Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
05:39
A Fine Motor Task to Study Joint Kinematics in a Preclinical Model of Neurodegenerative Disease
Published on: June 13, 2025
608
Changes in Motor Skill Proficiency After Equine-Assisted Activities and Brain-Building Tasks in Youth With
B Rhett Rigby1, Ronald W Davis1, Melissa D Bittner2
1School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, United States.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|February 22, 2020
Summary
Equine-assisted activities combined with brain-building tasks significantly improved motor skills in youth with neurodevelopmental disorders. These gains were maintained long-term, showing the intervention
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Limited research exists on the combined effects of equine-assisted activities (EAA) and brain-building exercises for motor skill development in youth with neurodevelopmental disorders (ND).
- Existing interventions often focus on single modalities, necessitating investigation into synergistic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the short-term effects of EAA and brain-building activities on motor skill proficiency in youth with ND.
- To assess the long-term impact of a combined EAA and brain-building intervention on motor skill competencies in this population.
Main Methods:
- A 32-week protocol involving 25 youth with ND, including control, EAA-only, washout, and a combined EAA and brain-building (GaitWay) block.
- Motor skills were assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Version 2 (BOT-2) Short Form before and after each block.
- A subset of seven participants continued the GaitWay intervention for an additional year, with post-intervention assessments.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in manual dexterity, upper-limb coordination, and strength following specific intervention blocks compared to control conditions.
- Overall motor skill scores were significantly higher after the GaitWay block compared to pre-control and post-control conditions.
- Motor skill improvements were sustained for one year in participants who continued the GaitWay intervention.
Conclusions:
- The combination of EAA and brain-building activities (GaitWay) demonstrates efficacy in enhancing motor skill proficiency in youth with ND.
- This study provides initial evidence for both the short-term and sustained long-term benefits of this combined intervention approach.
- Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and optimize treatment protocols for this population.
