Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program Research Articles

재활승마가 지적장애 성인의 평형성에 미치는 영향

The main purpose of the study was to analyze the effects of therapeutic horseback riding on the balance of adults with intellectual disability by appling the biomechanics equipment of sole pressure measurement. This study was conducted on 20 adults with intellectual disabilities who can communicate and not restricted of physical activity.<BR> The followings are the major findings of the analysis. The measurement of stance and gait by biomechanics factors to find out the transition of physical balance changes of the samples, before and after the therapeutic horseback riding program intervention, resulted can not enhanced static and kinetic balance of adults with intellectual disabilities.<BR> Therapeutic horseback riding increases the amount of physical activity of people with intellectual disabilities and improves the health and quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities. Unfortunately, however, this study targeted adults with intellectual disabilities in their mid-40s who had no prior experience in participation, lack of time, and physical activity, making it difficult to draw positive and distinct effects of therapeutic horseback riding. However, the 24-week therapeutic horseback riding program was not statistically significant, but a positive range of changes is considered necessary to establish a better therapeutic horseback riding program for adults with intellectual disabilities by setting various research methods.

The Effects of Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program on Motor Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) as an animal-assisted intervention is one of the innovative approaches emerging in the treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study was designed to investigate the effects of a 12-week, twice a week THR program on motor skills in sixty-eight children with ASD aged 5–10 years old. All participants selected met the DSM-V criteria for ASD, and a total of fifty-three participants completed the study. A randomized controlled trial design was utilized for the study. Data was collected via a pre-THR test, interim-THR test, and post-THR test to investigate the possible changes in motor skills throughout the 12-week THR program. Results showed that the THR program significantly improved overall motor skills across time points (p < 0.05) and sub-skills of run, gallop and two-hand catch (as compared to the control group, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the THR program may be an effective option for improving motor skills in children with ASD and further investigation with a longer period of intervention is warranted.

Experiences of Military Veterans in a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program.

Posttraumatic stress disorder commonly occurs among U.S. military veterans. Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) has emerged as an adjunct therapy. We explored 20 veterans' perceived benefits, drawbacks and views of a 6-week THR program. Participants had confirmed diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or both. Veterans rode the same horse weekly, the same day, at the same time. Data were collected as part of a randomized clinical trial testing the effects of THR on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Veterans responded to an open-ended questionnaire. Content analysis was used for data analysis. Benefits were "Connection to the Horse," "Relaxing," "180 Degree Change," and "Meeting New People." Drawbacks were "None," "Struggle to Get There," "Pain," "Too Short," and "It is Structured." Overall perceptions were "I Absolutely Loved It," "Feel Again," "The Horse," "The People," and "No Worries." Participants viewed THR as positive. Findings may elucidate why THR may be clinically beneficial.

Effects of a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program on Social Interaction and Communication in Children with Autism.

Various therapeutic interventions have been studied and found to be effective in reducing the stereotypical behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There has been increasing interest in using animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) as an alternative approach to therapeutic rehabilitation for children with ASD, and many studies have reported that AAI has significant benefits for the cognitive, psychological, and social behavior of children with ASD. The present study was designed to examine the effects of a 16 weeks therapeutic horseback riding program on social interaction and communication skills in children with autism. Eighty-four children diagnosed with ASD, aged between 6 and 12 years old, were recruited for this study. All selected participants met the DSM-V criteria, and a total of sixty-one participants (N = 61) completed the study. A quasi-experimental design with an experimental group and control group was implemented for this study, taking measurements at pre-test, interim-test, and post-test to monitor the behavior changes in social and communication throughout the 16-week intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA and the independent sample t-test were used for data analysis, to assess the difference between the experimental group and control group. The results indicated that the THR program had positive influences on overall social skills and communication, based on the SSIS and the ABLLS-R scores, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A notable improvement in the overall social interaction score was observed from the interim-testing point to post-test. In addition, participants in the therapeutic horseback riding (THR) group achieved significant improvements on six out of seven items in their communication evaluations. In conclusion, after 16 weeks of intervention, the THR program significantly enhanced the subdomains of social and communication skills in the areas of social interaction, communication, responsibility, and self-control, compared to the control group.

