AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
Objective: To examine the effect of equine-assisted therapeutic interventions on users' heart rate variability, using this said variability as an objective biological variable related to stress levels.
Method: A systematic review has been carried out using the methodology suggested in the PRISMA declaration following systematic searches in academic databases.
Results: 432 registers were initially identified; however, in the screening and suitability process, nine papers were included in the review. With one exception, all of them reported that equine-assisted therapeutic activities had a favourable effect on users' heart rate variability as such activities favour a state of relaxation by activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System. The analysis of the quality of the evidence and the confirmation of the bias in the works indicate that these results must be considered with caution.
Discussion: Although these preliminary results are promising, more rigorous clinical trials are necessary to overcome the methodological limitations of the works.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101167 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Heart rate and salivary cortisol as indicators of arousal and synchrony in clients, therapy horses and therapist in equine-assisted therapy.
Complement Ther Clin Pract
January 2025
Department of Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna and University Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1210, Austria; Karl Landsteiner Research Institute for Neurochemistry, Neuropharmacology, Neurorehabilitation and Pain Treatment, Hausmeninger Straße 221, Mauer, 3362, Austria. Electronic address:
Background: This exploratory study aimed to analyse physiological interaction processes in equine-assisted-therapy (EAT) between client, therapy horse and therapist.
Methods: We measured heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and cortisol levels before, during and after a standardized therapy session and a control condition in one therapist, four therapy horses and ten female clients in emerging adulthood (Mn = 21.8 years, SD = 3.
Effectiveness of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Update.
Children (Basel)
December 2024
Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy.
Background/objectives: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition requiring personalised therapeutic approaches. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAATs) in 86 children with varying ASD severity levels (levels 1-3).
Methods: Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales and the Parenting Stress Index were used.
Promoting mental health in military veterans. Methodology and evaluation tools in a pilot study involving an Equine-Assisted Intervention.
Riv Psichiatr
December 2024
Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
Aims: Military veterans exposed to stressful or traumatic events may experience adjustment difficulties in the post-deployment period, developing a high risk of mental health-related issues. Promising complementary practices such as Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) are now widely used, although standardized protocols are missing. The present study aimed to develop an EAT standardized intervention.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCan Animal Assisted Interventions counteract apathy and improve physical activity levels in psychiatric patients with cognitive disability? A case study.
J Bodyw Mov Ther
October 2024
Unit of Physical Exercise and Sport Sciences, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome «Foro Italico», Rome, Italy. Electronic address:
Background: Patients with psychiatric disorders experience a reduced quality of life also due to the antipsychotic drugs assumed, that negatively affects their cognitive abilities. A healthy lifestyle, such as physical activity, can improve both functional abilities and mental health of patients with a dual diagnosis, psychiatric and cognitive. Despite this knowledge, these people are more sedentary than the general population, probably because of their apathy, core aspects of the illness.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!