Equine Assisted Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Condition: Equine-Assisted Therapy; Autism Spectrum Disorder
MeSH terms: Autistic Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      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.
    

Detailed 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.
    

Intervention name(s): Hippotherapy; Equine-Assisted Activities Therapy; Control
Intervention type(s): Other; Other; Other
Intervention description(s): The participants in HT Group; received 12 sessions as 2 sessions a week for 6 weeks. Each therapy session lasted for an average of 20 min. The assessments were applied twice to all participants before and after the training. The treatments and assessments were performed by the same physiotherapist in the same environment.; The participants in the EAAT Group received 12 sessions as 2 sessions a week for 6 weeks. Each therapy session lasted for an average of 20 min. The assessments were applied twice to all participants before and after the training. The treatments and assessments were performed by the same physiotherapist in the same environment.; The Control Group (CG) did not receive any training. The assessments were applied twice to CG at baseline and after 6 weeks. The treatments and assessments were performed by the same physiotherapist in the same environment.
Other intervention name(s): HT; EAAT
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Participant)
Primary purpose: Supportive Care
Keywords: Equine-assisted therapy; Hippotherapy; Autism spectrum disorder; Sleep; Balance; Activities of daily living; Quality of life