The effectiveness of simulated developmental horse-riding program in children with autism.
This study investigated the effectiveness of a 20-week Simulated Developmental Horse-Riding Program (SDHRP) by using an innovative exercise equipment (Joba) on the motor proficiency and sensory integrative functions in 60 children with autism (age: 6 years, 5 months to 8 years, 9 months). In the first phase of 20 weeks, 30 children received the SDHRP in addition to their regular occupational therapy while another 30 children received regular occupational therapy only. The arrangement was reversed in the second phase of another 20 weeks. Children with autism in this study showed improved motor proficiency and sensory integrative functions after 20-week SDHRP (p < .01). In addition, the therapeutic effect appeared to be sustained for at least 24 weeks (6 months).
Wuang
Yee-Pay
YP
Department of Occupational Therapy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Wang
Chih-Chung
CC
Huang
Mao-Hsiung
MH
Su
Chwen-Yng
CY
D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D056147:Equine-Assisted Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome