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International journal of environmental research and public health2019; 16(23); 4835; doi: 10.3390/ijerph16234835

Riding into Health: A Case Study on an Equine-Assisted Childhood Obesity Intervention.

Abstract: In this article, we present an exploratory case study that describes the initial outcomes of the Equine-Assisted Positively Fit (EAPF) program. Children with obesity and their caregivers were recruited to participate in the eight-session program. Results indicated that treatment completers ( = 2) had a decrease in fat mass and fat mass percentage and an increase in fat-free mass and fat-free mass percentage. Moreover, results from accelerometer measurements of physical activity indicated that participants increased their moderate to vigorous physical activity, as well as reported increased self-efficacy for physical activity. Qualitative data from the post-intervention focus group suggested children perceived the treatment acceptable and enjoyable. Findings from this study provide support for future investigations on the feasibility and potential efficacy of pairing children and their caregivers with horses to accomplish health-related goals.
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Publication Date: 2019-12-01 PubMed ID: 31805713PubMed Central: PMC6926900DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234835Google 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 research discusses the initial results of the Equine-Assisted Positively Fit (EAPF) program, an innovative approach to tackling obesity in children through interaction with horses. The program demonstrated positive physical and psychological changes among the participants, laying a foundation for further research in this unique health intervention method.

Overview of the Research

  • The research constituted an exploratory case study on an intervention program for childhood obesity incorporating equine-assisted activities. This program, named Equine-Assisted Positively Fit (EAPF), involved eight sessions where obese children and their caregivers were introduced to measured physical activity with horses.
  • The sample size of the research was small, with only two participants who completed the program. While this limits the reach of the study’s conclusions, it was sufficient for an exploratory study evaluative of a pioneering method of intervention.

Findings

  • Physical Results: The physical outcome of the participants was measured in terms of fat mass, fat mass percentage, fat-free mass, and fat-free mass percentage before and after the program. Positive results were observed, showcasing a decrease in fat mass and fat mass percentage, and an increase in fat-free mass and fat-free mass percentage post-intervention.
  • Activity Level: The study utilized accelerometers to monitor the intensity of physical activity. It was found that the children involved showed an increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity post-intervention, suggesting the adoption of healthier exercise habits.
  • Self Efficacy: The program also positively influenced the psychological aspect of the participants, as they reported an increase in their confidence and competence to engage in physical activity (self-efficacy for physical activity).
  • Qualitative feedback: A post-intervention focus group was arranged to gather qualitative data on the participants’ experience. Observations from this group suggested that children found the treatment process acceptable and enjoyable.

Implications and Future Directions

  • Though the study was limited and exploratory in nature, the findings make an important contribution to unconventional methods of addressing childhood obesity and offer a promising direction for future explorations.
  • Taking note of the positive results of the EAPF program, future investigations are needed that involve larger sample sizes to evaluate the feasibility and potential efficacy of this equine-assisted intervention method more robustly.

Cite This Article

APA
Schroeder K, Van Allen J, Dhurandhar E, Lancaster B, Heidari Z, Cazenave K, Boone D, Erdman P. (2019). Riding into Health: A Case Study on an Equine-Assisted Childhood Obesity Intervention. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 16(23), 4835. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16234835

Publication

International journal of environmental research and public health
ISSN: 1660-4601
NlmUniqueID: 101238455
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 23
PII: 4835

Researcher Affiliations

Schroeder, Katy
  • Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agricultural and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
Van Allen, Jason
  • Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Texas Tech University; Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
Dhurandhar, Emily
  • Department of Kinesiology and Sports Management, College of Arts and Sciences, Texas Tech University; Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
Lancaster, Brittany
  • Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Texas Tech University; Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
Heidari, Zohal
  • Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Texas Tech University; Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
Cazenave, Kandis
  • Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agricultural and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
Boone, Dianna
  • Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Texas Tech University; Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
Erdman, Phyllis
  • Department of Kinesiology and Educational Psychology, College of Education, Washington State University; Pullman, WA 99164, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Accelerometry
  • Adipose Tissue
  • Animals
  • Child
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pediatric Obesity / therapy

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
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