@article{ref1,
title="Equine assisted therapy for patients with post traumatic stress disorder: a case series study",
journal="Military medicine",
year="2019",
author="Shelef, Assaf and Brafman, Dorit and Rosing, Thom and Weizman, Abraham and Stryjer, Rafael and Barak, Yoram",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: Equine assisted therapy (EAT) which includes therapeutic horseback riding (THR), grooming, horsemanship and ground level work with horses, has been studied as treatment for children with special needs and/or autistic spectrum disorder. Preliminary evidence indicates that EAT is also effective for improving self-efficacy and self-esteem in adults with psychiatric disorders. Empowerment, bonding and building trust with the horses, may promote functioning of patients struggling with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).The authors performed a prospective, pilot open case series study to assess the effect of EAT on patients with PTSD in terms of symptoms and functioning in work, family and social interaction. <br><br>METHODS: Patients with PTSD received EAT once a week for 3 consecutive hours for 6 months. The Short Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Rating Interview (SPRINT) and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) were assessed at baseline, the SDS after 1 and 6 months, and the SPRINT after 6 months. <br><br>RESULTS: Thirteen of 23 participants completed the study. Ten participants withdrew from the study for various reasons including discomfort from horses. Total SPRINT scores showed a statistically significant improvement in PTSD symptoms (baseline vs. 6 months: 24.38 ± 6.4 vs. 21.54 ± 7.94 points; p < 0.05). SPRINT scores indicated improvement in the ability to work and perform daily tasks (p < 0.05). A statistically significant improvement in the total SDS score was revealed following 1 month (p < 0.03) and after 6 months (p < 0.02) of EAT. There was also a significant decline in the days of inefficiency (baseline vs. 6 months: 4.15 ± 2.73 vs, 1.88 ± 2.18 days per week, p < 0.02). <br><br>CONCLUSION: This preliminary pilot open case series study suggests that EAT may be a beneficial treatment for patients suffering from PTSD. The study demonstrated improved ability to work and perform daily tasks and reduction in the number of days of inefficiency. Further large-scale long-term studies are warranted to substantiate our observation.<br><br>© Association of Military Surgeons of the United States 2019. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0026-4075",
doi="10.1093/milmed/usz036",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usz036"
}