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Home / Equine Research Bank / Altern Ther Health Med / Prospective trial of equine-assisted activities in autism sp...
Alternative therapies in health and medicine2011; 17(3); 14-20;

Prospective trial of equine-assisted activities in autism spectrum disorder.

Abstract: Anecdotal reports and some studies suggest that equine-assisted activities may be beneficial in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Objective: To examine the effects ofequine-assisted activities on overall severity of autism symptoms using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the quality ofparent-child interactions using the Timberlawn Parent-Child Interaction Scale. In addition, this study examined changes in sensory processing, quality of life, and parental treatment satisfaction. Methods: Children with ASD were evaluated at four time points: (1) before beginning a 3-to-6 month waiting period, (2) before starting the riding treatment, and (3) after 3 months and (4) 6 months of riding. Twenty-four participants completed the waiting list period and began the riding program, and 20 participants completed the entire 6 months of riding. Pretreatment was compared to posttreatment with each child acting as his or her own control. Results: A reduction in the severity of autism symptoms occurred with the therapeutic riding treatment. There was no change in CARS scores during the pretreatment baseline period; however, there was a significant decrease after treatment at 3 months and 6 months of riding. The Timberlawn Parent-Child Interaction Scale showed a significant improvement in Mood and Tone at 3 months and 6 months of riding and a marginal improvement in the reduction of Negative Regard at 6 months of riding. The parent-rated quality of life measure showed improvement, including the pretreatment waiting period. All of the ratings in the Treatment Satisfaction Survey were between good and very good. Conclusions: These results suggest that children with ASD benefit from equine-assisted activities.
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Publication Date: 2011-12-15 PubMed ID: 22164808
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  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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.

The research article discusses a study examining the effects of equine-assisted activities (therapies involving horses) on the severity of autism symptoms in children. The research suggests that such activities result in a significant reduction in the severity of these symptoms and also improve aspects of parent-child interactions.

Research Objectives

  • The study aimed to confirm the anecdotal reports and some scientific studies that show benefits of equine-assisted activities in managing autism spectrum disorders.
  • The researchers sought to evaluate the impact of these activities on the overall severity of autism symptoms. This was measured using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).
  • They also analyzed its influence on the quality of parent-child interaction, utilising the Timberlawn Parent-Child Interaction Scale. This part of the study considered changes related to sensory processing, general quality of life and parental satisfaction with the therapy.

Methodology

  • The participants in this study were children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. They were assessed at four different time points, these were: beginning of a 3-to-6 month waiting period; start of the horse-riding therapy; after 3 months of the therapy; and, finally after 6 months of the therapy.
  • A total of 24 children completed the waiting period and began the riding program, but just 20 participants completed the full 6-month riding therapy.
  • The research study used a pre-post design where each child acted as his or her control. Comparisons were made between the measurements taken before the therapy started and after.

Key Findings

  • The researchers found that the severity of autism symptoms did actually decrease with the use of therapeutic riding treatment.
  • There was no change in CARS scores (related to autism symptom severity) during the pre-treatment baseline period but there was a meaningful decrease after 3 and 6 months of riding.
  • The research noted an improvement in the ‘mood’ and ‘tone’ elements of parent-child interaction, as well as a marginal improvement in reduction of ‘negative regard’ after 6 months of therapy. These improvements were gauged using the Timberlawn Parent-Child Interaction Scale.
  • An improvement was recorded in the parent-rated quality of life measure, which even took into account the pre-treatment waiting period.
  • All the Treatment Satisfaction Survey ratings ranged between good and very good, indicating high satisfaction levels among parents.

Conclusions

  • The research concludes that equine-assisted activities can be beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder.
  • These therapies can help in reducing symptom severity and, importantly, can also positively change aspects of parent-child interactions.

Cite This Article

APA
Kern JK, Fletcher CL, Garver CR, Mehta JA, Grannemann BD, Knox KR, Richardson TA, Trivedi MH. (2011). Prospective trial of equine-assisted activities in autism spectrum disorder. Altern Ther Health Med, 17(3), 14-20.

Publication

Alternative therapies in health and medicine
ISSN: 1078-6791
NlmUniqueID: 9502013
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 17
Issue: 3
Pages: 14-20

Researcher Affiliations

Kern, Janet K
  • Research Department, Autism Treatment Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. jkern@atcoftexas.org
Fletcher, Charles L
    Garver, Carolyn R
      Mehta, Jyutika A
        Grannemann, Bruce D
          Knox, Kandice R
            Richardson, Theresia A
              Trivedi, Madhukar H

                MeSH Terms

                • Animals
                • Child
                • Child Behavior / psychology
                • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / complications
                • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology
                • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / therapy
                • Child, Preschool
                • Equine-Assisted Therapy / methods
                • Female
                • Human-Animal Bond
                • Humans
                • Male
                • Motor Skills Disorders / etiology
                • Motor Skills Disorders / psychology
                • Motor Skills Disorders / therapy
                • Prospective Studies
                • Sensation Disorders / etiology
                • Sensation Disorders / psychology
                • Sensation Disorders / therapy
                • Treatment Outcome

                Citations

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