Summary of the Systematic Review

ARTICLE CITATION

Pilot study measuring the effects of therapeutic horseback riding on school-age children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders

Robin L. Gabriels, John A. Agnew, Katherine D. Holt, Amy Shoffner, Pan Zhaoxing, Selga Ruzzano, Gerald H. Clayton, Gary Mesibov

Research in Autism spectrum disorders (2012) 

ARTICLE DETAILS

Description

This preliminary study examined the effects of 10 weekly lessons of therapeutic horseback riding (THR) on 42 participants diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ages 6–16 years) compared to a subset (n = 16) of the total study population who were first evaluated before and after a 10-week waitlist control condition. All participants received baseline and post-condition assessments in the areas of self-regulation (Irritability, Lethargy, Stereotypic Behavior, and Hyperactivity), adaptive living skills, and motor skills. 

Profession 

Unspecified 

Location 

USA

Intervention Terminology

Therapeutic Riding 

Study Design 

ABA with control

Sample

42 children 

Age/Population

6-16 years 

Assessment/ Outcome measure tools

Assessments in the areas of self-regulation (Irritability, Lethargy, Stereotypic Behavior, and Hyperactivity), adaptive living skills, and motor skills

Result Category 

Self-regulation 

Dosage/Description of Intervention

10 weeks