Parental Perception of Changes in Basic Life Needs of Children with Disabilities after Six Months of Therapeutic Horseback Riding: A Qualitative Study

Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) has a positive effect on the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning of children with disabilities. Parents’ reports of the effects of THR on their children support professionals in individualizing the THR program. With this qualitative study, we aimed to explore parents’ perceptions of changes in the basic life needs of their children with disabilities after six months of THR lessons and to survey parents’ explanations for the causes of these changes. The study involved parents of 13 children with disabilities who were enrolled in a six-month THR program. Parents continuously monitored their children and wrote a report on possible changes in their child’s needs according to Virginia Henderson’s need theory. Qualitative content analysis of parents’ reports indicated only positive changes in 11 children. Most codes were identified in categories “relationships and communication with other people” and “movement and posturing”. Other categories identified codes such as easier breathing, a better quality of sleep, better appetite, better elimination of stool and urine, more independence in clothing and maintaining personal hygiene, and greater interest in play and learning. Parents’ reports are further supported by the assessments of professionals. Most parents think THR is responsible for the noticeable improvements in their children’s quality of life.

Impact of adaptive devices on horses, assisting persons, and riders with cerebral palsy in a therapeutic riding program

Hypothesis: The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of three different adaptive devices used to facilitate therapeutic horseback riding for riders with cerebral palsy (CP), the horses, and the assisting persons. The study hypothesis was that there is no difference in clinical benefit to the rider; stress or physical saddle pressure to the horse; or the level of exertion required from assisting persons when using any of the three adaptive devices. Population: Individuals with varying disability due to cerebral palsy who participated in a therapeutic horseback riding program at a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) Premier Accredited Center. Intervention: Therapeutic horseback riding sessions using one of three adaptive devices. Comparators: Two commonly used adaptive devices (English saddle and bareback pad with backrider), and one recently developed, less-used device (Independence saddle). Outcomes: Clinical benefit for the individual with Cerebral Palsy was evaluated using an osteopathic musculoskeletal exam score. Equine stress was evaluated using a horse stress behavior ethogram. Physical pressure under the saddle of the horse was evaluated using a Pliance Saddle pad under each adaptive device. Required level of exertion by assisting persons was measured using an assistant exertion score. Conclusion: Therapeutic riding using an English saddle, a backriding pad with backrider, or an Independence saddle, by individuals with various degrees of disability, does not cause excessive stress or result in excessive pressure to the horse. Using one assistive device over another also does not appear to change the likelihood of clinical benefit to the rider. However, exertion scores for assisting persons were lower when the Independence saddle was used compared to the English saddle or backriding pad. Adaptive devices that allow an individual with CP to improve function, ride more independently, provide some respite for the side walker and do not cause undue stress or frustration to the horse would be a great addition to the therapeutic regimen. Based on the results of this study, the Independence saddle is a viable alternative to the English saddle or the backriding pad for riders that would otherwise need extensive assisting person support in a therapeutic riding program.

Reliability and Validity Assessment of the Observation of Human-Animal Interaction for Research (OHAIRE) Behavior Coding Tool.

The Observation of Human-Animal Interaction for Research (OHAIRE) is a coding tool developed to capture the behavior of children when interacting with social partners and animals in naturalistic settings. The OHAIRE behavioral categories of focus are emotional displays, social communication behaviors toward adults and peers, behaviors directed toward animals or experimental control objects, and interfering behaviors. To date, the OHAIRE has been used by 14 coders to code 2,732 min of video across four studies with a total of 201 participants ages 5 to 18 years (M = 10.1, SD = 2.5). Studies involved animal-assisted intervention with three species (i.e., dogs, horses, and guinea pigs) and three populations (i.e., autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and typically developing children) in a school, a therapeutic horseback riding program, a group therapy program, and the hospital setting. We explored the psychometric properties of the OHAIRE through analyses of its inter-rater reliability, intra-rater reliability, convergent and divergent validity, and internal structure, using data from these four human-animal interaction studies. The average inter-rater reliability was excellent (kappa = 0.81), with good reliability in most of the behavioral categories coded. Intra-rater reliability was consistently excellent (0.87 ≤ kappa ≤0.96). Internal structure analyses with Cronbach's alpha supported the exploratory use of subscales to measure social communication behaviors toward peers (α = 0.638) and adults (α = 0.605), and interactions experimental control objects (α = 0.589), and the use of a subscale to measure interactions with animals (α = 0.773). Correlation analyses with multiple questionnaires showed a convergence between positive emotional display and social behaviors as assessed by the OHAIRE and social skills as assessed by the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) and the Social Communication Questionnaires (SCQ). Little concordance was found between the OHAIRE and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) or the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC). The OHAIRE shows promise for wider use in the field of Human-Animal Interaction, with a need for generalization across more settings and ages.

