Date Presented 04/03/2025
This study evaluates the ASTride protocol, an equine-assisted OT intervention, that shows significant improvements in participation and performance skills among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), thus advancing therapeutic practices in OT.
Primary Author and Speaker: Orit Bart
Additional Authors and Speakers: Anne Helmer
PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Attention Skill Therapy (ASTride) protocol-an Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy (EAOT) intervention-in improving participation and skill development among children diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, resulting in diminished participation in daily activities and significant impairments in executive functions (EFs), task performance, and cognitive-emotional and sensory-motor abilities. Current interventions primarily target cognitive or behavioral aspects, leaving a gap in addressing comprehensive participation and skill development. This research seeks to bridge this gap by examining the impact of the ASTride protocol on participation, motor skills, communication, and everyday functioning in children with ADHD.
DESIGN: A prospective cohort study with an Interrupted Time-Series design was conducted. Fifty participants (mean age = 9.51 years, SD = 1.52) with ADHD, along with their parents, were recruited for the study. Participants were assessed at four time points: Time 1 (baseline), Time 2 (pre-test, end of a 12-week waiting period), Time 3 (post-test, after 12 weeks of intervention), and Time 4 (three-month post-intervention follow-up). The intervention was delivered by a licensed EAOT practitioner, while a blinded licensed occupational therapist conducted the assessments.
METHOD: Participation and performance skills were measured using the Child Performance Skill Questionnaire (PSQ), Child Participation Questionnaire (CPQ), and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).
RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were observed in participants’ participation and performance skills, as indicated by the CPQ and PSQ scores. The COPM results showed notable enhancements in everyday performance and satisfaction following the intervention.
CONCLUSION: The ASTride intervention demonstrated sign.
References
Helmer, A., Delore, E., & Bart, O. (2024). Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy for Children with ADHD (Astride): Protocol Development and Preliminary Study. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 21(1), 88.
Pérez-Gómez, J., Amigo-Gamero, H., Collado-Mateo, D., Barrios-Fernandez, S., & Adsuar, C. (2020). Equine-assisted activities and therapies in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 28(6), 1079–1091.
White, E., Zippel, J., & Kumar, S. (2020). The effect of equine-assisted therapies on behavioural, psychological and physical symptoms for children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 39. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CTCP.2020.101101
