Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 31, 2025
The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
Self-Management Intervention for Attention and Executive Functions Using Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy Among
1School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
Insights
Equine-assisted occupational therapy (OT) significantly improved executive functions and occupational performance in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This intervention shows promise for enhancing self-management skills in youth diagnosed with ADHD.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Therapy
- Pediatric Psychology
- Animal-Assisted Interventions
Background:
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood diagnosis associated with executive function (EF) deficits and self-management challenges.
- Children with ADHD face increased risks of academic failure, social-emotional difficulties, and high-risk behaviors.
- Executive functions are crucial cognitive processes that enable planning, self-control, and goal-directed behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a specialized equine-assisted occupational therapy (STABLE-OT) program for improving attention and executive functions in school-aged children with ADHD.
- To assess the impact of the intervention on overall occupational performance and client-centered goals.
Main Methods:
- A pre-post design study involving 25 children (ages 6-14) diagnosed with ADHD.
- Participants engaged in a 12-week therapeutic equestrian riding program with structured 45-minute sessions.
- Intervention incorporated child- and family-centered strategies and immediate feedback.
- Executive functions were assessed using The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), and occupational performance using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in multiple executive function subscales of the BRIEF, including Global Executive Composite, metacognitive index, working memory, and initiation.
- Statistically significant decreases in BRIEF scores indicate enhanced executive functioning.
- The COPM revealed statistically and clinically significant improvements in both performance and satisfaction measures.
Conclusions:
- Equine-assisted occupational therapy (STABLE-OT) demonstrates preliminary effectiveness in enhancing executive functions and occupational performance for children with ADHD.
- The findings support the potential clinical implementation of this therapeutic approach for pediatric ADHD.
- Further research is warranted to explore the broader applications and long-term effects of equine-assisted interventions in child mental health.
Abstract:
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, is currently one of the most common diagnoses given to children. Children with ADHD have a unique cognitive profile that involves difficulties in executive functions (EFs) and in the self-management system of the brain, and are at higher risk for educational failure, social and emotional difficulties, and high risk behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of self-management intervention for attention and executive functions using equine-assisted occupational therapy (STABLE-OT) for school-aged children with ADHD. A pre-post design was used in the intervention. The study was conducted at two riding school stables is Israel. Twenty-five 6-14-year-old children (3 girls, 22 boys, age: 7.8-12.3 years, M = 9.41 ± 1.75) diagnosed with ADHD participated in a therapeutic equestrian riding intervention. The intervention included structured 45-min sessions for 12 weeks, while integrating child- and family-centered strategy acquisition and immediate feedback principles. Their EF and occupational performance were evaluated pre- and post-intervention, using The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Results showed a significant improvement in EF, as reflected by statistically significant decreases in the Global Executive Composite (GEC; t = 2.801; p = 0.01), metacognitive index (t = 3.873; p = 0.001), working memory (t = 2.476; p = 0.021), monitor (t = 2.359; p = 0.027), and initiation (t = 3.204; p = 0.004) subscales of the BRIEF questionnaire. A statistically (p < 0.001) and clinically significant improvement was also found in the COPM performance and satisfaction scales. This study provides key preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of an individual equine-assisted OT intervention for children with ADHD. It constitutes an initial step toward clinical implementation of such therapeutic approaches, and is expected to spark further research in this area.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.