Impact of Equine Assisted Therapy on Motor Skills and Self-Esteem in Persons with Down Syndrome
Keywords:
Down syndrome, equine assisted therapy, physical fitness, gross motor function, self-esteem, integration of methodsAbstract
The purpose of the equine assisted therapy programme for persons with Down syndrome was to provide continuous development and improvement of gross motor function, components of physical fitness, and self-esteem. The efficacy of the equine assisted therapy in combination with physiotherapy and occupational therapy was validated by the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods. 14 persons with Down syndrome were randomised for the experimental (N = 7) and the control group (N = 7). Both groups received standard therapies, while the experimental group additionally received the equine assisted therapy. Results showed that in comparison to the control group, the physical fitness and gross motor function scores of the experimental group improved significantly in the 6-month period. Qualitative results suggest that a programme of combined equine assisted therapy and activities could improve self-esteem and other functional activities of daily living of adults with Down syndrome. There are numerous benefits for persons with Down syndrome who participate in equine assisted therapy, since it also leads to improvement of their functional abilities, motor skills and self-esteem.
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