The effect of equine-assisted therapies on behavioural, psychological and physical symptoms for children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review

Eleanor White; Jaclyn Zippel; Saravana Kumar

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101101

The effect of equine-assisted therapies on behavioural, psychological and physical symptoms for children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020 May:39:101101. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101101. Epub 2020 Jan 23.

Authors

Eleanor White¹, Jaclyn Zippel², Saravana Kumar³

Affiliations

¹ University of South Australia, City East Campus, 108 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia. Electronic address: whiel003@mymail.unisa.edu.
² University of South Australia, City East Campus, Australia. Electronic address: zipjr001@mymail.unisa.edu.au.
³ School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, Australia. Electronic address: saravana.kumar@unisa.edu.au.

PMID: 32379642
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101101

Abstract

Background and purpose: Individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience a variety of challenges in daily life and equine-assisted therapies (EATs) have grown in popularity for children with ADHD. This review aims to examine the effectiveness of EATs on behavioural, psychological and physical symptoms in the treatment of children with ADHD.

Materials and methods: A systematic search of databases (Cochrane Library, Embase, Emcare, ERIC, MEDLINE, OTseeker, ProQuest, PsycINFO and Scopus) was conducted in February 2019. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using a modified McMaster critical appraisal tool.

Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and overall, positive trends were identified in behavioural, psychological and physical outcome measures following the participation in an EAT. However, due to methodological constraints, caution is required when interpreting these findings.

Conclusion: While EAT may offer some positive benefits for children with ADHD, further methodologically robust research is required before definitive recommendations can be made.

Keywords: ADHD; Animal-assisted therapy; Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Equine-assisted therapy; Hippotherapy.

Publication types

Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / complications
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / therapy*
Child
Child Behavior
Equine-Assisted Therapy*
Health Status
Humans
Male
Mental Health