Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Supervisor

Brunton, Laura K.

Abstract

Background: Participation in specialized adapted activities such as therapeutic horseback riding (THR) is critical for children with cerebral palsy (CP) as they are at increased risk for lower habitual physical activity levels, social exclusion and mental health conditions. The benefits of THR for children CP are unclear despite positive anecdotal evidence. Purpose: The aim of the study is to explore the effects of THR participation for children with CP across multiple domains of health (psychological, social and physical) from the children themselves. Specifically, this study explored overall wellbeing including mental health, perceived independence, social inclusion and presence of fatigue and pain in children with CP. Method: This was an embedded mixed method design with qualitative interview data being the primary data collection method and quantitative survey data being the secondary data collection method. More specifically a phenomenological inquiry was used to collect, analyze and interpret the qualitative data. Results: A central overarching theme addressing the connection with the horse and six subthemes classified using the “6- F’s of childhood disability” were found. Conclusions: The social and emotional connection with the horse is the aspect of participation in THR that has the greatest impact across multiple domains of health for children with CP. Clinicians can make informed PA participation recommendations for their clients with CP and help families better understand how THR can impact multiple domains of health through the connection with the horse.

Summary for Lay Audience

Many children with physical disabilities participate in therapeutic horseback riding programs and there are reportedly many health benefits to this activity. However, there is a lack of research evidence to support these anecdotal claims, especially in psychological and social outcome areas. We studied the effects of participation in a 9 to12 week therapeutic horseback riding program for children with cerebral palsy focussing on three aspects of health functioning; psychological, and social and physical. Specifically, looking at overall wellbeing, social inclusion, fatigue and pain levels, social inclusion and perceived independence in daily life activities. A mixture of questionnaires and interviews were used to best capture these factors, which have not been previously studied. Children aged 5 to 12 years with a primary diagnosis of cerebral palsy who were participating in a therapeutic horseback riding program in Fall 2020 were recruited from two therapeutic riding centres in Southwestern Ontario. The children completed an electronic questionnaire at two separate time points and participated in a virtual interview after the 9 to12 week therapeutic riding program, parental input was welcomed. The interviews were analyzed for common elements and these were organized into themes. A central overarching theme addressing the connection with the horse and six subthemes classified using the “6- F’s of childhood disability” were found. The social and emotional connection with the horse is the aspect of participation in THR that has the greatest impact across multiple domains of health for children with CP. From the results of this study, clinicians can make informed PA participation recommendations for their clients with CP and help families better understand how THR can impact multiple domains of health through the connection with the horse.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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