[Effects of pony-assisted therapy on the behavior of older people with neurocognitive disorders living in nursing homes].

The research article examines the effects of Pony-Assisted Therapy (TAP) on the behaviour of elderly individuals with neurocognitive disorders residing in long-term care facilities, focusing particularly on anxiety and apathy.

Research Purpose and Method

• The study aimed to explore the influence of Pony-Assisted Therapy (TAP) on the behaviour of elderly patients with neurocognitive disorders living in nursing homes. The researchers were especially interested in its potential impact on participants’ degree of involvement in this activity and its effects on anxiety and apathy.
• The research was framed as an intervention study with an experimental cross-study design and was conducted over two months, involving a total of 23 subjects. A key feature of this design was the inclusion of a control group that did not receive TAP intervention, allowing for a comparative analysis of effects.

Research Findings

• The results indicated a more significant positive engagement in participant-pony interactions compared to participant-facilitator interactions. This increased engagement was observed during the TAP sessions, suggesting that interacting with the pony was more meaningful and motivating for the participants than their interactions with caregivers or facilitators.
• In addition, it was found that apathetic behaviour, as measured by the ECPAI scale, had notably decreased during interaction with the animal rather than in the interaction with the facilitator for those who had undergone therapy.
• Despite these encouraging findings, there was no significant change recorded in anxiety and apathy levels according to the NPI-R scale, suggesting that while TAP may promote engagement, it might not directly impact these particular psychological aspects in the studied population.

Implications of the Results

• The research concluded that TAP could contribute to the positive engagement of elderly people during their interaction with the animal. The findings confirm previous studies on animal mediation and align with clinical observations collected during the execution of therapy sessions.
• The study implies that TAP might work by boosting self-esteem and highlighting the person’s preserved abilities rather than directly reducing anxiety or apathy scores. Therefore, the therapy could be a useful tool in encouraging active participation and positive behaviour in elderly patients with neurocognitive disorders.

Despite the lack of evidence showing reductions in anxiety and apathy, the study opens the door for further exploration into alternative, animal-assisted therapies for elderly populations battling neurocognitive disorders. By centralising care around the patient’s preserved capabilities and highlighting their inherent worth, such unique therapeutic measures could contribute to the overall wellbeing and quality of life of the elderly living in nursing homes.