6주간의 재활승마프로그램이 ADHD아동의 평형성에 미치는 영향

6주간의 재활승마프로그램이 ADHD아동의 평형성에 미치는 영향

Horses Working in Therapeutic Riding Programs: Cortisol, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Glucose, and Behavior Stress Indicators

In order to determine horses' stress and ensure health and welfare of horses working with military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a therapeutic horseback riding program, we measured the stress levels of the horses. Five horses worked in two 6-week therapeutic riding sessions: one 6-week session ridden by military veterans with PTSD (session 1) and one 6-week session ridden by experienced riders (session 2). Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), glucose, and cortisol levels were determined on a resting day (baseline [BL]) and in weeks 1, 3, and 6 before each riding class (T1), after tacking (T2), and after each riding class (T3). Behavioral patterns for stress were determined before venipuncture at the same intervals. In session 1, cortisol level at BL was significantly lower than at T1 and T3, whereas in session 2, it was significantly higher than at T1 and T3. Cortisol level in session 1 was significantly higher than session 2 at T1 and T3. No significant differences were found between two sessions or over time for ACTH. Glucose level at BL was significantly higher than at T3 in session 1 and higher than at T1 in session 2. Glucose level in session 1 was significantly higher than session 2 at T1, T2, and T3. Stress behavior scores were significantly lower in session 1 than session 2. Although physiological and behavioral patterns for stress varied across experimental conditions, they remained within normal reference ranges. There was no evidence that horses carrying riders with a disability were unduly stressed.

Effect of Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Posture in Children with Cerebral Palsy

The purpose of this study was to measure postural changes in children with spastic cerebral palsy after participation in a therapeutic horseback riding program. Eleven children with moderate to severe spastic cerebral palsy, aged 2 years 4 months to 9 years 6 months, were selected for this study and underwent postural assessments according to a repeated-measures design. Assessment of posture was performed by a panel of three pediatric physical therapists, using a postural assessment scale designed by the author. A composite score for each test interval was calculated for each child, and a median score was calculated for the entire group at each test interval. Data were analyzed using a Friedman test, assuming an alpha level of .05. A statistically significant difference was found between the three test intervals with significant improvement occurring during the period of therapeutic riding. Clinical improvements were also noted in muscle tone and balance as evidenced by improved functional skills. These results constitute the first objective measure supporting the efficacy of therapeutic horseback riding on posture in children with cerebral palsy.

“You Get More Than You Give”: Experiences of Community Partners in Facilitating Active Recreation with Individuals who have Complex Communication Needs

Recreation is an essential part of life that provides enriching experiences that may define one’s life course similar to careers or other interests. An understanding of the role of volunteers in active community-based recreational programs can help to generate ways to enhance participation and contribute to additional communication opportunities with people who have complex communication needs. Nine volunteers from two adaptive ski programs and one therapeutic horseback-riding program in the Northeast region of the United States participated in semi-structured interviews. Audio-recordings were transcribed and analyzed and resulted in five thematic areas: (a) benefits, (b) why individuals volunteer, (c) barriers, (d) successful program supports, and (e) who are the riders and skiers using AAC. The findings provided insight to support the notion that active community-based recreational activities foster an environment for communication, meaningful engagement, and social relationships between volunteers and people with complex communication needs.

The effects of horseback riding participation on the muscle tone and range of motion for children with spastic cerebral palsy.

The objective of this research is to verify the effects of horseback riding participation on the muscle tone of pelvic limbs and articular range of motion for children with spastic cerebral palsy. The research target is 16 children with spastic cerebral palsy, 8 children for the experimental group and 8 children for the control group. As a tool to measure the muscle tone, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), was used and a goniometer was used to measure the range of motion (ROM). A therapeutic horseback riding program was conducted to an experimental group of 8 children with spastic cerebral palsy in the therapeutic horseback riding for 60 min a day, 2 days a week and a total of 12 weeks. The results are as follows: First, the participation in the therapeutic horseback riding program showed a statistically significant difference in the muscle tone for the knee of children with spastic cerebral palsy (P< 0.01). Second, though the difference in knee muscle tone between the experimental group and the control group was statistically insignificant, the average was improved by the participation. Third, the participation in the therapeutic horseback riding program showed a statistically significant difference in the hip-joint motion range for the knee of children with spastic cerebral palsy (P< 0.01). Fourth, though the difference in the hip joint motion range between the experimental group and the control group was statistically insignificant, the average was improved by the participation.

