![]() Stress-related behaviours, heart rate, heart rate variability, and eye temperature were recorded during the riding sessions. A controlled within-subject design with repeated measurements involving 19 horses and 38 children was adopted. Our multicentre study aimed to investigate behavioural and physiological indices of stress in horses involved in EAI standardised sessions with children with ASD compared to typically developing (TD) children. Even though EAIs have become a common practice, stress responses in horses interacting with individuals that can manifest inappropriate behaviours, such as ASD children, have not been thoroughly investigated. They are especially suited for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who need a high degree of physical and psychological enrichment. ![]() Results from this study indicate that professionals should increase their awareness of horse’s welfare and refine methodologies used in EAIs.Įquine-assisted interventions (EAIs) are well-known complementary practices combining physical activity with emotional/cognitive stimulation. Results indicate a lower sympathetic tone in horses involved in ASD sessions, while in the mounting and dismounting phases, the horses displayed behavioural signs of stress, independently from children’s behaviour. We compared behavioural and physiological responses of horses between sessions and among session phases. It followed a controlled within-subject design with repeated measurements involving 19 horses and 38 children. This multicentre study aimed to investigate behavioural and physiological indices of stress in horses involved in EAI standardised sessions with children with ASD compared to sessions involving typically developing (TD) children. However, ASD children could manifest inappropriate behaviours, potentially affecting the welfare of horses. Equine-assisted interventions (EAIs) are gaining increasing attention as complementary practices in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as they can provide physical and psychological enrichment to children.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |