Spinal Muscular Atrophy

  • Perceptions of equine assisted activities and therapies by parents and children with spinal muscular atrophy

    Lemke et al.
    Pediatric Physical Therapy (2014) 

    Description
    To identify the physical and psychosocial effects of equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAATs) on children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) from the perspective of the children and their parents.

    Results
    Three themes emerged from the qualitative content analysis: physical/psychosocial benefits; relationship development with the horses, instructors, and children; and barriers to continued EAAT engagement.

    Conclusion
    The data suggest the overall EAAT experience was a source of enjoyment, self- confidence, and normalcy for the children with SMA.

  • Other

  • USA

  • EAAT

  • Qualitative Interviews

  • 13 kids 12 parents

  • 4-15 Years

  • Qualitative Interviews

  • Benefits EAAT, Relationships formed, Barriers to participation

  • N/A

  • Lemke, D., Rothwell, E., Newcomb, T. M., & Swoboda, K. J. (2014). Perceptions of equine-assisted activities and therapies by parents and children with spinal muscular atrophy. Pediatric physical therapy : the official publication of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association, 26(2), 237–244. https://doi.org/10.1097/PEP.0000000000000027