Assisted Activity and Therapy: a literature review

Recent acquisitions on human-animal interaction and on its use in complementary medicine are reported. The contribution of horses to one health concept and the effects of equine-assisted activity and therapy (EAAT) are evaluated, also in the light of need to monitor stress conditions in therapeutic horses. The role of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis’ hormones and of total and free iodothyronines in stress coping of horses during therapeutic riding is critically discussed

Meta-Analysis on the Effect of Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Children with Developmental Disabilities and Neural Patients

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the evidence that therapeutic horseback riding can improve balance, muscle, ADL, equivalenc, GMFM, gait, emotion with developmental disabilities and neural patients. Methods: To conduct meta-analysis, the search focused on studies that employed therapeutic horseback riding for developmental dis abilities and neural patients for which eight databases (KIS, RISS, DBpia, National Assembly Library, Pubmed, Embase, Google scholar and Cochrane Library) were used to extract literature published from 2002 to September 2019. The data were analyzed the RevMan 3.5.3 program. Results: As a result of meta-analysis, therapeutic horseback riding total effect size is 0.552 for children with developmental disabilities and neural patients. And effect size result of according to assessment type variable first, balance effect size is 0.594. Second, muscle ac tivities effect size is 0.425. Third, ADL effect size is 0.430. Fourth, equivalance effect size is 0.640. Fifth, GMFM effect size is 0.482. Sixth, gait effect size is 0.400 and seventh emotion effect size is 0.876. Conclusion: These findings is horseback riding is effective The effect size by outcome was observed to be the effective for children with developmental disabilities and neural patients. and also the horseback riding provided the positive effects of balance, muscle activities, ADL, equivalance, GMFM, gait, emotion for children with developmental disabilities and neural patients. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the development of effective treatments for children with developmental disabilities and neural patients therapeutic horse back riding and the development of study.

An umbrella review of the evidence for equine‐assisted interventions

ObjectiveTo establish the evidence base for animal‐assisted interventions, and specifically, hippotherapy and other interventions involving horses, in the context of improving biological, physical, psychological and social functioning, and outcomes in humans.MethodA review of systematic reviews (an umbrella review) was carried out using a modified Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and following PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were any interventions that included a live horse, for humans of any age and for any therapeutic purpose. Service and assistance horses and people who were incarcerated were excluded. Systematic reviews with a clearly articulated and comprehensive search strategy, with evidence of critical appraisal, both qualitative and quantitative and mixed methods, and in English were considered.ResultsOf 19 systematic reviews considered eligible for inclusion, 13 were included in this umbrella review. These 13 systematic reviews covered 79 individual studies of equine‐assisted interventions, including primarily hippotherapy and therapeutic horse riding. Participants included children with cerebral palsy, children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, adults with multiple sclerosis, elderly people, adults post‐stroke, people with spinal cord injury, adults with serious mental illness, adults with balance problems, people with brain disorders, breast cancer survivors, and obese women.ConclusionsThe evidence for equine‐assisted interventions for adults and children across a range of conditions and presentations is equivocal. The current evidence base is marred by multiple methodological weaknesses and thus, therapeutic interventions that include a horse cannot be asserted as best practice at this time. Rigorous research is indicated to determine the utility of equine‐assisted interventions.

Impact of therapeutic riding on motor function

Therapeutic Horse Riding (THR) is a popular program that usually involves a rider learning to take care of a horse and how to ride the horse (Dimitrakopoulou, 2015). Activities include, but are not...

Exploring how therapeutic horse riding improves health outcomes using a realist framework

Introduction Evaluating how therapeutic horse riding improves health for children experiencing disability is made complex by a lack of clarity around mechanisms of treatment effect. This research develops an explanatory theory outlining how health outcomes may be optimised, by exploring what works for which riders, under what conditions and how. Method Within a realist research framework, we undertook three phases of study using a mix of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis approaches. Findings were then integrated into an overall evaluative account. Results Riders with a range of impairments ( n = 32; aged 5 to 17 years), caregivers ( n = 29) and therapeutic horse riding providers ( n = 16) participated. Three key mechanisms of intervention effect are proposed: (1) therapeutic horse riding facilitates development of a rider’s self-concept through opportunities for accessible, meaningful participation; (2) the context in which therapeutic horse riding is provided promotes a focus on riders’ capacities and strengths and (3) therapeutic horse riding provides opportunities for a broad range of learning experiences. Conclusion Therapeutic horse riding provides opportunities for meaningful occupational participation for children experiencing disability. Ensuring that the physical and ideological context in which therapeutic horse riding is provided focuses on a rider’s capacities and strengths will enhance self-concept development and participation outcomes.

Evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic horse riding for children and young people experiencing disability: a single-case experimental design study

Purpose: Therapeutic horse riding aims to improve the health of children and young people experiencing disability; however, its benefits across a range of health domains, particularly the impact on participation outcomes, are not well known. This research evaluated to what extent there was a change in riders balance, functional performance, social responsiveness, quality of life and participation outcomes as a result of therapeutic horse riding.Methods: A multiple-baseline across participants (n = 12) single-case experimental design, with randomly allocated baseline phase lengths, quantitatively evaluated how riders responded to a 20-week intervention.Results: Social participation outcomes measured using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure demonstrated the most consistent positive between-phase differences (performance ES = 1.20, 95% CI [0.82, 1.63]; satisfaction ES = 1.11, 95% CI [0.73, 1.55]). A causal relationship was seen in three riders, but improvements only reached clinical significance for two riders when accounting for phase data trends. No significant outcome patterns were found comparing riders with principally physical impairments to those with principally psychosocial impairments.Conclusions: Being involved in therapeutic horse riding may improve rider’s social participation in home, school and community settings. We postulate that rider self-concept development may be a mechanism of treatment effect leading to participation-level changes.Implications for rehabilitationSocial participation was the health outcome demonstrating the most consistent change following therapeutic horse riding, regardless of rider impairment.Therapeutic horse riding can improve social participation in settings beyond the riding arena.Greater intervention tailoring based on rider responses may enhance therapeutic horse riding intervention effects.

재활승마에 대한 재활전문인력의 인식도 조사

재활승마에 대한 재활전문인력의 인식도 조사

Emotional Responses of Horses to Patients Requiring Therapy

Abstract Understanding horses’ attitudes toward cooperation with humans has implications for the welfare of both the horses and people involved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the emotional response of therapeutic horses to their contact with patients. The emotional responses, i.e., behavioral measures and heart rate, of six adult hippotherapeutic horses to three groups of people were tested. These groups included six adult patients with psychomotor disables with no earlier experience with horses, seven healthy adults unfamiliar with horses, and eight healthy adults familiar with horses. Two tests were performed (Person Test and Working Test). There were no significant differences between the response of horses to patients and healthy people in the Person Test. The results of the Working Test indicated that horses’ emotional excitability was lower during hippotherapeutic sessions than during riding school sessions. The contact with patients did not involve emotional excitability in therapeutic horses.

What works for which riders, and to what extent? Evaluating the effectiveness of a New Zealand therapeutic riding intervention using a single-case experimental design

Therapeutic horse riding (THR) is a complex intervention using horses and horse-related activities to positively influence health in people who experience disability. It is difficult to meaningfully evaluate the effectiveness of complex rehabilitation interventions with parallel randomised controlled trial methods when used in isolation. Reducing intervention complexities to simple variables for the purposes of minimising bias can enhance claims regarding causal associations between variables, but can result in difficulties translating the findings from these studies to ‘real world’ clinical practice where complexity is a certainty. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a therapeutic horse riding (THR) intervention using a single-case experimental design (SCED). A randomised, multiple-baseline SCED replicated across 12 participants, was used to quantitatively evaluate in which riders, and to what extent, changes in balance, functional performance, social responsiveness, quality of life and participation outcomes occurred as a result of the 20-week THR intervention. Analysis of data included analysis of individual participant responses (i.e., visual analysis, descriptive nonparametric approaches, analyses considering baseline stability evaluated with Mean Phase Difference and Slope and Level Change procedures) and between participant responses (i.e., Modified Brinley plots, estimation of effect sizes). An inconsistent intervention response to THR was seen across participants in the SCED. Participation outcomes measured using the Canadian Occupation Performance Measure (COPM) demonstrated the most consistent positive between-phase difference (performance score ES = 1.23; satisfaction score ES = 1.11). However, when taking baseline data stability into account these improvements only reached clinical significance for two of the participants. Being involved in THR may improve participation outcomes for some children who live with the experience of disability. SCED's provide a rigorous but clinically meaningful way to evaluate the effectiveness of complex rehabilitation interventions in real world.

