The effect of equine-assisted therapies on behavioural, psychological and physical symptoms for children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: White, Eleanor; Zippel, Jaclyn; Kumar, Saravana
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in clinical practice. Volume 39(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: ADHD -- Animal-assisted therapy -- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder -- Equine-assisted therapy -- Hippotherapy; Integrative medicine -- Periodicals; Integrative medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-3881

Abstract

Abstract: Background and purpose: Individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience a variety of challenges in daily life and equine-assisted therapies (EATs) have grown in popularity for children with ADHD. This review aims to examine the effectiveness of EATs on behavioural, psychological and physical symptoms in the treatment of children with ADHD. Materials and methods: A systematic search of databases (Cochrane Library, Embase, Emcare, ERIC, MEDLINE, OTseeker, ProQuest, PsycINFO and Scopus) was conducted in February 2019. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using a modified McMaster critical appraisal tool. RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and overall, positive trends were identified in behavioural, psychological and physical outcome measures following the participation in an EAT. However, due to methodological constraints, caution is required when interpreting these findings. CONCLUSION: While EAT may offer some positive benefits for children with ADHD, further methodologically robust research is required before definitive recommendations can be made. Highlights: Equine-assisted therapies appear to positively impact various symptoms in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Further research is required to substantiate, and build on, this body of evidence. Equine-assisted therapies may be a promising complementary intervention for children with ADHD.