Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Elucidate Neurophysiological Mechanism of Action of Equine-Assisted...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Equine-assisted services (EAS) are recognized for aiding trauma survivors, yet the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms remain unclear.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing therapeutic interventions for veterans and civilians experiencing trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess neural responses during EAS.
• To explore the correlation between these neural responses and psychological outcomes in veteran participants.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen veterans participated in a 2-day EAS program with four randomized activities.
• fNIRS measured oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb), deoxygenated hemoglobin (hHb), and total hemoglobin (tHb) during equine interactions.
• Pre- and post-assessments evaluated psychological outcomes like anxiety and affect.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in O2Hb or tHb were found across visits or activities.
• A significant increase in hHb was observed during activities involving equines, suggesting heightened cognitive load and attention.
• Participants showed significant improvements in trait anxiety, psychological flexibility, and affect post-EAS.

Conclusions:

• fNIRS can be utilized to explore neural responses in veterans undergoing EAS.
• Increased hHb during equine interaction may indicate enhanced cognitive engagement.
• EAS demonstrates a potential positive association between cognitive attention and psychological health improvements in trauma survivors.