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

Iago Portela Pino ^[3] ; Sonia Bouzo González ^[1] ; Margarita R. Pino Juste ^[2]
1. [1] Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia
  
  Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia
  
  Madrid, España
2. [2] Universidade de Vigo
  
  Universidade de Vigo
  
  Vigo, España
3. [3] Isabel I University, Burgos
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Localización: Journal of Human Sport and Exercise: JHSE, ISSN-e 1988-5202, Vol. 15, Nº. 4, 2020, págs. 783-793
Idioma: inglés
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Resumen
- 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.