Self-Management Intervention for Attention and Executive Functions Using Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy Among Children Aged 6-14 Diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

The research study explores the impact of equine-assisted occupational therapy on attention and executive function abilities within children aged between 6 to 14 years, who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Study Overview

• The researchers aimed to test the effectiveness of a novel intervention for childhood ADHD which incorporates therapeutic equestrian riding, a type of equine-assisted occupational therapy. ADHD, marked by issues relating to attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, can complicate a child’s cognitive abilities, specifically concerning executive functions (EFs) and self-management.
• Children affected by ADHD have a higher chance of struggling acadically, socially and emotionally, hence, novel therapeutic interventions could be pivotal in reducing these risks.

Methodology

• The study made use of a pre-post design and involved the participation of twenty-five children aged between 6 to 14 years, who were all officially diagnosed with ADHD. The study was undertaken across two riding school stables situated in Israel.
• Participants went through a 12-week course of structured 45-minute sessions centered around therapeutic equestrian riding, with sessions integrating personal and family-focused strategy acquisition along with instantaneous feedback.
• Pre- and post-intervention, the children underwent assessments to measure their executive function and occupational performance via tools such as the Brief Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).

Results

• Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in executive function following the equine-assisted occupational therapy sessions. This was seen in improved scores in the Metacognitive Index, global executive composite, working memory, monitor, and initiation elements of the BRIEF questionnaire.
• Furthermore, substantially considerable enhancement was noted in the COPM performance and satisfaction scales, indicating improved occupational performance and satisfaction following intervention.

Implications

• The results offer important initial proof that individual equine-assisted OT intervention offers significant benefits for children suffering from ADHD. This finding provides a platform for the consideration of such interventions in clinical practice scenarios.
• Finally, the research study emphasizes the need for additional studies to provide further insights and validation for the efficacy of therapeutic riding interventions for children with ADHD.