Danielle Lemke1, Erin Rothwell, Tara M Newcomb, Kathryn J Swoboda. 1. Utah Valley Regional Medical Center (Ms Lemke), Provo, Utah; University of Utah College of Nursing (Dr Rothwell), Salt Lake City, Utah; University of Utah School of Medicine Neurology Department (Ms Newcomb and Dr Swoboda), Salt Lake City, Utah.
Abstract
PURPOSE: 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. METHODS: The families of all eligible children with SMA, who reported participation in EAAT, from a Western metropolitan academic center were contacted and invited to participate. This study implemented qualitative, semistructured interviews of children with SMA 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. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that the overall EAAT experience was a source of enjoyment, self-confidence, and normalcy for the children with SMA. The results of this study provide preliminary support for the use of EAAT among children with SMA.
PURPOSE: 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. METHODS: The families of all eligible children with SMA, who reported participation in EAAT, from a Western metropolitan academic center were contacted and invited to participate. This study implemented qualitative, semistructured interviews of children with SMA 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. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that the overall EAAT experience was a source of enjoyment, self-confidence, and normalcy for the children with SMA. The results of this study provide preliminary support for the use of EAAT among children with SMA.
Authors: J Melki; S Lefebvre; L Burglen; P Burlet; O Clermont; P Millasseau; S Reboullet; B Bénichou; M Zeviani; D Le Paslier Journal: Science Date: 1994-06-03 Impact factor: 47.728
Authors: Kristýna Machová; Veronika Juríčková; Tereza Nekovářová; Ivona Svobodová Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-10-15 Impact factor: 3.390