Skill and participation enhancement in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder through equine therapy using ASTride...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Occupational Therapy
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Animal-Assisted Interventions

Background:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) significantly impacts children's participation and daily functioning.
• Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy (EAOT) offers a novel therapeutic approach.
• The Attention Skill Training (ASTride) protocol is an EAOT intervention designed to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the ASTride protocol in improving participation, performance skills, and daily function in children with ADHD.
• To assess the sustainability of the intervention's benefits over time.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study with an Interrupted Time-Series design.
• Involved 50 children diagnosed with ADHD (mean age 9.51 years).
• Utilized the Child Performance Skill Questionnaire, Child Participation Questionnaire (CPQ), and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) at four assessment points.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements were observed in the frequency, independence, and enjoyment of everyday participation (CPQ).
• Enhanced motor, process, and communication performance skills were noted.
• Sustained progress in performance and satisfaction with intervention goals (COPM) was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The ASTride intervention is effective in enhancing participation and performance skills for children with ADHD.
• The positive effects of ASTride are sustained beyond the intervention period.
• ASTride shows potential as a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for ADHD-related challenges.