The effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) in Malaysia

Ahmad Shah, Asiyah Abidah (2017) The effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) in Malaysia. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) is established worldwide as an effective treatment alternative or strategy for a number of psychological disorders. It has the capacity to deliver positive outcomes for children, adolescents and adults with mental and/or physical health problems. However, this therapy program is limited in Malaysia, since the community preferred physiotherapy and medicinal treatments. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of EAT in Malaysia, in terms of improving the health condition of patients with different psychological problems. A total of five trained horses from the PRTC Equestrian Club, Perak, Malaysia were utilised for several programs mechanisms including riding, socializing and cognitive effects on the participating patients with different background of physical and mental disabilities such as Down Syndrome (DS), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The behavior and capability performances of the patients (n=5) such as cognitive functions, physical and social were monitored before and after joining the program for three sessions. The behavior data from the three sessions were compared using Mann-Whitney U Test analysis (SPSS Statistics 22). Results showed that the condition of DS, ASD and ADHD patients after participating the program positively improved physically, mentally and socially which indicate a positive effects of EAT program, despite non-significant (P>0.05) statistical analysis. In addition, this study shows that the use of horses in terms of physiological and anatomical movement in the treatment of human conditions will give a positive impact to the patient’s physical and mental capabilities. Thus, the EAT program should be further developed in order to offer better alternative to treat or cure the psychological disorders in Malaysia.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Depositing User:	Ms. Nordeena Abdul Aziz
Date Deposited:	13 Feb 2023 04:23
Last Modified:	13 Feb 2023 04:23
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/744

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