Development of Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K10682
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 58060:Clinical nursing-related
• Research Institution: Shiga University of Medical Science
• Principal Investigator: KAWAMURA Namiko (大西) 滋賀医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (50344560)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 尾關 祐二 滋賀医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (90303768) ; 坂本 真優 滋賀医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (50895711) ; 角谷 寛 滋賀医科大学, 医学部, 特任教授 (90362516)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 精神看護学 / 子ども / 自閉スペクトラム / 乗馬 / コミュニケーション / 支援 / 発達障害

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study conducted a longitudinal investigation from a scientific and objective perspective to verify the therapeutic effects of adjunctive equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAATs) in psychiatric nursing care, aiming to activate psychosocial aspects in children with autism spectrum disorder.
The study comprised the following components: 1. Investigation of the achievements and evaluations of EAATs along with nursing challenges through literature review; 2. Evaluation of short-term and long-term outcomes of targeted children in facilities implementing EAATs as welfare interventions; and 3. Evaluation of long-term EATTs as perceived by parents of children participating in welfare activities through interviews. Our findings suggest that nurses, as part of their role in bridging healthcare, welfare, and daily life, contribute to understanding symptoms, providing support, and explaining treatments in the context of EAATs.

Free Research Field

精神看護学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の意義は、国内で活動が増加しつつある、自閉スペクトラム症児童に対する乗馬活動の効果に関して、科学的効果検証を縦断的調査や文献レビューにより客観的視点を得ることにより、治療的効果を高める看護の役割に関する検討資料が得られることである。
これにより、自閉スペクトラム症児童の心理社会的側面の活性化、ひいては精神科医療における補助的な治療的乗馬プログラムの充実につながると考えられる。