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Preliminary Efficacy of Occupational Therapy in an Equine Environment for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify appropriate outcome measures and assess preliminary efficacy of occupational therapy in an equine environment (OTee HORSPLAY) for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twenty-four youth with ASD aged 6–13 were randomized to 10 weeks of OTee HORSPLAY or to a waitlist control condition, occupational therapy in a garden. Youth demonstrated significantly improved goal attainment and social motivation, and decreased irritability after OTee HORSPLAY. When compared to the subset of participants who completed the waitlist control condition, the OTee HORSPLAY group still demonstrated significant improvements in goal attainment. This study provides preliminary evidence that horses can be integrated into occupational therapy for youth with ASD to improve social and behavioral goals.

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Fig. 1

Adapted from “CONSORT 2010 Statement: Extension to Randomized Pilot and Feasibility Trials” by S. Eldridge, C. Chan, M. Campbell, C. Bond, S. Hopewell, L. Thabane, and G. Lancaster, 2016, BMJ, 355, p. 20

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the families who participated in this study. We also thank our colleagues at Hearts and Horses Therapeutic Riding Center, My Heroes Therapy, and Temple Grandin Equine Center for making this study possible.

Funding

This study was funded by the Horses and Humans Research Foundation and the Carl and Caroline Swanson Foundation. This publication was supported by NIH/NCRR Colorado CTSI Grant Number UL1 RR025780. Its contents are the authors’ sole responsibility and do not necessarily represent official NIH views.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, 735 S Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA

    B. Caitlin Peters

  2. Departments of Occupational Therapy and Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, 735 S Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA

    Wendy Wood

  3. Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, 1501 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA

    Susan Hepburn

  4. Wyoming Institute for Disabilities, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA

    Eric J. Moody

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  1. B. Caitlin Peters
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  2. Wendy Wood
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  4. Eric J. Moody
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Contributions

BCP, WW and SH contributed to the study conception and design. BCP led participant recruitment and screening, therapist training, and data collection. BCP and WW assessed intervention fidelity and goal equivalency. EM led data analysis. BCP wrote the first draft of the manuscript, and all authors contributed to manuscript revisions and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to B. Caitlin Peters.

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Conflict of interest

BCP was an independent contractor with My Heroes Therapy to provide occupational therapy in an equine environment to individuals with a variety of health conditions. BCP is also an unpaid member of the American Hippotherapy Association’s research committee.

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Written informed consent was obtained from the parents. Verbal assent was obtained from youth when possible.

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Peters, B.C., Wood, W., Hepburn, S. et al. Preliminary Efficacy of Occupational Therapy in an Equine Environment for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 52, 4114–4128 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05278-0

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