Effectiveness of equine therapy in children with psychomotor impairment.

The research article explores the effectiveness of equine therapy in improving gross motor function and quality of life in children with delayed psychomotor development.

Objective of the Research Article

• The main aim of this research is to assess the development and improvements in gross motor function and other psychomotor skills in children suffering from delayed psychomotor development, who undergo equine therapy. It also aims to analyse how this improvement affects the general health status and quality of life of these children.

Methods Used in the Research

• The study incorporates a sample size of 11 children with delayed psychomotor development, comprising of 6 boys and 5 girls with an average age of approximately 9 years.
• The key variables that the study examines are Gross Motor Function (measured through GMFM-88) and perceived quality of life (measured through the Pediatrics Quality of Life Inventory or PedsQL).
• The researchers made three different measurements for these variables; before and after a period of inactivity, and again two months after the second measurement, following completion of a sustained period of therapy.

Findings of the Research

• The researchers found significant differences in the overall results of the GMFM-88 between the initial and final tests and between the intermediate and final tests. This indicates that there was a substantial progression in the children’s gross motor function over the course of the study.
• However, regarding the PedsQL quality of life scale, the researchers did not find any statistically significant results or improvements.

Conclusion of the Research

• A key conclusion drawn from this study is that observable changes in motor control were recorded over the course of the intervention. Thus, indicating that equine therapy may be a beneficial treatment for addressing delays in psychomotor development among children.
• The researchers, however, did not find significant evidence to suggest that equine therapy directly impacts the quality of life in children with delayed psychomotor development.