An Innovative Clerkship Module Focused on Patients With Disabilities

Lack of medical training results in physicians being unprepared to provide care to people with disabilities, which, in turn, contributes to the substantial health disparities that are evident in this population. Few medical schools or primary care residencies address the care of adults with disabilities. Competencies and guidelines to assist American physicians in caring for patients with physical or intellectual disabilities have yet to be established, thus making educational goals unclear. This article describes one novel training module regarding people with disabilities that was developed at the University of South Florida Health, Morsani College of Medicine (USF) and inserted into the primary care clerkship during a major curriculum redesign in 2005. Since then, all USF third-year medical students have been required to participate in this disability-related course component. The authors describe the module's development and integration into the primary care clerkship, as well as the specific elements of their curriculum. By using a variety of teaching modalities in the classroom and community, and especially by involving people with disabilities themselves, the medical students have a very comprehensive learning experience regarding people who have physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities. The authors have been able to show that USF medical students, on completion of this module, demonstrate improved knowledge, attitudes, and comfort in caring for people with disabilities, which the authors believe will lead to improved health and health care access for this underserved population. Suggestions for program replication, including common challenges, are also discussed.

Benefits of therapeutic horseback riding for an adolescent female with traumatic brain injury

After completion of a recreational therapy assessment, a treatment plan based on a oneyear therapeutic horseback riding program was designed and implemented to address the needs of a 13-year-old adolescent female who had sustained a traumatic brain injury. The purpose of this study was to determine if therapeutic horseback riding could improve selected deficits in the adolescent female. Benefits were observed in the areas of increased attention and memory, following directions, sequencing, and horseback riding skills. All gains cannot be solely attributed to the therapeutic horseback riding program but may be part of the cumulative effect of concurrent treatment modalities.

The Effects of a 5-Week Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program on Gross Motor Function in a Child with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Study

The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of a short-term therapeutic horseback riding intervention on the gross motor function in a child with cerebral palsy. This study employed a repeated-measures design with a pretest, a post-test, and a post post-test conducted 5 weeks apart using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) as an outcome measure. The three sets of test scores from the GMFM were compared upon completion of the intervention. The subject participated in a 5-week therapeutic horseback riding program consisting of 1 hour of riding per week. Each riding session consisted of stretching, strengthening, and balance activities. The child's level of motor function was tested prior to the intervention, upon completion of the intervention, and 5 weeks postintervention. The GMFM, a criterion-referenced observational measure designed to measure change in the gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy, was chosen as the assessment tool. Upon completion of the 5-week intervention, the child was observed to have improved scores on the GMFM in two of the five dimensions measured and scored for a total of eight items. The post post-test was completed 5 weeks after the final riding session and the results demonstrated successful maintenance of the improved scores in seven of eight items. The result of this case study suggest that 5 weeks of therapeutic riding are sufficient to produce positive changes in the gross motor function of a child with cerebral palsy.

The impact of the “Stirrup Some Fun” therapeutic horseback riding program: A qualitative investigation

Therapeutic horseback riding is an intervention utilizing horses in the treatment of individuals with emotional, cognitive, and/or physical disabilities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived impact of a therapeutic riding program on children with mild to moderate physical and mental disabilities. Two groups of participants including five children (with a variety of physical and cognitive disabilities) and at least one parent of each of the five children were interviewed to investigate the impact of the Stirrup Some Fun Therapeutic Riding Program (SSF TRP). Qualitative data analysis procedures were used to explore participants’ views and opinions of the SSF TRP. Several themes emerged from the interviews with the participants and their parents, including (a) enjoyment, (b) the child/animal connection, (c) social relationships with volunteers, (d) perceived physical benefits, and (e) the social and mental benefits of the program.

"It's like being in another world": demonstrating the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with psychiatric disability.

Five adults with longstanding histories of psychiatric disabilities were recruited for a ten-week therapeutic horseback riding program. Individuals learned basic riding skills and had the opportunity to bond with a horse. In addition, the riders participated in a post-riding process group that used artistic and creative exercises to promote individual expression. By the end often weeks, the riders reported success in learning basic horsemanship and, in doing so, also reported additional psychosocial benefits, including an augmented sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem. In sum, this adjunctive therapy can facilitate the recovery process.

The Effect of Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Gross Motor Function and Gait Speed in Children Who Are Developmentally Delayed

The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of a seven-week therapeutic horseback riding program and to determine if changes were retained after therapeutic riding was discontinued. A repeated-measures within-participants design was used to assess performance on the Gross Motor Function Measure and timed 10-meter walk in seven developmentally delayed children. A statistically significant improvement in gross motor function was found in post-intervention measures. Improvements were maintained seven weeks after therapeutic riding had ended. No considerable difference in gait speed was noted. This study indicates that therapeutic riding may lead to improvement in gross motor function in developmentally delayed children and that these improvements remain once therapeutic riding ceases.