Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Conditions
Interventions
This is a two-arm cohort clinical study. It consisted of two groups, totaling 100 children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, attending three equine therapy centers and associations. The I
and the Control Group (visited the equine therapy centers and associations) comprised 50 children and adolescents, both groups with Autism Spectrum Disorder and aged between 2 and 18 years. All partic
Equine Therapy Intervention Program (EIP)"
between June 2023 and October 2024. The EIP was developed by the researchers based on the protocols of Zoccante et al.², Gabriels et al.¹?, Barbosa²° and Moraes et al.²¹, and followed a specific seque
0.05).
Sponsors
Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Centro de Tecnologia e Saúde Rural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal (PPGCSA).
Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Centro de Tecnologia e Saúde Rural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal (PPGCSA).
Eligibility
Age
2 Years to 18 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Children and adolescents with a primary diagnosis or clinical history of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder); aged between 2 and 18 years; able to understand simple instructions; available to participate in the equine therapy program once a week.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Participation in other research related to horses; prior experience with equine therapy; presence of other neurological, psychiatric, or genetic diagnoses, such as comorbidities or disorders secondary to ASD (Down syndrome with ASD, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia associated with ASD and/or cerebral palsy with clinical signs of ASD); and lack of authorization from the medical or multidisciplinary team to perform equine therapy.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| This study aims to analyze the effects of equine therapy interventions on the neuropsychomotor and sensory development of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Autism who participate in equine therapy. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The acquisition of biopsychomotor and functional skills was observed in children and adolescents with ASD, especially skills related to self-care, mobility, socialization, autonomy, and balance. | — |
Countries
Brazil
Contacts
Public ContactNatália Oliveira
Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Centro de Tecnologia e Saúde Rural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal (PPGCSA).
Outcome results
None listed