Evaluation of an equine therapy program in students with Autism spectrum disorder

  1. Iago Portela Pino 1
  2. Sonia Bouzo González 2
  3. Margarita R. Pino Juste 3
  1. 1 Isabel I University, Burgos
  2. 2 National University of Distance Education (UNED), Spain
  3. 3 Universidade de Vigo
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    Universidade de Vigo

    Vigo, España

    ROR https://ror.org/05rdf8595

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Journal:
Journal of Human Sport and Exercise: JHSE

ISSN: 1988-5202

Year of publication: 2020

Volume: 15

Issue: 4

Pages: 783-793

Type: Article

DOI: 10.14198/JHSE.2020.154.06 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openRUA editor

More publications in: Journal of Human Sport and Exercise: JHSE

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Abstract

Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) has the main objective of using horseback riding as a tool in a therapeutic process to improve, among other facets, motor skills and postural control and even psychological well-being. The purpose of this research was to determine if equinetherapy (horseback riding with a therapeutic aim) favours the motor, communication and social development in subjects with ASD. A case study was performed with 5 subjects between 8 and 31 years. The program was carried out over 32 sessions of 60 minutes each, a day a week. The recording techniques were a questionnaire, observation and a field diary. Among the most salient results, we point out improvements in balance, posture, fine and gross motricity, and an optimal muscle relaxation that gradually leads to a removal of stereotypies. Regarding the aspect of social communication, a major improvement in non-verbal communication, and new bonding of friendship, love and respect for animals. This study is a contribution to the scientific evaluation of equine therapy as an effective treatment in persons with ASD.

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Data source: Dialnet