Summary of the Systematic Review

The Effect of Therapeutic horseback Riding on social functioning in children with autism

Bass M, Duchowney C, Llabre M

Journal of Autism and Dev. Dis (2009) 

Description

This study evaluated the effects of therapeutic horseback riding on social functioning in children with autism. We hypothesized that participants in the experimental condition (n = 19), compared to those on the wait-list control (n = 15), would demonstrate significant improvement in social functioning following a 12-weeks horseback riding intervention. Autistic children exposed to therapeutic horseback riding exhibited greater sensory seeking, sensory sensitivity, social motivation, and less inattention, distractibility, and sedentary behaviors. 

Profession 

Occupational Therapist 

Location 

USA

Intervention Terminology

Therapeutic Riding

Study Design 

Pre/post w. control

Sample

34 children 

Age/Population

5-10 years 

Assessment/ Outcome measure tools

Sensory Profile, Social Responsiveness Scale

Result Category 

Attention, sensory, social motivation

Dosage/Description of Intervention

1x wk x 12 weeks