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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2021; 11(6); 1562; doi: 10.3390/ani11061562

Equine-Assisted Interventions (EAIs) for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Behavioural and Physiological Indices of Stress in Domestic Horses (Equus caballus) during Riding Sessions.

Abstract: Equine-assisted interventions (EAIs) are well-known complementary practices combining physical activity with emotional/cognitive stimulation. They are especially suited for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who need a high degree of physical and psychological enrichment. Even though EAIs have become a common practice, stress responses in horses interacting with individuals that can manifest inappropriate behaviours, such as ASD children, have not been thoroughly investigated. Our multicentre study aimed to investigate behavioural and physiological indices of stress in horses involved in EAI standardised sessions with children with ASD compared to typically developing (TD) children. A controlled within-subject design with repeated measurements involving 19 horses and 38 children was adopted. Stress-related behaviours, heart rate, heart rate variability, and eye temperature were recorded during the riding sessions. Moreover, blood samples were collected from horses before and after each session to monitor changes in blood adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and catecholamines. Results indicate that, in general, stress responses in horses involved in EAIs did not differ as a function of the horse being ridden by children with ASD or TD. A lower sympathetic tone in horses involved in ASD sessions was found, while in the mounting and dismounting phases, horses displayed behavioural signs of stress, independently from children's behaviour. We conclude that professionals working in EAI should increase their awareness of animal welfare and refine riding practices, taking into account horse's needs.
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Publication Date: 2021-05-27 PubMed ID: 34071859PubMed Central: PMC8227027DOI: 10.3390/ani11061562Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study looks into the stress levels of horses used in Equine-Assisted Interventions (EAIs) with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) compared to typically developing children. The findings suggest that stress responses in the horses did not significantly differ between the two types of interactions. Still, professionals in EAIs are advised to stay attentive towards the well-being of the horses and improve riding practices.

Research Objectives

  • This multicentre study aimed to explore stress reactions in horses during Equine-Assisted Interventions (EAIs) sessions with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) compared to typically developing (TD) children.
  • The study sought to measure stress levels using various behavioural and physiological indicators such as stress-related behaviors, heart rate, heart rate variability, eye temperature, as well as levels of blood adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and catecholamines.

Research Design

  • 19 horses and 38 children participated in a controlled within-subject design, using repeated measurements.
  • Behavioural and physiological stress markers were recorded during the riding sessions.
  • Blood samples were also taken from the horses before and after each session to monitor changes in ACTH, cortisol, and catecholamines, which are known indicators of stress.

Key Findings

  • Overall, the study results indicate that horses do not show different levels of stress when ridden by children with ASD or TD.
  • However, it was found that horses involved in the ASD sessions displayed a lower responsive activation to threats or challenges (sympathetic tone).
  • During the mounting and dismounting phases of the riding sessions, regardless of the child’s behaviour, horses exhibited behavioural signs of stress.

Implications

  • The findings suggest that professionals engaged in Equine-Assisted Interventions (EAIs) need to be proactive about their animals’ welfare, considering any potential signs of stress.
  • Practitioners need to reconsider certain elements of riding practices to account better for the needs of the horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Contalbrigo L, Borgi M, De Santis M, Collacchi B, Tuozzi A, Toson M, Redaelli V, Odore R, Vercelli C, Stefani A, Luzi F, Valle E, Cirulli F. (2021). Equine-Assisted Interventions (EAIs) for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Behavioural and Physiological Indices of Stress in Domestic Horses (Equus caballus) during Riding Sessions. Animals (Basel), 11(6), 1562. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061562

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 6
PII: 1562

Researcher Affiliations

Contalbrigo, Laura
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale Dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
Borgi, Marta
  • Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
De Santis, Marta
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale Dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
Collacchi, Barbara
  • Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
Tuozzi, Adele
  • Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
Toson, Marica
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale Dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
Redaelli, Veronica
  • Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences-One Health Unit, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milano, Italy.
Odore, Rosangela
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
Vercelli, Cristina
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
Stefani, Annalisa
  • Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale Dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
Luzi, Fabio
  • Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences-One Health Unit, Via Pascal, 36, 20133 Milano, Italy.
Valle, Emanuela
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
Cirulli, Francesca
  • Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.

Grant Funding

  • RC IZSVe 13/2013 / Ministero della Salute

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

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