Study: Effects of a Collaborative Occupational Therapy Interactive Vaulting

University of North Carolina System

Status

Enrolling

Conditions

Social Interaction

Disability, Developmental

Executive Function

Treatments

Other: Collaborative occupational therapy interactive vaulting group

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT04481334

UMCIRB 18-001488

Details and patient eligibility

About

Occupational therapy services will be integrated into an interactive vaulting program which is an equine assisted activity. Children with disabilities ages 5-17 will participate. The objectives of this study are to determine the influence of a collaborative occupational therapy interactive vaulting program on the executive function and social participation in children with disabilities.

Full description

Investment by researchers has been made, however, little research exists that systematically evaluates the effectiveness of occupational therapy (OT) interventions in equine assisted activities, and none have included interactive vaulting. Research that has been conducted has supported the use of equines in OT treatment sessions (hippotherapy) in increasing length of time engaged in activities, compared to conventional therapy as well as improvements in postural sway, adaptive behaviors, and participation. In addition, it has been found that children with visual impairments who participated in a 6-week EAT program demonstrated clinically significant changes in occupational performance and qualitative themes of peer interaction, taking on challenges and overall satisfaction with the program.

The gaps in research warrant investigation into the efficacy of this intervention in the development of executive functioning and social skills in children with disabilities. Further research needs to be conducted to determine the effectiveness of occupational therapy in this context. Occupational therapy interventions will be integrated into the existing program. Group interventions will target the emotional awareness and regulation, social skills, and use cognitive strategies to improve social interactions with peers and adults.

Enrollment

25 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

5 to 17 years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

Children must:

have a documented developmental disability
be eligible only to participate in equine assisted activities.
be ambulatory with or without an assistive device
be able to follow 2-3 step directions
not be aggressive toward animals, peers, or staff

Exclusion criteria:

Children who:

do not have a documented developmental disability
are ONLY eligible for equine assisted therapy because of significant physical and/ or medical limitations (i.e.: occupational, physical, or speech therapy).
are non-ambulatory
are unable to follow 2-3 step directions
are aggressive towards animals, peers, or staff
does not have a developmental disorder (i.e.: has only mental health disorder)