Spinal Muscular Atrophy

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

    Lemke, D., Rothwell, E., Newcomb, T. M., & Swoboda, K. J.
    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 , 26(2), 237–244. https://doi.org/10.1097/PEP.0000000000000027