Mechanisms of Change for Children Participating in Therapeutic Horse Riding: A Grounded Theory

ABSTRACTAim: To develop a model for understanding mechanisms of change in health outcomes for riders with disabilities participating in therapeutic horse riding (THR). Methods: Using grounded theory methods we collected and analyzed data from interviews with 16 child riders and 18 caregivers, teachers and primary therapists, and from participant-observation during THR sessions. Results: The central concept underpinning the model illustrating mechanisms of change was “gaining the tools to go on.” Riders' experiences suggested the THR landscape (i.e., “where the tools are gathered”) allowed for an expanded range of experiences in which riders could participate. Riders experienced an expansion of self-concept by learning to move, succeed, connect, and adapt (i.e., “the tools gathered”) within the THR landscape. Riders then iteratively translated an expanded view of self into other environments, reflecting “how and where the tools are used.” Conclusion: Findings suggest that positive changes in health arise from riders' experiences of learning and agency within the THR therapeutic landscape, and from the influence of these experiences on a child's developing self-concept. This article considers the wider impact of THR on children's health, beyond a focus on changes in physical outcomes.

재활승마가 지적장애 청소년들의 신체구성 및 카테콜라민에 미치는 영향

재활승마가 지적장애 청소년들의 신체구성 및 카테콜라민에 미치는 영향

Hippotherapy improves gait and balance in Down Syndrome

Patients with Down syndrome (DS) present delays in motor development, showing a unique pattern of locomotion in clinical settings. Hippotherapy (HBR) is a field of rehabilitation therapy to achieve physical, social, and psychological well-being through therapeutic horse riding, providing a new stimulus related to gait and may helping balance and postural control [1], [2]. Herein, we have enrolled fifteen male individuals affected by DS, aged from 19 to 36 years old. All patients were vaccinated for tetanus and previously screened for any contraindications to practice HBR. The HBR protocol included a six-months period of horseback riding exercise, performed weekly. Before, during and after the study period, functional mobility, strength and performance in balance were assessed by Time Up and Go Test (TUG), 30s Chair-Stand-Test (30CST), MRC-scale and the Berg-Balance-Scale (BBS). Furthermore, the OPTO-Gait for dynamic analysis and the Diasu Ultrasensor systems for static analysis were applied at the same timepoints, in order to assess the HBR effects on movement reaction time, muscle activation, functional mobility, muscle strength and balance in DS. In conclusion, we provided objective clinical data on the role of HBR to determine a functional improvement on gait speed, rhythm, width, bilateral symmetry, gross motor function and balance in DS.

The Effects of Therapeutic Horse Riding, Adaptive Behavior in Adult with Intellectual Disabilities

The Effects of Therapeutic Horse Riding, Adaptive Behavior in Adult with Intellectual Disabilities

A Mixed Methods Study of Telepathic Interspecies Communication with Therapeutic Riding Horses and Their Recovering Wounded Veteran Partners

Telepathic parapsychology research is a subject of much debate. This small pilot study explored the proposition that telepathic communication between humans and therapy equines may be possible with a human utilizing contemplative/meditative techniques to shift consciousness. The human participants were 7 military veterans in retired or inactive status diagnosed with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Each veteran was assigned to one therapy horse. The 12 equine participants all had the same guardians. The veterans signed an online consent to participate and submitted questions for their horses on the consent form. Both veterans and guardians were blind as to which of 2 telepathic animal communicators would be randomly assigned to the session by the principal researcher. Both animal communicators were physically located in another town from the horses when the sessions were conducted. The answers to the veteran’s questions, allegedly received telepathically from the horses, were documented and emailed to the principal researcher. The summary document from each session was shared with the veteran for their horse by the guardians, and all summaries were shared with the guardians. During an in-person or telephone interview with the principal researcher, the veterans offered qualitative comments and used Likert scales to rate the usefulness of the information received from 1 (not at all useful) to 6 (extremely useful). The average overall usefulness rating as judged by the veterans was 4.9. The guardians also submitted Likert ratings and qualitative comments on the usefulness of the information received; the guardian ratings average was 5.75. These findings contribute to the body of equine therapy studies as well as the wealth of literature that supports the human-animal bond. Further research is needed to explore additional nuances of this category of consciousness and healing research.

The Effects of Therapeutic Horse Riding Activities to Balance of the Children with Cerebral Palsy

The Effects of Therapeutic Horse Riding Activities to Balance of the Children with Cerebral Palsy

The Influences of Therapeutic Horse Riding Program on Psychology of the Children with ADHD

The Influences of Therapeutic Horse Riding Program on Psychology of the Children with ADHD