Horses and ADHD: the ASTride intervention for cognitive and emotional growth

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Attention Skill Training (ASTride) protocol, an Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy (EAOT) intervention, for children diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in enhancing and promoting cognitive and emotional aspects including executive functions, self-efficacy, anxiety and hope perception.

A prospective cohort study with an Interrupted Time-Series design was conducted. Fifty participants (mean age = 9.51 years, SD = 1.52) were assessed at four time points: baseline, pre-test (following a 12-week waiting period), post-test (after 12 weeks of intervention), and after three-month follow-up. The intervention was administered by a licensed equine assisted occupational therapists, and assessments were conducted by a blinded occupational therapist. Measures included The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) for executive functions, and the Hope, Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), and The New General Self-Efficacy Scale (NGSE) questionnaires for emotional factors.

Significant improvements were found in executive functions, hope perception, and self-efficacy. Anxiety levels significantly decreased post-intervention.

The ASTride intervention showed efficacy in improving executive functions, hope, and self-efficacy, while reducing anxiety in children with ADHD, supporting its potential as a comprehensive therapeutic approach. Trial registration The research is registered at Clinical Trials.gov, identifier number NCT05869253, first registration at 22/5/2023.