Equine Assisted Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder (AUTISM-EAT)

Izmir Democracy University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Equine-Assisted Therapy

Treatments: Other: Control; Other: Equine-Assisted Activities Therapy; Other: Hippotherapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06057311

AUTISM-EAT-35

Details and patient eligibility

About

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that negatively affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Various animals have started to be used for therapeutic purposes by those in need. In recent years, especially equine-assisted therapies have become popular. However, it has been reported in the literature that more studies on this subject are needed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of equine-assisted therapy for children with autism on daily living activities, balance, quality of life, and sleep.

Full description

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was first defined by Leo Kanner in 1943 as a common neurodevelopmental disorder that has a negative effect on social interaction, communication, and behaviour. These individuals have problems such as impaired sensory processing skills, reduced balance and coordination, difficulties in undertaking daily living activities, diminished quality of life, sleep problems, and poor speech and language skills. According to the 2015 report published by the American National Autism Center, treatments are examined under three headings: those based on science, those promising, and those not based on science. Animal support therapies are included in the intervention not based on science.

It can be seen in the literature that the relationship between people and animals provides people with physical, mental and psychological support. Because of the positive effects of this relationship, various animals have started to be used for therapeutic purposes by those in need. Horses are used most often because accessibility is easy and they share many characteristics with humans. Therapies that include horses come under the following five headings: Adaptive Riding, Equine Assisted Activities, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Equine Assisted Therapy, and Hippotherapy.

Equine-assisted therapy is used in several pathologies and various age groups, most commonly in pediatric rehabilitation. However, there are few studies in the literature on this subject. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of equine-assisted therapy for children with autism on daily living activities, balance, quality of life, and sleep. Thus, it is thought to contribute to the literature in terms of the effectiveness of applying equine-assisted therapies together with traditional therapies in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Study Hypothesis as follows: Equine-Assisted Therapies have an effect on daily living activities, balance, quality of life, and sleep of individuals with ASD.

Enrollment: 33 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 3 to 14 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with ASD,
• Having <60 kg in body weight
• Having no shunt,
• Having no allergy to feathers or dust,
• Having not previously received equine-assisted therapy.

Exclusion criteria

• Having hip or shoulder dislocation, osteoporosis/coxarthrosis,
• Having uncontrollable seizures,
• Having aneurysm,
• Having a recent history of fracture,
• Having decubitus,
• Having atlantoaxial instability,
• Having hemophilia,
• Using anticoagulant drugs,
• Having acute arthritis,
• Having an unstable spine,
• Having acute disc hernia,
• Having spondylolisthesis,
• Having spinal fusion,
• Having no control of the head.

Other exclusion criteria related to therapies;

• Inability to adapt to the therapy,
• Having a fear of horses,
• The occurrence of seizures or worsening of the existing seizure status,
• Worsening of vital signs,
• Requesting to quit the study participation

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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33 participants in 3 patient groups

Hippotherapy Group

Experimental group

Description:

The sessions for the HTG were conducted on horseback by a "leader", "side walker", and "physiotherapist" while the child was mounted on the horse. Before mounting, the child was dressed in the safety equipment of a helmet and rider vest by the physiotherapist and was directed to mount the horse from the mounting steps. In the first week of training, the cases received adaptation training. Within the training, 7 min of simple sitting on the horse were performed. In this position, the child was able to caress the horse's neck with one or both hands, rest while the horse walked, and 10 standing (or for those who could not do this, the horse was in a standing position)n the stirrups exercises were performed while holding the retaining strap.

Treatment:

Other: Hippotherapy

Equine-Assisted Activities Therapy Group

Experimental group

Description:

Under the guidance of the physiotherapist, the children in the EAATG performed routine care of the horse, such as grooming, feeding, and hoof care. During equine-assisted activities, the physiotherapist ensured the correct positioning of the child's body when approaching the horse using equipment and during movement. The study participants groomed the horse, wiped the horse's feathers with a towel, combed the mane, checked the hooves, cleaned out any grit, and performed the procedures for the horse to go out. Finally, the child gave food and water to the horse, said farewell and left the therapy area.

Treatment:

Other: Equine-Assisted Activities Therapy

Control Group

Other group

Description:

The children in the control group were evaluated at the same time as the other groups but were not included in any therapy. All assessments were conducted at baseline and 6 weeks later. When the study was completed, the subjects in this group were permitted 10 sessions of hippotherapy if they so wished.

Treatment:

Other: Control